Raymond D. Jennings

Abstract: The U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground (USAEPG) is planning the development of a new test facility to be known as the Stress Loading Facility (SLF). This facility is envisioned as an integrated and automated test capability that will generate a dense electromagnetic threat test environment and simultaneously monitor key performance parameters of a system being tested. This capability is expected to become a part of the Electromagnetic Environmental Test Facility (EMETF), both physically and functionally. However, the SLF will be designed to provide self-contained operation that will be independent of the EMETF, if required. This report reviews current test capabilities that are relevant to the SLF, both within and outside of USAEPG, and develops test methodology for the SLF. The test methodology development follows a structured approach in the selection of parameters that are system independent and, therefore, may be used to describe the performance of various systems that may be tested using the SLF. The study then applies the structured approach to the development of performance descriptions for two typical electronic surveillance systems and develops the associated performance measurement methodology. This methodology covers test design, data collection, data reduction, and data analysis.

Keywords: electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); simulation; interference analysis; automated tests; electromagnetic vulnerability; development tests; field tests; laboratory tests; stress loading facility; system-independent performance parameters; test design; test facility; test methodology

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

Back to Search Results