An Electromagnetic pulse or EMP is a burst of radiation created by a high-altitude nuclear explosion.  The range and extent of damage this type of destructive pulse would cause to commercial networks including utilities, 911 responders and transportation hubs is being evaluated globally by government leaders, agencies, military and scientist.

As experts in highly specialized EMP/HEMP filter technology, top defense contractors have relied on PolyPhaser and Transtector Systems design experience and patented technology to meet the requirements set by military standards for EMP-EMI mitigation. 

This proven technology and unique surge protection design is now being expanded to support commercial network operators as they plan HEMP network threat assessments.

Why Are EMP HEMP Tested Surge Protectors Different from Standard Devices?

• HEMP Tested RF protection by PolyPhaser is tested to MIL-STD 188-125
• Effective against the HEMP E1 and E2 pulses
• Fast response time, low inductance surge path and enhanced shielding characteristics
• Military grade staged hybrid protection circuit designs

What is HEMP?
Greatly simplified, HEMP refers to an Electro-magnetic chain reaction created by a nuclear explosion detonated high above our planet’s surface, where the gamma ray pulse from the payload reacts with the Earth's atmosphere to create a multi-stage electromagnetic pulse event. The higher the altitude, the greater the area potentially impacted on earth.

HEMP Measurements focus on three pulses:

• E1 in nanoseconds
• E2 in microseconds (similar to lightning)
• E3 a longer phase potentially lasting minutes on grid systems, similar to a solar flare.

The Potential Impact of HEMP
The sheer energy associated with a HEMP event is likely staggering. Furthermore, with the “coupling” nature of the three phases, the longer the copper transmission or RF/data lines impacted, the more powerful the energy surge becomes. Power grids, communications networks and other physical infrastructure are vulnerable.
 
Military HEMP Standard
Today, the pulse current injection (PCI) testing included in Military Standard 188-125 sets the ultimate benchmark for product performance in HEMP applications. Transtector and PolyPhaser test all of our HEMPTested products to this key standard to ensure a high level of protection.

Military standard MIL-STD 188-125 was developed in the early 1990’s to describe the threat environment, test methods and minimum protection requirements for HEMP hardening of fixed and transportable ground-based facilities that perform critical, time-urgent command, control, communications, computer, and intelligence (C4I) functions. The standard assumes the need for absolute critical command and control with no margin for disruption of command chain communications. These tests are severe and pass requirements are extremely high, since the intent is to preserve the executive chain of command of the US armed forces.

To learn more about the Department of Homeland Security suggested levels of protection for civil infrastructure contact our HEMP Tested team of experts at +1 (208) 635-6400