EMI Filter Selection for Aerospace & UAVs

EMI filters are non-negotiable for mission-critical UAV and aerospace applications, but choosing the wrong filter can be almost as dangerous as having no filter at all. Different filters offer different capabilities, including EMI blocking, longevity in harsh environments, and the ability to complement DC, single-phase AC, or triple-phase AC. Use this guide to quickly zero in on the right EMI filters by knowing what selection criteria to prioritize and what filter options are available through Captor Corp.

Key Selection Criteria for Aerospace/UAV EMI Filters

Use this criteria checklist to decide what type of aerospace/UAV EMI filter is best for your application. 

Environmental Demands

Consider likely environmental demands and scenarios that your equipment systems must survive through. Specific factors that should influence your choice are equipment density, likelihood of EMPs, and harsh physical conditions like humidity, shock and vibration, and temperature extremes. 

Is the Function Preventing Internal Emission From Leaking Out or Blocking External Signals From Coming In?

There are two main purposes for EMI filters: to keep signals from leaking out and to keep interference from finding its way in. Depending on your application, you might need either function or both. 

Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

Military applications need to meet or exceed stringent military standards. Three common standards that may be requirements for your application are: 

• MIL-STD-461, which outlines EMI emission and susceptibility limits
• MIL-STD-810, which outlines the required environmental testing parameters for use in harsh environments
• MIL-STD-704, which outlines the required power quality for electrical components in airborne systems

Electrical and Mechanical Design Needs

Consider electrical demands—like voltage, current, attenuation, and surge protection—and mechanical requirements—such as size, weight, physical connector type requirements, and mounting hardware needs. 

Application Demands

Our technicians can recommend the right-fit filter type based on the application, such as command center systems, remote sensor systems, radar, communication equipment, and more. 

Supplier Quality

Vet your potential suppliers to understand their capabilities and their history of performance in military and defense applications. Depending on your procurement requirements, you might also need a supplier that is ISO 9001:2015-certified. For critical applications, partner with suppliers who can guarantee ongoing parts availability for long contract periods to protect against shortages and supply chain uncertainty. 

Common Filter Types and Technologies

Some of the common types of filters that Captor Corp provides include: 

• DC EMI Filters. These passive filters allow DC voltages through and block “noise” signals with a low-pass filter.
• Single-Phase AC EMI Filters. These low-pass filters block high-frequency noise on single-phase AC power lines. 
• Three-Phase AC EMI Filters. These three-phase filters block high-frequency noise on single-phase AC power lines. 
• HEMP/EMP Filters. These are specialty filters that can protect electronics from electromagnetic pulse and high altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) interference, protecting essential equipment in the event of disastrous lightning, solar flares, or nuclear explosions. 
• TEMPEST EMI Filters. These filters block noise inside a secure environment from reaching outside the system, stopping signal leakage from becoming a security risk. TEMPST stands for “Transient Electro Magnetic Pulse Emanation Standard.”
• Circuit Card Assembly Mounted EMI Filters. Built for printed circuit boards, these filters are board-level filters that block interference to protect sensitive electronics from surges and interference.
• Cylindrical Style Filters. These filters are designed for reliable filtration performance in potentially harsh environments. 

Contact Captor Corp for EMI Filters for Aerospace and Military & Defense

Captor Corp has decades of experience serving military and defense, aerospace, and other essential industries with EMI filters they can trust. We provide standard and custom EMI filters, and our company is ITAR registered. Contact us today to learn more about how our qualifications meet or exceed your standards, and request a quote for pricing details to start your order.