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DO-160-Section-15-Magnetic-Effect

RTCA DO-160 Section 15.0 Magnetic Effects Testing

The RTCA DO-160 magnetic effects test standard determines the magnetic effect of aircraft equipment. RTCA/DO-160G testing is mainly intended for finding or proving the closest distance to compasses or compass sensors (flux gates) at which that unit is allowed to be installed. The DO-160G magnetic effects test ensures that equipment can operate properly without interference. This interference can be detrimental as it can affect nearby equipment.

The magnetic effects of the equipment are determined in relation to the equivalent deflection of a free magnet in a uniform magnetic field. This is based on the field produced by the earth. This field has a horizontal intensity of 14.4 A/m ±10% when the equipment is positioned on the east-west line through the pivot of a magnet. RTCA DO-160 magnetic field compliance testing measurements may be performed with either an uncompensated compass or an equivalent magnetic sensor.

RTCA DO-160 Mag Effects Test Equipment Categories:

The DO-160G Section 15 test standard specifies five categories of equipment. Please note that D is the distance at which the 1-degree (1˚) deflection is observed.

Equipment Category A: 0.3< D ≤ 1m

The deflection of the compass is equal to 1˚ when measured >0.3m to ≤1.0 m to the equipment. This category should be used for equipment whose installation is ≥ 1m to magnetic compasses or flux gates. Equipment meeting this description must undergo RTCA DO-160G magnetic effects testing.

Equipment Category B: 1m < D ≤ 3m

The deflection of the compass is equal to 1˚ when measured >1.0m to ≤3.0 m to the equipment. This category should be used for equipment whose installation is ≥3m to magnetic compasses or flux gates. Equipment meeting this description must undergo RTCA DO-160G mag effects testing.

Equipment Category C:

The deflection of the compass is equal to 1˚ when measured >3.0 m to the equipment. This category should be used for equipment whose installation is >3m to magnetic compasses or flux gates. Minimum distance for deviation of 1˚ shall be reported in the test form; the equipment location onboard will be selected accordingly. Equipment meeting this description must undergo RTCA DO-160G magnetic effects tests.

Equipment Category Y: D = 0.0m.

The deflection of the compass is ≤1˚ when measured immediately adjacent to the equipment. This category should be used for equipment whose installation is placed between 0.0m and 0.3m from the magnetic compasses or flux gates. Equipment meeting this description must be tested at an RTCA-DO-160 magnetic effects test lab.

Equipment Category Z: 0< D ≤ 0.3m.

The deflection of the compass is equal to 1˚ when measured >0.0m to ≤0.3m to the equipment. This category should be used for equipment whose installation is ≥ 0.3m to magnetic compasses or flux gates. Equipment meeting this description must be tested at an RTCA DO-160G mag effects testing lab.

Keystone Compliance is a leading EMC test lab in the country. With seven EMC test chambers a substantial amount of test equipment, we are able to offer shot lead times on scheduling. Our lab is 17025 accredited to RTCADO-160 testing. In addition to providing RTCA-DO-160G testing, Keystone is accredited to all previous versions of this military test standard as well.

Our EMC-EMI test lab can accommodate small and large items. Please contact us to see firsthand why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to be their RTCA DO-160 test lab.

Looking for other testing to other sections of RTCA DO-160 testing? Click on the links below:

Modifications from one Version of RTCA DO-160 to the Next:

Changes from DO-160C Magnetic Effect Testing to DO-160D Magnetic Effect Testing

Text was added to clarify source of referenced magnetic field.

Changes from DO-160D Magnetic Effect Testing to DO-160E Magnetic Effect Testing

Section 15.3 was modified to provide a more detailed test procedure than in previous versions, including a requirement to verify field uniformity if the compass must be moved to change the measurement distance to the EUT (equipment under test). The new Figure 15-1 provides a test setup diagram and gives notes on proper performance of the test.

Changes from DO-160E Magnetic Effect Testing to DO-160F Magnetic Effect Testing

A new Category Y was added for measurements made immediately adjacent to the unit under test.  Descriptions of each equipment category were added to Section 15.1 Purpose of Test along with discussion of how the test results are used to determine how close the EUT may be installed to a compass or compass sensor. Text allowing the measurements to be made with an uncompensated compass or equivalent magnetic sensor was also added.

Changes from DO-160F Magnetic Effect Testing to DO-160G Magnetic Effect Testing

Added user’s guide and updated figure 15-1.