Why does EMP 'deactivate' electronic devices?

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SUMMARY

Electromagnetic pulses (EMP) deactivate electronic devices primarily by generating large voltages in wires, which can damage components differently based on their design. Solid-state devices are particularly vulnerable due to their p-n junctions, while vacuum tubes exhibit greater resistance to EMP effects. However, even robust devices connected to long wires, such as powerlines and antennas, can be compromised due to the high currents induced by EMP, potentially leading to physical damage like melting conductors.

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  • Knowledge of vacuum tube technology and its operational limits
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  • Awareness of electrical engineering concepts related to voltage and current
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Electrical engineers, electronics hobbyists, military technology specialists, and anyone interested in the resilience of electronic devices against electromagnetic interference.

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Why does EMP 'deactivate' electronic devices?

thanks!
 
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Bladibla said:
Why does EMP 'deactivate' electronic devices?

thanks!

EMP generates very large voltages in wires. The mechanism by which it destroys electronics depends on the electronics.

Solid state devices are destroyed by relatively modest voltages which break down the p-n junctions.

Vacuum tubes are much more resistant, as are some special solid state military devices. If you generate too much voltage on a bipolar junction RF transistor, it's gone. If you generate too much voltage on a vacuum tube, you'll be fine as long as you don't melt the plate or other electrodes. (You can literally run a vacuum tube so that its plate visibly glows without destroying it - if you don't keep it up too long).

Even electronically rugged devices which are connected to very long wires (powerlines, large antennas, etc) will be likely to destoryed by an EMP, as very large currents will devlop in that case, which will generate enough power to melt wires and other conductors.
 

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