RTCA DO 160 qualification tests
A complete aeronautical qualification
Introduction to RTCA DO 160 (Environmental Conditions and test Procedures for Airborne Equipment)
The RTCA DO-160 (or EUROCAE ED-14) standard defines the environmental, electrical and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test requirements to be met by electronic equipment carried on board civil aircraft. It applies to all avionics systems, electrical and electronic equipment used in the constrained environment of aeronautics.
The Emitech Group can help you validate your products in accordance with DO-160 (versions C to G), and, on request, can include manufacturers' specifications (Airbus, Boeing, Dassault, etc.). Our test laboratories can offer you a complete qualification package, from drafting test plans to carrying out the tests and delivering the reports you need for certification.
Our services for regulatory compliance in the United States and Canada
- Avionics equipment: ECUs, sensors, I/O modules
- Batteries, power supplies, converters
- Communication, navigation and surveillance systems
- Safety equipment, cabin lighting, cockpit equipment
- Electric propulsion systems, actuators, etc.
Tests covered by the Emitech Group under the DO 160 standard
Climatic and mechanical environment
- Section 4: Temperature and altitude
- Section 5: Temperature variation
- Section 6: Humidity
- Section 7: Shock and Crash Safety
- Section 8: Vibration
- Section 9: Resistance to explosion
- Section 10: Watertightness
- Section 11: Fluid Sensitivity
- Section 12: Sand and Dust
- Section 13: Resistance to Fungi
- Section 14: Salt Spray
- Section 24: Icing
- Section 26: Flammability
Electrical and EMC testing
- Section 15: Magnetic effects
- Section 16: Power Inputs
- Section 17: Voltage Surges
- Section 18: Audio Frequency Sensitivity (Power Supply Inputs)
- Section 19: Coupling by Induced Signals
- Section 20: RF Immunity (Conduction & Radiation)
- Section 21: RF Emissions (Conduction & Radiation)
- Section 22: Induced Lightning (Transient Pulses)
- Section 25: Electrostatic Discharges (ESD)
Dedicated testing facilities to implement the various sections and meet your schedule and deadline constraints
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Very large Faraday cage for large equipment (up to 9m45) and heavy tonnage (40t) in addition to our other cages
- Immunity from 10 kHz to 40 GHz, up to 3000 V/m CW and 10,000 V/m pulsed (HIRF)
- 5 CRBM (Current Rejection Bench Methods) - DO-160 & MIL-STD-461
- Emission measurements RF: DC to 40 GHz, magnetic & electric field
- Multiple lightning generators (DO-160 & ABD0100.1.2)
- BCI, line injection, ESD up to 30 kV
- Shielding impedance
Aeronautical fire tests
- Cabin & cargo compartment interior tests in accordance with FAR 25, CS 23/25/29
- AIRBUS (ABD0031, AITM) & BOEING (BSS7238/7239) methods
- Seat cushion test, flame propagation, opacity & smoke toxicity
Climatic and physico-chemical tests
- 140+ environmental chambers (up to 93 m³, temperatures from -70 to +650°C)
- Fluid testing (Skydrol, oil, fuel, etc.)
- Contamination, sunshine, rain, icing, etc.
Vibration and mechanical testing
- 50+ electrodynamic vibrators (up to 105 kN), hydraulic cylinders, impact machines
Our associated engineering services
- Drafting of qualification plans and test specifications
- Structural studies and fatigue calculations (ANSYS, DESIGNLIFE)
- EMC calculations and simulations (CST Microwave Studio)
- Development of test benches and fixing tools
- Customisation of on-board tests and measurements
Why choose the expertise of the Emitech Group?
- Multi-domain and multi-site expertise: a network of specialised laboratories (EMC, climatic, fire, vibration, etc.)
- Our certifications and accreditations
- Experience on major programmes: A320neo, A350, Falcon, etc.
- Global support: testing, engineering, test bench design, regulatory advice
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