Xiangrui Su, a doctoral candidate in electrical engineering, will defend their dissertation, titled “Measurement Method and Applications of Transfer Function in RF Desensitization Problem.” Their advisor, Dr. Chulsoon Hwang, is Woodard Associate Professor for Excellence in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The dissertation abstract is provided below.

Radio frequency (RF) desensitization issues comprise two components: noise radiation sources and the transfer function from noise sources to the victim antenna. RFI is a critical challenge in modern electronic systems, particularly in densely packed environments. This dissertation presents a comprehensive study of RFI, addressing key aspects through three novel contributions. First, a transfer function measurement method is developed for compact metallic enclosures. This method provides a precise characterization of the electromagnetic (EM) environment within confined spaces, enabling accurate identification of interference pathways. Second, an EM emission management analysis framework is proposed, leveraging transfer functions to quantify and mitigate interference effects. This approach facilitates targeted design improvements for enhancing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Finally, a near-field-based equivalent noise source reconstruction technique is introduced for simulating RF desensitization effects. By employing the Huygens’ box principle, this method reconstructs equivalent noise sources to predict system-level RF performance and guide mitigation strategies effectively. Together, these contributions form an integrated methodology for understanding, analyzing, and mitigating RFI, offering practical solutions for real-world electromagnetic compatibility challenges.