Chinese industry finds new ways to protect against EMP
One of the most serious threats to electronic systems and other equipment is an electromagnetic pulse generated by a nuclear explosion or the use of specialized weapons. At the moment, there are many ways to protect against this impulse, and scientists continue to actively seek new solutions. In particular, Chinese scientific organizations are actively working in this direction. They recently conducted successful tests of their latest developments of this kind in the conditions of the testing ground.
Secret event
According to foreign data, Chinese scientific organizations are actively working on the creation of weapons based on electromagnetic pulse (EMP), and are also looking for ways to protect against it. In the latter issue, a certain progress has been outlined, and full-scale tests have already been conducted at testing grounds, which became known to the public.
On September 20, the Chinese publication South China Morning Post drew attention in its article to a publication from the September issue of the academic journal Wireless Communication Technology. This article described the results of field research and testing of new methods and means of protection against EMP, which can be used in the military sphere.
According to WCT and SCMP, the material for these studies was developed and provided by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). This organization is one of the main suppliers of special electronics for the People's Liberation Army of China, and it is likely that the new projects were created at the request of the military.
Recently, at an unspecified time, several samples of the equipment were delivered to one of the PLA's testing grounds. In the presence of representatives of the PLA Air Force, a series of tests were conducted on the resistance of the new devices to the effects of EMI.
Unfortunately, the open press did not list specific examples of equipment and technology used in the recent tests. However, descriptions of new technologies and means of protection are provided. It is reported that the new developments have shown good results and successfully maintained the functionality of the equipment.
The WCT article specifically noted the importance of the recent successes of Chinese electronics developers. The results of the tests demonstrated the general level of technological development in China, as well as the potential of its scientific and industrial organizations.
Methods of protection
CETC Corporation produces a wide range of various military electronic devices and systems. However, the types of products used in recent tests are not reported. The article from the scientific journal mentions the use of some means of communication. Methods for protecting them from negative impact are also disclosed.
A new grounding system was created to protect antenna devices from excess electromagnetic radiation. The design and operating principle of this device are not disclosed, but it is reported that it effectively diverts excess current into the ground. Due to this, the antenna remains operational and maintains the required sensitivity level under normal conditions.
Such grounding systems can be integrated into various radio-electronic devices equipped with antennas of different designs and purposes. They are expected to provide protection of systems from damage through the most vulnerable part.
The second problem, solved in the course of recent research, was called "intrusion through the back door." The essence of this problem is quite simple. Cabins and housings, in which the electronics of various systems and complexes are located, have standard shielding. However, the design of these housings may have cracks, technological holes and other vulnerable places through which EMI can penetrate into the protected space and cause damage to the equipment.
CETC specialists have developed and implemented a set of measures aimed at preventing the penetration of unwanted radiation. This set includes various design solutions, new materials for housings and screens, as well as improved methods of joining parts.
Particular attention was paid to the methods of welding the hulls and cabins. The weld seam, made using new technology, provides a continuous connection, leaving no "loopholes" for EMI.
The new methods and means were tested under more severe conditions than usual. According to current standards, both Chinese and foreign, electronics must remain operational at an electric field strength of up to 50 kV/m. However, during the EMP simulation, the prototypes were exposed to a field of 80 kV/m.
Despite the increased load, the equipment being tested remained operational. In particular, the electronics and antennas of the experimental communication systems were not damaged. After the EMI that was creating the interference ceased, they restored the radio channels and continued data exchange.
Threats and answers
The idea of targeted combat use of EMP is quite old. Even in the early stages of nuclear weapons testing, damage to electronics and disruption of radio communications were observed. At the same time, the idea of creating special nuclear charges arose, designed not to destroy ground objects, but to destroy radio-electronic systems.
The concept of EMP weapons was developed. Various versions of nuclear ammunition and so-called explosive magnetic generators capable of instantly creating a powerful pulse were proposed. According to some data, individual developments even passed field tests and generally confirmed the calculated characteristics.
However, as far as is known, real samples of EMP weapons have never been adopted for service and have not left the laboratories and testing grounds. As a result, the electromagnetic pulse remains only a side effect of nuclear weapons, and electronic warfare is used to affect electronics.
It should be noted that the lack of specialized EMP weapons has not stopped the development of means of protection against this threat. Over the past decades, a number of solutions have been created and successfully implemented aimed at protecting equipment, devices and objects from electromagnetic influences.
The main method of protection is shielding. Sensitive equipment is placed in a kind of shell made of conductive material, which takes the impact of EMI, keeping the devices safe. Another method of protection is the correct choice of circuitry and component base. A properly designed device is capable of withstanding a certain load.
Recent Chinese research and experiments do not seem to have involved the introduction of fundamentally new solutions. However, the information disclosed indicates that existing ideas still have potential for further development. Their refinement and improvement allow for a significant increase in protection characteristics.
Practical questions
Apparently, CETC and other Chinese organizations have been working on improving EMI protection for quite some time. The latest result of such research was the tests conducted earlier this year. They tested new solutions in real conditions and got a positive result.
Obviously, the work will not end there. New technical solutions and components will begin to be implemented in practice. Knowing China's characteristic approach to publishing information, one can assume that this process has already begun. It can be expected that in the foreseeable future, the PLA will begin to receive communication systems, locators, etc., distinguished by improved protection against EMP.
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