Susceptibility of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Sensors to IEMI using Pulse Modulated Signals

The use of sensors has grown dramatically in recent years and many devices rely on the information they provide. The lack of proper security mechanisms available to control the use of sensors and the high degree of integration make them more vulnerable to Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI). The aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of IEMI on separate sensors with privileged access to the hardware and software to pursue a deep analysis of the effects of IEMI attacks using pulse modulated signals. Measurements were carried out in a shielded hall using an open TEM (Transverse Electromagnetic) waveguide in the 100 MHz–7.5 GHz frequency range. A variety of effects were observed and significant differences were found with pulse modulated signals compared to continuous wave signals. These results indicate weak points in the sensors hardware leading to possible hardening measures.