TEMPEST security and electromagnetic compatibility deal with electromagnetic fields, things that we cannot see, hear, feel, taste or smell. Lacking an intuitive reality check, TEMPEST security and electromagnetic compatibility engineers assume an extra degree of risk that does not exist when, for example, erecting a house or assembling an automobile.

A skeptical reader might ask why TEMPEST security and electromagnetic compatibility are so unusual, when ordinary radio communications also deal with signals that you cannot sense naturally. One important difference is that in the field of TEMPEST security, as well as in electromagnetic compatibility the phenomena that you are trying to control occur unintentionally.

If two amateur radio operators try to make contact with each other halfway around the world, they enjoy certain advantages. Each knows that the other's signal is being produced on purpose, and that it must meet certain rules regarding its frequency, power, and other characteristics. TEMPEST security and electromagnetic compatibility engineers don't have these advantages. This is why their risks are greater.

The extra risks in TEMPEST security and electromagnetic compatibility are not borne solely by the engineers that work in these fields. To see this, let's examine a business from top to bottom:

If you invest in a company that builds a certain product, and that product turns out to have a TEMPEST security deficiency or an electromagnetic interference problem, you could lose money. If the product has to be recalled and modified, this could cause the company to have a bad quarter or a bad year. If the problem is serious enough, it could affect the firm's reputation, future sales, and even its survival.

If you are an officer or an executive with the firm that had an unexpected TEMPEST security or electromagnetic emissions or susceptibility problem, you could suddenly find your position or your career in jeopardy. The key word is "unexpected." No one plans to have a TEMPEST security or electromagnetic interference problem. Since these phenomena are also invisible, etc. they can catch even the most competent and responsible people by surprise.

TEMPEST security and electromagnetic interference problems can present both a risk and an opportunity for a firm's TEMPEST security engineers. These risks are due to human nature, coupled with the fact that TEMPEST security problems and electromagnetic interference problems cannot be seen, heard, felt, etc. The risks are twofold:

Risk #1: Preventing a TEMPEST security or electromagnetic interference problem.

If an engineer identifies a potential TEMPEST security or electromagnetic compatibility problem early in the design phase, he or she runs the risk of being accused of adding to the size, weight, and cost of a product merely to address a problem that some would consider to be "imaginary."

Risk #2: NOT preventing a TEMPEST security problem or an electromagnetic interference problem.

If an engineer fails to prevent a TEMPEST security problem or an electromagnetic compatibility problem, he or she will be the first to be blamed for the losses that the company suffers. This may seem fair, but as we will see below, TEMPEST security problems and electromagnetic compatibility problems sometimes may not be the design engineer's fault at all.

The opportunity.

Making a big problem go away can really make a person shine in a big organization. An engineer that solves a serious TEMPEST security problem or electromagnetic interference problem quickly, effectively, and economically is a hero indeed. He or she may actually get more recognition than an outstanding designer that goes quietly along for many years preventing electromagnetic interference problems or TEMPEST security deficiencies in the first place. This may be unfair, but it often happens. It is human nature, and it comes from the fact that TEMPEST security phenomena and electromagnetic interference problems are invisible, unintentional, and unexpected.

Along with the engineers, technicians share the blame and the glory albeit to a lesser extent. It is hard to blame a technician for a faulty design, although it has been done. On the other hand, technicians rarely get the credit they deserve for eliminating, or helping to eliminate, a TEMPEST security deficiency or an electromagnetic interference problem.

Even assemblers can sometimes be blamed for a TEMPEST security problem or an electromagnetic interference problem. This happens when the manufacturing department makes what appears to be a minor change in an engineer's design. The product may be attractive and appear to work well, yet still have a TEMPEST security or electromagnetic compatibility flaw. Even if they avoid blame, assemblers are usually the first to lose their jobs when a firm finds itself in financial trouble. Their risks are substantial. On the positive side, the assemblers are usually among the first to find new jobs, too.

