Electromagnetic Interference Effect of Portable Electronic Device with Satellite Communication to GPS Antenna

TL;DR

This study examines how portable electronic devices with satellite communication can interfere with GPS antennas on airplanes.

Contribution

The paper introduces a combined simulation and experimental approach to assess interference risks in aviation settings.

Findings

Measured interference path loss is up to 15 ± 3 dB lower than the target IPL.

PED location, antenna polarization, and frequency bands significantly affect interference.

The modeling method may be useful for analyzing other complex structures.

Abstract

Recent technological advancements have resulted in the emergence of portable electronic devices (PEDs), including mobile phones equipped with satellite communication capabilities. These devices generally emit higher power, which can potentially cause electromagnetic interference to GPS antennas. This study uses both simulation and experimental methods to evaluate the interference path loss (IPL) between PEDs located inside an A320 aircraft and an external GPS antenna. The effects of PED location, antenna polarization, and frequency bands on IPL were simulated and analyzed. Additionally, measurement experiments were conducted on an A320 aircraft, and statistical methods were used to compare the experimental data with the simulation results. Considering the front-door coupling of both spurious and intentional radiated emissions, the measured IPL is up to 15 ± 3 dB lower than the IPLtarget. This result should be interpreted with caution. This issue offers new insights into the potential risks of electromagnetic interference in aviation environments. The findings help quantify the probability of interference with GPS antennas. Furthermore, the modeling simplification method used in this study may be applicable to the analysis of other large and complex structures.

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