HIRF Testing (High Intensity Radiated Fields)

High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) testing is a form of EMC testing applicable to equipment that is subject to extreme electromagnetic environments and/or mission critical equipment whose failure would be hazardous to human safety. As greater dependence is placed upon an aircraft’s electrical and electronic systems performing functions required for safe flight operations, concern has increased for the protection of these systems. Concern for the protection of electrical and electronic systems in aircraft has increased substantially in recent years due to:

Reduction in the electromagnetic shielding afforded by new composite materials.
Increased use of electrical and electronic systems to perform flight and landing functions.
Increased susceptibility of systems to HIRF due to increased data bus and processor operating speeds, higher density integrated circuits and cards, and greater sensitivities of electronic equipment.
Expansion of frequency usage above 1GHz.
Increasing severity of HIRF environment because of an increase in the number of RF transmitters.

HIRF requirements are applied to ensure that the aircraft electrical and electronic systems are able to continue safe operation without interruption, failure or malfunction.

Specifications which include HIRF Certification:

FAA HIRF Rule & Advisory Circular 20-158
RTCA/DO-160E/F: Category A-L, All CW, SW and Pulse Test levels
Boeing Requirements: All CW, SW and Pulse test levels
Airbus Requirements: All CW, SW and Pulse test levels