A comparison of methods and results using the semi-anechoic and reverberation chamber radiated RF susceptibility test procedures in RTCA/DO-160D, Change One

RTCA/DO-160D, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, defines a series of minimum standard environmental and electromagnetic compatibility test conditions (categories) and applicable laboratory test procedures for airborne equipment. Change One, issued in December, 2000, includes a complete revision of Section 20- Radio Frequency Susceptibility (Radiated and Conducted), which contains two different radiated RF susceptibility test procedures: reverberation chamber (which was extensively changed), and semi-anechoic chamber (which was updated). This paper provides a comparison of the two procedures, including chamber specifications, test setups, calibration methods, and test procedures. A comparison of radiated susceptibility test results using both methods is also discussed.