Apparatus and method for testing electromagnetic interference devices within a line replaceable unit

A method for testing an electromagnetic interference component within a unit under test (UUT) of an aircraft, the UUT having at least one of an input port or an output port electrically coupled to the electromagnetic interference component, the method comprising:

• applying to the at least one input port or output port a radio frequency signal swept over a prescribed frequency range;
• measuring at the at least one input port or output port a return loss over the prescribed frequency range;
• comparing the measured return loss with a baseline signature for the respective at least one input port or output port, the baseline signature representing a normal operation of the UUT;
• and
• determining the UUT is out of specification when the measured return loss and the baseline signature differ by more than a prescribed value.

A system for testing a network of electromagnetic interference and lightning components within a unit under test (UUT) of an aircraft, comprising:

• a signal generator/analyzer configured to generate a radio frequency (RF) signal swept over a prescribed frequency range;
• circuitry configured to input the RF signal into the UUT, the circuitry electrically coupleable to at least one input or output port of the UUT;
• a scanning device operably coupled to the circuitry and configured to obtain a resultant signature detected at an at least one input or output port of the UUT;
• a processor operably coupled to the scanning device and configured to compare the resultant signature to a baseline signature corresponding to the respective at least one input port or output port, the baseline signature representing normal operation of the UUT;
• and
• an output device for providing the comparison result.