This article describes work done by Fiat on vehicle susceptibility to electromagnetic fields. The first part consists of a survey of the electromagnetic environment in which a vehicle is likely to operate, by sampling significant sites throughout Italy. The survey is designed to detect radiation from known telecommunication transmitters. Other possible sources of electromagnetic radiation such as induction ovens, power transformers, radio amateur and CB stations, and mobile and portable radio telephones have not been included. The frequency range spanned from 100 KHz to 1 GHz. The field strength range considered as significant was defined as exceeding 1 v/m. A vehicle equipped with an integral detector (wideband isotropic sensor) and a spectrum analyser/antennae (narrowband directional receiving system) was used to detect the radiation. Measurements were repeated at any one site many times a day and on different days. The results show that in all towns surveyed, there are many road sites where the electromagnetic field strength is significant. Other research includes work towards the production of a quality standard for electromagnetic compatibility by validating the different methods used to measure radiation susceptibility. The following methods are being studied: (a) susceptibility to radiation in open space test sites (i.e. test sites away from a sources strong electromagnetic field; (b) bulk current injection susceptibility tests; and (c) use of models.
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