Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) of Electronic Devices with Near Field Communication (NFC) for Use in Aircraft

For an “end-to-end passenger experience that is secure, seamless and efficient” the International Air Transport Association (IATA) proposes Near Field Communication (NFC) and a single token concept to be enablers for future digital travel. NFC is a wireless technology commonly utilized in Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) and contactless smart cards. It is characterized by the following two attributes: a tangible user interface and secured short range communication. While manufacturers are currently adapting PED settings to enable NFC in the flight mode, the integration and use of this technology in aircraft cabins still remains a challenge. There are no explicit qualification guidelines for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing in an aircraft environment available and there is a lack of a detailed characterization of NFC equipped PEDs. To overcome this challenge and exceeding the work of earlier publications, in this paper a simulation model combined with a measurement setup is utilized for exhaustive characterization of NFC equipped PEDs. In the first instance a well-documented NFC development board with characteristics representative for commercial PEDs is used. This enables the elaboration of a precise simulation model based on the software tool CONCEPT-II, an electromagnetic field simulator. The model allows an effective and efficient assessment of NFC effects on aircraft wiring for different coupling conditions with various wiring configurations. In the second step measurements of noteworthy configurations are carried out with commercial of-the-shelf PEDs to achieve significant characterization results which establish a further basis for an acceptable means of compliance for certification of NFC devices in the aircraft cabin.