Electronics Guide

High-Voltage Transmission Vulnerabilities

Transmission systems operating at hundreds of kilovolts are designed to handle enormous power flows but can be disrupted by electromagnetic events that exceed their design parameters or exploit unexpected sensitivities.

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) result from solar storms that induce quasi-DC currents in the power grid. These currents flow through transformer windings, saturating cores and causing overheating, harmonic generation, and potential failure. Major solar events can simultaneously affect transformers across large regions, overwhelming spare capacity and repair resources.

Protection against GICs includes real-time monitoring of solar activity, operational procedures to reduce grid vulnerability during solar storms, and specialized blocking devices that prevent DC current flow while passing normal AC power.

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from high-altitude nuclear detonation produces three distinct threat components: E1 (fast pulse that damages electronics), E2 (intermediate-duration pulse similar to lightning), and E3 (slow pulse causing GIC-like effects). Grid protection requires addressing all three components through a combination of shielding, filtering, and operational resilience.

Intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) using high-power microwave devices could target substations or control facilities. Protection involves hardening critical components, providing physical security, and maintaining the ability to operate manually if electronic controls are compromised.

Substation Protection

Substations transform voltage levels and switch power flows, combining high-power equipment with sensitive electronic controls. This combination creates challenging protection requirements:

• Physical security prevents adversary access to install devices or conduct attacks
• Shielded control buildings protect electronics from radiated threats
• Surge protection on incoming lines attenuates conducted threats
• Redundant communication paths ensure control even if primary links are disrupted
• Manual operation capability provides backup when electronic controls fail

Control systems increasingly use digital devices networked for remote monitoring and operation. These systems face both electromagnetic and cyber vulnerabilities that must be addressed together.

Distribution System Considerations

Distribution systems deliver power to end users through extensive networks of poles, wires, and smaller transformers. The distributed nature of these systems makes comprehensive hardening impractical, but selective protection of critical loads is feasible.

Smart grid technologies add intelligence to distribution systems but also add electronic components that may be vulnerable. Automated switching, demand response systems, and advanced metering all depend on electronics and communications that require appropriate protection.

Microgrids and distributed generation can improve resilience by enabling portions of the distribution system to operate independently when bulk power is unavailable. These islanding capabilities require careful design to ensure safety and proper operation.

Generation Facility Protection

Power generation facilities contain critical control systems that must remain operational to supply the grid. Protection measures include:

• Hardened control rooms with shielding and filtered power
• Protected communication links for remote operation and monitoring
• Backup power for control systems independent of generation
• Black start capability to restart after widespread outages
• Spare components for critical electronic systems

Nuclear power plants have particularly stringent requirements due to safety implications. Regulatory requirements address electromagnetic compatibility and immunity to ensure safe operation and shutdown under adverse conditions.

Wireless Network Protection

Wireless communications are inherently vulnerable to electromagnetic interference because they rely on propagation through an uncontrolled medium. Protection focuses on resilience rather than prevention:

Network architecture should include redundant paths so that loss of individual towers or links does not prevent communication. Mesh networks and multiple backhaul paths improve survivability.

Frequency diversity ensures that jamming in one band does not disable all capability. Networks operating in multiple bands can maintain service even if some frequencies are unusable.

Equipment hardening protects base stations and network infrastructure from localized electromagnetic attack. Shielded enclosures, surge protection, and backup power extend operation under adverse conditions.

Priority access systems ensure that emergency communications can access network capacity even when networks are congested or partially disabled. Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) and similar programs provide priority during emergencies.

Wired Network Infrastructure

Wired networks, including fiber optic and copper systems, face different vulnerabilities than wireless:

Copper cables can pick up electromagnetic pulses, potentially damaging connected equipment. Surge protection at building entry points and on sensitive equipment limits damage from induced transients.

Fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference but depend on electronic equipment at terminals that requires protection. Fiber provides inherent isolation between sites, preventing conducted propagation of threats.

Network switching facilities concentrate critical functions that require comprehensive protection. Data centers and central offices implement shielding, filtering, and backup power to maintain operation under electromagnetic stress.

Physical security protects cables and facilities from intentional damage. While not strictly an electromagnetic concern, physical attacks can enable subsequent electromagnetic exploitation.

Satellite Communications

Satellite communications provide long-distance links independent of terrestrial infrastructure but face unique electromagnetic vulnerabilities:

Uplink jamming can disrupt communications by overpowering the weak signals received at satellites. Ground station protection includes directional antennas that reject interference from off-axis directions and frequency coordination to avoid interference.

Space environment exposes satellites to solar radiation and charged particles that can damage electronics. Radiation-hardened components and operational procedures during solar events protect satellite systems.

