RTCA DO-160G Section 20: Radiated Frequency Susceptibility (Radiated and Conducted)

These tests determine whether equipment will operate within performance specifications when the equipment and its interconnecting wiring are exposed to a level of RF modulated power, either by a radiated RF field or by injection probe induction onto the power lines and interface circuit wiring.

Two test procedures are used:

 	
From 10 kHz to 400 MHz, the equipment under test (EUT) is subjected to RF signals coupled by means of injection probes into its cable bundles
 	
For frequencies between 100 MHz and the upper frequency limit, the EUT is subjected to radiated RF fields. There is an intentional overlap of the tests from 100 to 400 MHz.

Conducted Susceptibility

The RF conducted susceptibility test procedure is similar to MIL-STD-461F test method CS114.  RF interference is coupled into the EUT interconnecting cables and power leads using an injection probe that is calibrated (in a 50 ohm fixture) to the required test level prior to performing the test.  The amount of RF power applied to the injection probe that is required to achieve the specified RF current in the fixture is recorded for each test frequency.  This calibration table, showing RF power required at a given frequency, is then used during the actual test.

Radiated Susceptibility

The RF radiated susceptibility test procedure is similar to MIL-STD-461F test method RS103.  The EUT and its interconnecting cables and power leads are exposed to RF radiated fields in the frequency range of 100 MHz to 18 GHz. This test may be conducted using methods and materials as described within Section 20.5 (Anechoic Chamber Method) or Section 20.6 (Reverberation Chamber Method). The choice of methods is at the discretion of the applicant.

More about RTCA DO-160 Section 20
More about RTCA DO-160G Section 20