Aerospace EMC Testing — RTCA DO-160 Pre-Compliance
Compatible Electronics conducts EMC pre-compliance testing to assist aerospace customers in identifying potential electromagnetic compatibility problems early — before committing to the formal DO-160 compliance test phase. As one of the most experienced EMC testing companies in California, we cost-effectively resolve EMC issues and save customers time and money.
RTCA DO-160 Pre-ComplianceRapid Issue IdentificationIn-Session Fix Verification3 CA LocationsShort Notice Scheduling
What We Do: RTCA DO-160 Pre-Compliance
EMC issues with airborne components are affected by shielding, filtering, grounding, and bonding. Implementing up-front design principles on printed circuit boards should be prioritized — paying close attention to noise sources and potential victim circuits. Compatible Electronics brings together both EMC expertise and high-speed interface knowledge to ensure interfaces meet both EMC and hardware channel requirements simultaneously.
Our Aerospace EMC Pre-Compliance Capabilities
Rapid Identification
Swift EMC Issue Identification
- Rapidly identify hardware, software, and systems EMC concerns during the same test period
- By comprehending the underlying physics, we identify the root cause and resolve problems in-session
- Complete line-up of EMC troubleshooting tools — near-field probes, spectrum analyzers, current probes
- Component kits on hand to develop and evaluate solutions immediately
Fix Verification
In-Session Fix Verification
- Repeat tests to confirm sufficient design margin and verify improvements
- Evaluate candidate filter configurations, shielding options, and layout changes in real time
- Immediate measurement feedback on each candidate fix — before you leave the lab
- Same approach as our standard radiated emissions and radiated immunity troubleshooting sessions
High-Speed Interfaces
EMC & High-Speed Interface Expertise
- Specialty in making EMC and high-speed interfaces work together — a critical challenge in modern avionics
- Both EMC and high-speed specialist resources from Compatible Electronics in the same session
- Design review covering noise sources, victim circuits, and interface signal integrity
- See our EMC design review services and EMC design consulting
Transition to Compliance
Confidence to Formal DO-160 Testing
- Pre-compliance data identifies which DO-160 sections present margin risk
- Same lab, same engineers for both pre-compliance and formal phases — full product history context
- Pre-compliance EUT configurations translate directly to formal test setups
- Three locations: Lake Forest/Silverado, Brea, and Newbury Park
Pre-Compliance vs. Formal DO-160 Testing
- Engineering use — no formal certification report
- Flexible scope — focus on identified risk areas only
- Real-time engineer-present feedback on every test
- Same day or next day results typically available
- Lower cost — no formal documentation overhead
- Iterative — candidate fixes evaluated in-session
- Near-field probing available for root cause identification
- Complete DO-160 report for certification submittal to FAA/EASA
- All applicable DO-160 sections covered per revision
- Formal documentation with calibration traceability
- Required for DER acceptance and type certificate amendments
- Referenced in aircraft certification documentation
- Precise measurements per DO-160 procedures
- ILAC MRA recognized — globally accepted test data
RTCA DO-160 Section Coverage (Pre-Compliance)
RTCA/DO-160 Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment covers both environmental and EMC/EMI sections. Key sections addressed in our pre-compliance service include:
15
Magnetic Effect
Evaluation of magnetic field emissions from airborne equipment using calibrated magnetometers — category levels per DO-160 Table 15-1.
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Power Input
Power quality and input characteristics: voltage, frequency, inrush current, and steady-state power consumption per aircraft power category.
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Audio Frequency Conducted Susceptibility
AC and DC power input conducted susceptibility — audio frequency disturbances superimposed on aircraft power bus.
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Induced Signal Susceptibility
Susceptibility to audio frequency signals induced into cable bundles — evaluates victim circuit response to induced interference.
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RF Susceptibility (Radiated & Conducted)
Radiated and conducted RF immunity — frequency sweep from 100 kHz to 18 GHz per DO-160 category. Critical for avionics near high-power transmitters.
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RF Emissions (Conducted & Radiated)
Conducted and radiated RF emissions from airborne equipment — limit lines per DO-160 category designed to protect aircraft navigation and communication systems.
25
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
ESD immunity for aircraft equipment — contact and air discharge per DO-160 Section 25 procedures. Critical for personnel-handled avionics LRUs.
Why Choose Compatible Electronics for Aerospace EMC
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Experienced Aerospace Team
Compatible Electronics is one of the most experienced testing and consulting companies in California — an ideal choice for aerospace EMC testing needs.
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Personalized EMC Test Plan
We create a personalized EMC test plan to meet your specific needs — DO-160 equipment category, test levels, and aircraft installation class.
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Short Notice Scheduling
We can accommodate on short notice, typically less than five days. Three Southern California locations minimize commute time for your engineering team.
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Complete Troubleshooting Toolset
Near-field probes, spectrum analyzers, current probes, and component kits — everything needed to identify failures and develop solutions in the same session. See our EMC troubleshooting services.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Compatible Electronics for a detailed quote — standard 2–4 week scheduling at three Southern California locations.
Brea: 714‑579‑0500 · Newbury Park: 805‑480‑4044
www.celectronics.com
