Measured versus simulated transient disturbances induced on a system harness

The increasing complexity of electronic payloads on satellites and aircraft has resulted in an increase in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test campaign costs and duration. Affordable simulation tools can help system engineers to reduce costs and prevent damage during tests. A method of moments (MOM) based simulation tool for the analysis of electrostatic discharge (ESD) interactions with systems has been assessed. Comparisons between experimental and simulated results are reported together with the adopted setup modeling philosophy. The results showed a very good performance of the simulation tool and the need to characterize and include in the computation the experimental current probe model.