Electromagnetic Interference Issue in Safety Systems Applied at Airports

Abstract

Abstract The proper operation of electronic devices used in transport facilities is possible by protecting them against the effect of adverse electromagnetic fields. At present, all kinds of facilities, including critical infrastructure facilities, intended for functioning in peace conditions and emergency states, are equipped with power systems and numerous electronic devices, including electronic safety systems. On the basis of observing the process of their operation, it can be concluded that an artificially generated intended or unintended electromagnetic field, within various frequency ranges, may negatively affect the operation of electronic devices. It was found that the operation of the electronic safety systems applied at airports may be subject to interference as a result of the impact of adverse electromagnetic fields. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse the impact of electromagnetic interference on the operation of these systems. This article presents a developed author’s operation process model including electromagnetic interference within low frequencies. The reliability and operation analysis of the electronic safety systems carried out by the authors allows for numerical assessment of various types of solutions – both technical and organisational ones. As a result, they can be implemented, in order to minimise the impact of electromagnetic interference on the system functioning. This is a new approach to this issue, as there are currently designed and installed security systems at airports, but there is no analysis of the impact of electromagnetic interference on their functioning. In further research concerning this issue, the authors plan to further develop reliability-operational models, which will differentiate between the states of partial fitness. It will allow for more accurate mapping of the operation of the electronic safety systems which are applicable at airports.