RF interference

Certain third-party external electrical equipment can cause Radio Frequency (RF) interference with GNSS (GPS), AIS or VHF devices, if the external equipment is not adequately insulated and emits excessive levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI).

InterferenceRFSome common examples of such external equipment include LED lighting (e.g.: navigation lights, searchlights and floodlights, interior and exterior lights) and terrestrial TV tuners.

To minimize Radio Frequency (RF) interference interference from such equipment:

  • Keep it as far away from GNSS (GPS), AIS or VHF products and their antennas as possible.

  • Ensure that any power cables for external equipment are not entangled with the power or data cables for these devices.

  • Consider fitting one or more high frequency suppression ferrites to the EMI-emitting device. The ferrite(s) should be rated to be effective in the range 100 MHz to 2.5 GHz, and should be fitted to the power cable and any other cables exiting the EMI-emitting device, as close as possible to the position where the cable exits the device.