RTCA/DO-160
What Is RTCA/DO-160?
RTCA/DO-160 is an international standard that defines environmental conditions and applicable electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test procedures for airborne equipment. Its purpose is to verify the performance characteristics of aircraft-installed equipment under the environmental and electrical conditions it may encounter in operation.
Purpose of the Standard
RTCA DO-160 was developed to provide manufacturers and test laboratories with a structured basis for demonstrating that equipment operates reliably, safely, and consistently under environmental and electromagnetic conditions representative of actual flight.
The standard has been revised to incorporate improved test technologies arising from a better understanding of real-world environmental conditions; accordingly, the test framework is addressed under administrative, electromagnetic, and mechanical sections.
Administrative Sections
The administrative sections of RTCA DO-160 are defined under three main headings that form the basis for all electromagnetic and mechanical test sections:
- DO-160 Section 1: Purpose and Applicability
- DO-160 Section 2: Definitions of Terms
- DO-160 Section 3: Test Conditions
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Sections
The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) sections of RTCA DO-160 cover various test areas used to assess the susceptibility of aviation equipment to electromagnetic effects and to evaluate emission levels:
- Section 15.0: Magnetic Effect
- Section 16.0: Power Input
- Section 17.0: Voltage Spike
- Section 18.0: Audio Frequency Conducted Susceptibility – Power Inputs
- Section 19.0: Induced Signal Susceptibility
- Section 20.0: Radio Frequency Susceptibility (Radiated and Conducted)
- Section 21.0: Emission of Radio Frequency Energy
- Section 22.0: Lightning-Induced Transient Susceptibility
- Section 23.0: Lightning Direct Effects
- Section 25.0: Electrostatic Discharge