The EMC space

Q: What is a technical fellow?

A: Boeing has a technical career path for engineers who prefer to advance their careers as technical contributors rather than go into management.

Q: What projects have you worked on?

A: Since becoming an associate technical fellow and then a technical fellow, I’ve worked on EMC-related issues for several space-based and ground-based projects. I also consult on EMC issues to other groups within Boeing. I’ve spent most of my career in space-based systems that include the Sea Launch Company as well as Ground-based Midcourse Defense, part of the National Missile Defense System. I’ve worked on the International Space Station, and I also provide EMC support to the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon, a maritime patrol aircraft currently under development at Boeing.

Q: Please give an example of how you use your EMC knowledge.

A: I’ve performed analysis of spacecraft power systems. To do that, I modeled the power system using conducted emissions test data taken on the spacecraft’s individual systems. I then converted the simulated frequency response into the time domain. I could then calculate ripple on the power bus. Using the results, I can predict if there’s enough margin for a new spacecraft component to work in the system. I can also use the model to predict if a new component’s emissions will adversely affect other units on the power bus.

Q: Have you worked on electrostatic-related issues?

A: Yes. The environment in space is different from here on earth. A satellite in a geosynchronous orbit can become negatively charged, especially between the midnight and dawn sector of its orbit. If a difference in charge occurs between parts of the satellite, a discharge of current can occur. I often participate in the electrostatic design that mitigates the effects of discharges.

Q: What is your involvement in EMC measurement?

A: Boeing purchases subsystems and integrates them into spacecraft and aircraft systems. I’m responsible for making sure that a vehicle is safe to fly from an EMC perspective. I test whole systems for conditions such as lightning strikes on aircraft.

Q: How do you perform such a test?

A: We inject a low-level discharge into an aircraft and measure its transfer function in the frequency domain with a network analyzer. We want to see how the discharge transfers current throughout the vehicle. The measurements are converted into the time domain to determine the effects of a full-scale lightning event.

Q: Are you involved in any technical committees?

A: I’m secretary of the IEEE 1688 committee, which is working on an EMC-testing standard for line-replaceable electronic modules [Ref. 1]. I compile meeting notes and minutes and contribute at technical meetings. The committee’s goal is to establish EMC test standards that reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference when a system requires a newly designed module. I’m also involved with the SAE AE4 (SAE Aerospace Electromagnetic Environmental Effects) committee on EMC and an AIAA standards committee, which is developing a new EMC standard for space systems.