Electromagnetic fields can interfere with or damage electronic devices. Electromagnetic radiation is invisible to people. A new measuring instrument being developed by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Muenchen, Germany, can help determine the strength, frequency, and direction of the attack.
The researchers are concentrating on the question of how attacks can be detected. The detector must measure very high field strengths from very short pulses, yet not be destroyed or damaged itself.
Four specialized antennas make up the INT demonstration instrument that sample the environment around the subject device to be protected. Each of these covers a quadrant of 90 degrees and detects all types of electromagnetic sources. A high-frequency module preconditions the signals for measurement and determines when the electromagnetic pulse started and stopped.
A computer in a monitoring station connected via an optical conductor then calculates the values for the signal and presents them on a screen. It can identify the type and location of the source of the invisible attack as well as its duration. Those affected can use this information to mount a rapid and appropriate protective response.
Electronic devices can withstand a certain amount of radiation. This is measured in volts per meter (V/m), called the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Otherwise, they would not operate reliably. Every device could interfere with others in its immediate vicinity. Depending on the category of usage, they have to fulfill specific EMC requirements. These are significantly higher for industrial applications than for common things like Smartphones, televisions, or stereo equipment. However, completely shielding individual devices from electromagnetic radiation would be theoretically possible, but much too expensive. Systems are needed that can detect these kinds of attacks.