Ground segment facilities require protection similar to other critical infrastructure, including power backup, physical security, and electromagnetic hardening.

Internet Infrastructure

Internet infrastructure includes data centers, exchange points, and the undersea cables that carry intercontinental traffic. Protection considerations include:

Data center hardening against electromagnetic threats protects the servers and networking equipment that power internet services. Large data centers may implement comprehensive shielding for critical areas.

Internet exchange points where networks interconnect represent critical nodes whose disruption could partition internet connectivity. Redundant exchange points and diverse routing limit the impact of any single point failure.

Undersea cable landing stations concentrate traffic from multiple cables and require protection against both natural and intentional threats. Geographic diversity in landing locations and cable routes improves resilience.

Treatment Facility Protection

Water and wastewater treatment facilities use sophisticated process control systems to maintain water quality. Protection measures include:

Control system hardening protects programmable logic controllers, sensors, and actuators from electromagnetic interference. Shielded enclosures, filtered power, and surge protection on signal lines provide basic protection.

Manual operation capability allows treatment processes to continue if automated systems fail. Operators must be trained and procedures documented for manual control of critical functions.

Chemical feed systems are particularly critical because improper dosing could cause public health emergencies. Backup controls and fail-safe designs prevent dangerous conditions if electronics fail.

Laboratory systems for water quality monitoring require protection to ensure continued ability to verify treatment effectiveness.

Distribution System Control

Water distribution systems use electronic controls for pumping, valve operation, and pressure management. Protection considerations include:

SCADA systems for remote monitoring and control face both electromagnetic and cyber vulnerabilities. Hardened remote terminal units and secure communications protect against interference.

Pump stations with variable frequency drives and electronic controls require protection from electromagnetic interference. Surge suppression and filtering prevent damage from transients.

Pressure management systems maintain adequate pressure throughout distribution networks. Failure of electronic controls could cause pressure fluctuations affecting service quality and potentially allowing contamination.

Emergency Response Integration

Water systems support emergency response, particularly firefighting. Protection measures must ensure:

• Fire hydrant pressure is maintained even if some electronic controls fail
• Communication with emergency services remains operational
• Backup pumping capacity is available if primary systems are disrupted
• Storage capacity provides buffer time for response to control system failures

Aviation Systems

Aviation depends heavily on electronic systems for navigation, communication, and air traffic control. Protection requirements are stringent due to safety implications:

Navigation systems including GPS, instrument landing systems, and VOR/DME must function reliably. Backup navigation methods and integrity monitoring detect and respond to interference.

Air traffic control facilities are critical nodes requiring comprehensive protection. Radar systems, communication links, and computer systems all require hardening and backup capabilities.

Aircraft electronics must meet DO-160 and similar standards for electromagnetic compatibility. These standards address both immunity to interference and prevention of emissions that could affect other systems.

Airport infrastructure including lighting, security systems, and ground support equipment requires protection appropriate to safety criticality.

Rail Transportation

Rail systems use electronic signaling, train control, and communication systems that require electromagnetic protection:

Positive train control (PTC) systems use GPS and wireless communications to prevent collisions and overspeed. These systems must be resilient against interference to maintain safety.

Track circuits and signals detect train presence and indicate safe routes. Electromagnetic interference could cause false occupancy readings or missed detections with serious safety consequences.

Traction power systems for electric rail generate significant electromagnetic fields and harmonics. Compatibility between power and signaling systems requires careful design and installation.

Dispatch and control centers coordinate rail operations and require protection similar to other control facilities.

Maritime Systems

Maritime transportation depends on electronic navigation, communication, and vessel management systems:

Navigation systems including GPS, radar, and electronic chart displays must function in challenging electromagnetic environments. Ships generate significant interference from power systems and communications.

Automatic Identification System (AIS) broadcasts vessel position and identification. Protecting AIS from spoofing and interference supports vessel safety and traffic management.

Port facilities including cargo handling, vessel traffic services, and port security systems require electromagnetic protection.

Vessel control systems for propulsion, steering, and stability require protection appropriate to their safety criticality.

Surface Transportation

Road transportation increasingly relies on electronic systems for vehicle operation, traffic management, and tolling:

Traffic management systems including adaptive signals, ramp metering, and incident detection use electronic sensors and controllers. Protection ensures continued traffic flow during electromagnetic events.

Intelligent transportation systems including connected vehicles and automated driving require electromagnetic compatibility and resilience. These systems must handle interference gracefully to maintain safety.

Toll collection and access control systems use electronic authentication that could be disrupted or spoofed. Security measures address both electromagnetic and cyber threats.

Payment Processing

Payment networks process billions of transactions daily, requiring continuous availability and integrity:

Data centers hosting payment processing require comprehensive protection including shielding, redundant power, and backup capabilities. Geographic distribution provides resilience against regional events.

