The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), has an extensive wealth of knowledge and practical experience in the areas of Electromagnetic Interference, Compatibility, and Pulse (EMI/EMC/EMP). These areas have vast implications for Defence Services, academic institutions, public and private industries. Such knowledge and resources can be utilised to develop better and more efficient systems and mechanisms.
Understanding Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)
An Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) is essentially a short burst of electromagnetic energy. The origin of these pulses can either be natural or man-made. EMPs have the capacity to disrupt, degrade, and damage technology and critical infrastructure systems.
At higher energy levels, a powerful EMP event, for instance, a lightning strike, can damage physical objects like buildings and aircraft structures. Furthermore, EMPs can affect large geographical regions, compromising elements crucial to the nation’s security and economic prosperity.
In the current global climate, fraught with conflict, electromagnetism poses a potential threat if misused and weaponized. Information and Communication Technologies that run smart cities are particularly vulnerable to EMPs. This susceptibility could also permeate the national security establishment indirectly or directly, undermining their ability to respond to the national command authority effectively and in a timely manner.
Necessity of EMP-Resistant Infrastructure
To counteract threats such as Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attacks, it is essential to develop futuristic defence mechanisms and create EMP resistant infrastructure.
Impact of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Electromagnetic Interference occurs when an external source disrupts the radio frequency spectrum affecting an electrical circuit via electromagnetic induction. This disruption can hinder the performance of the circuit or even halt its functioning completely. Both artificial and natural sources can create EMI through altering electrical currents and voltages. On a more tactical level, it can be intentionally used for radio jamming, particularly in electronic warfare.
Importance of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) refers to the capability of electrical equipment and systems to operate acceptably within their electromagnetic environment. This is achieved by limiting the unintentional generation, propagation, and reception of electromagnetic energy, which could potentially cause undesirable effects such as EMI or even physical damage to operational equipment.
The objective of EMC is to ensure the smooth operation of different equipment within a shared electromagnetic environment.
A Brief Overview on SAMEER’s Contribution
| SAMEER’s Major Achievements |
|---|
| Development of India’s first MST Radar, 2nd largest globally. |
| Creation of India’s first domestically developed Linear Accelerator for Cancer treatment. |
| An Energy-efficient Drying/Heating System for different industries through RF/Microwave. |
| Microwave dis-infection system for hazardous hospital waste. |
The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) was established as an independent research and development laboratory under the former Department of Electronics, Government of India. It seeks to carry out R&D work in Microwave Engineering and Electromagnetic Engineering Technology.
Operating through R&D centres located in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, SAMEER has contributed extensively to the advancement of this field. In the past, it has developed several significant systems and devices, including India’s first MST Radar, indigenously developed Linear Accelerator for Cancer treatment, an Energy-efficient Drying/Heating System, and a Microwave disinfection system for hazardous hospital waste.
