Using Modeling and Simulation to Enhance E3 Test Validity

In implementing electromagnetic vulnerability (EMV) testing on operational manned and unmanned air and ground vehicles fielding a variety of avionics and communication systems, the test as spelled out in MIL-STD-464D [1] and ADS-37A-PRF [2] requires test labs to operate the high-power source amplifiers/antennas very near the test item to reach required peak and RMS test levels for Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) testing. Questions naturally arise concerning the efficacy of such testing with respect to both the manner of coupling of the fields to the electronics system of the air or ground vehicle as well as the levels required to achieve reasonable confidence in the coupling effect.