Modus Advanced Blog What is EMI in Military and Aerospace Electronics

Key Points EMI and RFI, while often conflated, are distinct challenges in aerospace and defense applications - EMI covers the full electromagnetic spectrum including low-frequency fields and power line interference, while RFI specifically addresses radio frequency disruptions (20 kHz to 300 GHz). Military and aerospace systems must comply with rigorous standards (MIL-STD-461 and RTCA DO-160) that govern electromagnetic compatibility, making early-stage EMI consideration crucial as retrofitting solutions is costly and often less effective. The increasing density of electronic systems in modern military platforms, combined with harsh operational environments and cost constraints, requires sophisticated multi-layered EMI mitigation strategies incorporating advanced materials and careful system design. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) represents one of the most significant challenges in military and aerospace electronic devices. As systems become increasingly sophisticated and interconnected, managing EMI has evolved from a secondary consideration to a critical design imperative.