IMPACT OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON AIRCRAFT AVIONICS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the topical problem of analyzing the risks that arise during the operation
of aircraft in cases where portable electronic devices are on board the aircraft, and the
choice of methods for checking the resistance of onboard equipment to the effects of such devices.
The article considers all possible ways of propagation of spurious and intentional emissions from
portable electronic devices to avionics systems and analyzes two main aspects of the impact of
portable electronic devices on aircraft avionics. The first aspect defines the aircraft system and
qualification guidelines for radio-exposed equipment that provide immunity to radio emissions
from intentionally transmitting portable electronic devices. This is usually interpreted as protection
against the impact of portable electronic devices "through the back door." The second aspect
defines acceptable interference that causes bandwidth loss between aircraft radios and spurious
portable electronic devices. This is commonly referred to as "front door" protection against portable
devices. Based on an analysis of the main risks associated with interference from portable
electronic devices to aircraft systems, aircraft systems have been identified for which a demonstration
of compliance with the resistance to the effects of portable electronic devices must be performed.
In order to demonstrate the suitability of the front door immunity of aircraft equipment, it
is necessary to assess the levels of possible interference from portable electronic devices in the
reception band of aircraft equipment. Demonstrating the compliance of aircraft equipment for
“through the back door” exposure is similar to demonstrating resistance to high-intensity electromagnetic
fields and indirect lightning strikes. It is necessary to perform one of the two proposed
methods to establish their susceptibility to radio emission and control levels of the susceptibility of
aircraft systems to radio emission. The first method is related to the delivery of equipment to the
test bench for RF emissions, the second method is to test the systems that are installed on the applicable
aircraft. Recommendations have been developed on the choice of methods for verifying
the resistance of aircraft systems to the impact of portable devices. The impact aspects analyzed
will help determine the scope and methodology for conducting tests to remove restrictions on the
use of portable electronic devices on board aircraft.