Possibilities of using commercial unmanned aerial vehicles due to the level of electromagnetic radiation emissions

Abstract

This article presents the use of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) in the context of electromagnetic emissions and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. With the increasing use of UAV’s in monitoring, telecommunications, inspection, and measurement applications, understanding the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by on-board propulsion systems, power converters, radio communication modules, and flight control electronics is essential. Commercial UAVs are typically not designed as low-emission platforms, limiting their use in missions requiring high electromagnetic purity. The presented research results demonstrate typical sources of high-frequency interference in UAV’s and their impact on both on-board systems and interference-sensitive radio sensors. UAV applications are classified according to their sensitivity to electromagnetic interference, indicating situations in which commercial platforms can be used directly and situations in which additional EMC measures are required. A key part of the work consists of laboratory measurements of radiated emissions in the frequency range from 30 MHz to 10 GHz for six commercial drones of different classes, conducted in an anechoic chamber. The results indicate significant differences in emission levels, particularly in frequency bands associated with engine harmonics, radio communications, and switching power supplies.

Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, EMC, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Radiated Emissions, Electromagnetic Emissions.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007685