Analysis of High-Power Electromagnetic Pulses Effect on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This study investigates the “soft-kill” mechanism of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under high-power electromagnetic pulse (EMP) exposure. Unlike previous research focused on hardware destruction, we identify flight control paralysis caused by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal logic threshold violation as the primary failure mode. To resolve discrepancies between theory and experiment, a 1 × 1 m loop antenna model was implemented in CST Studio Suite. Results demonstrate that EMP coupling in drone arm wiring predominantly generates differential mode (DM) noise. This explains why conventional ferrite beads fail while full-body shielding remains effective. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for low-power anti-drone system optimization and hardened UAV design guides.