Point-of-sale terminals face electromagnetic threats at merchant locations. Hardened designs and transaction integrity mechanisms limit vulnerability.

ATM networks require protection of both the terminals and the communication links connecting them. Backup communication paths ensure continued operation.

Wire transfer systems for large-value payments have particularly stringent availability requirements. Redundant systems and manual backup procedures ensure critical payments can be processed.

Trading Systems

Securities trading depends on electronic systems for price discovery, order matching, and settlement:

Exchange facilities are critical nodes requiring comprehensive electromagnetic protection. Trading engines, market data systems, and communication links all require hardening.

Low-latency trading systems are sensitive to any interference that adds delay. Protection measures must maintain performance while providing security.

Market data distribution provides price information to traders and investors. Protection ensures accurate and timely information flow.

Clearing and settlement systems finalize trades and transfer ownership. These systems require high availability to prevent cascading failures in financial markets.

Banking Infrastructure

Banking systems maintain account records, process transactions, and provide customer services:

Core banking systems maintaining account records require protection against both disruption and data corruption. Backup sites and data replication provide resilience.

Branch electronics including teller systems and vault security require protection appropriate to their functions. Power backup ensures continued operation during outages.

Remote banking through online and mobile channels depends on telecommunications infrastructure and customer devices. Banks have limited control over these environments but can implement server-side resilience.

Medical Device Protection

Medical devices must function correctly despite electromagnetic interference from other equipment, external sources, and increasingly from patients' personal electronics:

Life-critical devices including ventilators, infusion pumps, and cardiac monitors require high immunity to interference. Regulatory standards (IEC 60601 series) establish immunity requirements for medical devices.

Implantable devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators face unique challenges because they cannot be shielded from external fields. Design for immunity and testing under various conditions protects patients.

Diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, and X-ray systems is both a source of interference and potentially susceptible. Proper installation and facility design manages electromagnetic compatibility.

Surgical equipment using electrosurgery, lasers, and robotics must function reliably in complex electromagnetic environments.

Hospital Infrastructure

Hospital facilities require reliable power, communications, and building systems to support patient care:

Emergency power systems must start and transfer automatically during outages. Protection of generator controls and transfer switches ensures backup power availability.

Nurse call and alarm systems alert staff to patient needs and equipment alarms. These life-safety systems require protection and backup.

Building systems including HVAC, lighting, and access control affect patient comfort and safety. Critical care areas may require enhanced protection.

Communications within hospitals and to emergency services must remain operational. Backup communication methods ensure connectivity during disruptions.

Health Information Systems

Electronic health records, clinical decision support, and administrative systems are increasingly essential to healthcare operations:

Electronic health records must be accessible when needed for patient care. Backup access methods and downtime procedures address system unavailability.

Clinical systems for laboratory, pharmacy, and imaging must maintain availability and accuracy. Protection against data corruption is as important as availability.

Telemedicine systems enable remote consultation and monitoring. Communications resilience supports continued telehealth services during emergencies.

Command and Control Facilities

Facilities for national security, emergency management, and executive functions require the highest levels of protection:

Hardened facilities may include extensive shielding, EMP protection, and redundant systems. These facilities are designed to continue operating under severe electromagnetic stress.

Communication systems connect command facilities to field elements and other government organizations. Diverse, redundant paths ensure connectivity under adverse conditions.

Power systems include multiple backup sources and extended fuel storage. Uninterruptible power systems and careful load management maintain critical functions.

Security systems must remain operational to maintain facility integrity. Backup security measures address electronic system failures.

Administrative Facilities

Government office buildings house administrative functions that, while less time-critical than command functions, remain essential to governance:

Information systems for records management, correspondence, and decision support require appropriate protection based on information sensitivity.

Public services including permit processing, tax administration, and benefits delivery increasingly depend on electronic systems. Service continuity planning addresses electromagnetic risks.

Building systems for access control, fire safety, and environmental control require protection appropriate to building functions.

Law Enforcement and Courts

Criminal justice facilities have specific protection requirements:

Dispatch centers for police, fire, and emergency medical services are critical nodes requiring comprehensive protection. Backup centers and mutual aid agreements provide resilience.

Records systems for criminal justice information must be protected against both disruption and unauthorized access or modification.

Court systems increasingly use electronic filing, records, and courtroom technology. Protection ensures continued access to justice.

Correctional facilities use electronic systems for security, monitoring, and communication. Protection maintains facility security and safety.

Process Control Systems

Industrial control systems manage complex processes that may be hazardous if improperly controlled:

Safety instrumented systems (SIS) detect dangerous conditions and take protective action. These systems must function correctly despite electromagnetic interference, making immunity a safety requirement.

