Effect of Electromagnetic Interference on Integrated Circuits

Abstract

Critical infrastructure may be disturbed by high power electromagnetic (HPEM) weapons. Both, short impulses and modulated/unmodulated radio frequency (RF) carrier signals may be used. The interfering electromagnetic waves may be coupled by lines between different electronic devices to the inputs or outputs of integrated circuits (ICs) [1]. By shielding the lines or the use of twisted symmetric transmission lines, this effect may be significantly reduced. On the other hand, ICs themselves are influenced by HPEM pulses. A quantitative estimate of the coupling of HPEM waves to lines on an IC itself is required to investigate the effectiveness of applicable protective measures against them.