Radio frequency susceptibility testing for RTCA/DO-160D, after Change Notice One

Abstract

RTCA/DO-160D, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, defines a series of minimum standard environmental test conditions (categories) and applicable test procedures for airborne equipment. The purpose of these tests is to provide a laboratory means of determining the performance characteristics of airborne equipment in environmental conditions representative of those which may be encountered in airborne operation of the equipment. This paper provides a detailed description of the radio frequency susceptibility requirements in Change Notice One for Section 20 of RTCA/DO-160D. The background and rationale for the changes in Section 20 are also discussed from the author's perspective as a member of RTCA/Special Committee 135, Working Group 20 (WG-20), which is responsible for producing Change Notice One for DO-160D, Section 20.