Distributed control systems (DCS) manage normal process operations. Protection ensures continued operation or safe shutdown during electromagnetic events.

Industrial networks connecting sensors, controllers, and actuators require protection appropriate to the safety and economic consequences of failure.

Variable speed drives and other power electronics both generate interference and may be susceptible. Proper installation and filtering maintain compatibility.

Hazardous Material Handling

Facilities handling flammable, toxic, or reactive materials have heightened protection requirements:

Explosive atmospheres require intrinsically safe or explosion-proof equipment. Electromagnetic emissions must not provide ignition energy.

Chemical process safety depends on electronic monitoring and control systems functioning correctly. Fail-safe designs ensure safe conditions if electronics fail.

Environmental monitoring detects releases and guides emergency response. Protection ensures continued monitoring during events.

Manufacturing Systems

Manufacturing facilities use electronic systems for production control, quality assurance, and supply chain management:

Production equipment including CNC machines, robots, and assembly systems requires protection to prevent damage and ensure product quality.

Quality systems for inspection and testing must function correctly to prevent defective products from reaching customers.

Inventory and logistics systems track materials and coordinate production. Protection ensures supply chain visibility and coordination.

Public Safety Communications

Emergency responders depend on reliable communications for coordination and safety:

Land mobile radio systems provide voice communications for first responders. Protection of base stations, repeaters, and dispatch centers ensures continued communications.

Computer-aided dispatch systems track resources and manage response. Backup procedures address system failures.

Interoperability systems enable communication between agencies using different systems. These systems are particularly important during major events requiring mutual aid.

Alerting systems for pagers, mobile devices, and sirens notify responders and the public. Backup alerting methods address primary system failures.

Emergency Operations Centers

Emergency operations centers coordinate response to major events:

Facility protection including backup power, communications, and information systems ensures continued operation during emergencies.

Information systems for situation awareness, resource management, and public information require protection and backup.

Mobile command capabilities provide flexibility when fixed facilities are unavailable or inadequately located.

Emergency Vehicle Systems

Emergency vehicles carry increasingly sophisticated electronic systems:

Vehicle electronics including engine management, mobile data terminals, and navigation systems must function in challenging electromagnetic environments.

Medical equipment in ambulances must meet medical device standards for immunity while operating in vehicle electromagnetic environments.

Firefighting equipment including thermal imaging, gas detection, and communication systems requires protection from heat as well as electromagnetic interference.

Power-Communication Nexus

The interdependence between power and communications creates particular vulnerability:

Communications systems depend on power for base stations, switching centers, and network infrastructure. Extended power outages exhaust backup batteries and generators.

Power systems depend on communications for remote monitoring, control, and coordination. Loss of communications can impair power restoration efforts.

Breaking this dependency requires extending backup power duration at critical communication sites and developing manual or local control capabilities for power systems.

Cascading Failures

Failures in one sector can cascade to others:

• Power outages affect communications, water pumping, traffic signals, and building systems
• Communications failures impair emergency response, financial transactions, and remote control of infrastructure
• Transportation disruptions affect fuel delivery, workforce access, and emergency response
• Water system failures affect healthcare, industry, and firefighting

Resilience planning must consider these cascading effects and develop capabilities to operate with degraded support from other sectors.

Prioritization and Triage

When electromagnetic events affect multiple sectors simultaneously, prioritization guides resource allocation:

Life safety functions including healthcare, emergency response, and safety systems receive highest priority.

Critical support functions including power, communications, and water that enable other sectors receive high priority.

Economic and governance functions receive priority based on urgency and consequences of delay.

Pre-planned priorities and resource allocation guides speed response when events occur.

Federal Requirements

In the United States, various federal requirements address critical infrastructure protection:

NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards address cybersecurity and physical security for bulk electric systems. While primarily focused on cyber, these standards have implications for electromagnetic protection.

Executive orders and presidential directives establish policy for critical infrastructure protection. Sector-specific agencies develop implementing guidance.

Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) addresses security of federal information systems, including some electromagnetic considerations.

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) includes requirements for defense contractors handling controlled information.

Industry Standards

Industry standards provide technical guidance for electromagnetic protection:

IEEE and IEC standards address electromagnetic compatibility, immunity, and testing for various applications.

NIST guidelines address security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems.

Sector-specific standards from organizations like NERC, NFPA, and TIA address particular infrastructure sectors.

International Considerations

International infrastructure and supply chains create additional considerations:

International standards from IEC, ISO, and ITU provide globally applicable guidance. Multinational operations may need to comply with multiple national requirements.

Supply chain security addresses risks from components and systems sourced internationally. Trust relationships and testing verify that imported equipment meets requirements.