Why does EMP 'deactivate' electronic devices?

[Bladibla]

Why does EMP 'deactivate' electronic devices?

thanks!

 

[pervect]

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.

 

[Graeme Robinson]

EMP, or electromagnetic pulse, is a burst of electromagnetic radiation that can have a destructive effect on electronic devices. This is because electronic devices rely on delicate circuits and components to function properly, and the intense energy from an EMP can disrupt or damage these components.

When an EMP occurs, it creates a sudden surge of energy that can overload and short-circuit electronic devices. This surge of energy can cause the components to overheat and melt, rendering the device inoperable. Additionally, the powerful magnetic fields generated by an EMP can interfere with the electrical signals within the device, causing it to malfunction.

Furthermore, EMP can also induce strong electric currents in conductive materials, such as wires and circuits, which can overload and damage electronic devices. This is known as electromagnetic induction, and it is a common cause of electronic failures during an EMP event.

In summary, EMP 'deactivates' electronic devices because it overwhelms and disrupts the delicate components and circuits that these devices rely on to function properly. To protect electronic devices from EMP, specialized shielding and surge protection measures are required.