US Department of Defense ( DoD ) or other Government buyers risk their careers if a product or service that they select is inadequate. The deficiency might not even have anything to do with TEMPEST security or with electromagnetic compatibility. In order to meet TEMPEST requirements or electromagnetic compatibility specifications, the product might turn out to be too large, too heavy, not rugged enough, or simply delivered too late. None of these failings will endear the buyer to his or her commanding officer or Department of Defense ( DoD )supervisor. The risk of having any of these deficiencies appear is increased because TEMPEST signals and electromagnetic compatibility problems (a) are unexpected, and (b) usually cannot be spotted by the buyer without special skills and instruments.

Since its inception, TEMPEST INC. has recognized the extra risks that are involved in building TEMPEST security products and in providing TEMPEST security engineering services. Our goal has been to eliminate these risks for our Department of Defense ( DoD ) and other customers as much as possible. We do this by using proprietary design and testing techniques, and by educating our customers about the risks and related issues.

Our TEMPEST security courses are available to anyone who meets the above criteria. We believe that our interests are ultimately best served by having knowledgeable customers and skilled, knowledgeable people in all parts of the TEMPEST security industry, even among our competitors.

For more information, click on COURSES. here or in our navigation bar.

Our course entitled "Fundamentals of TEMPEST Security" provides Department of Defense ( DoD,) military, government and industry executives with practical, essential information that is available nowhere else. "Fundamentals of TEMPEST Security" is only available to US citizens with verified security clearances and a verified need to know about TEMPEST security issues.

Our "TEMPEST Professionals' Certification Course" presents in a clear and easily understood form, the many details involved in preparing an adequate TEMPEST test plan and in properly performing a TEMPEST test. Although it is much more limited in scope, it is much more challenging than "Fundamentals of TEMPEST Security." It is also only available to US citizens with Department of Defense ( DoD ) verified security clearances and a verified need to know about TEMPEST security issues.

We occasionally hear from people who want to take both "Fundamentals of TEMPEST Security," and the "TEMPEST Professionals' Certification Course." We encourage this, but it is not for everyone. If you are serious about investing a good part of your future in the TEMPEST security industry, taking both courses may be right for you.

The TEMPEST Professionals' Certification Course will help you to get started in TEMPEST testing. It will help you excel in this job.

"Fundamentals of TEMPEST Security" will help you get promoted into management. Taking both courses will help to make you into the best and most valuable type of TEMPEST security manager: one who understands the business aspects and also possesses the practical knowledge that can only be gained by working in the laboratory. It is no exaggeration to say that an executive with this type of background can be literally worth his or her weight in gold. At current rates, this would be about two million dollars for a 200 lb. person. A medium sized firm can make that much from one, single, well-planned, well-led TEMPEST security project: one that concentrates on "Taking the risk out of TEMPEST security." tm.

This Mission Statement has been reviewed by US Department of Defense ( DoD )Certified Facility Security Officer and a Certified TEMPEST Professional, Level II. It contains no classified information and no unclassified National Security Information.

Copyright 2006, 2007, 2008 by TEMPEST INC. All Rights reserved.

If an engineer were to re-design the hair dryer so that it no longer produced electromagnetic interference, the problem would be solved. The hair dryer and the television set would now be compatible. This is known as "Electromagnetic Compatibility" (EMC.)

EMI and EMC are used interchangeably to refer to the technology of preventing and eliminating electromagnetic interference.

Other names for this technology include "Radio Frequency Interference " (RFI) and "Radio Interference." Amateur radio operators call it " QRM " and " QRN ."

Two other useful terms are "Emissions" and "Susceptibility." The radio signals that the hair dryer produces are its "emissions." The extent to which the television set malfunctions in the presence of these signals is called its "Susceptibility."

Many EMC standards require tests for both the Emissions that a device produces, and its Susceptibility to other emissions. In Europe, "Susceptibility" tests are called "Immunity" tests.

The field of electromagnetic compatibility now encompasses many sub-specialties. Some of these are:

* Electrostatic Discharge Control (ESD), the prevention of damage from the type of static electricity that you produce by walking across a carpet on a dry day.

* Radiation Hazards (RADHAZ), protection against injuries that can be caused by powerful radio transmitters.

*High Energy Radio Frequency (HERF) protection: Protection against electromagnetic interference that is intentionally caused by mischief-makers.

When you fill your car's gasoline tank, you may see a sign warning you to turn off your cell phone. This is because radio signals, like the ones produced by cell phones, have been known to cause sparks that can ignite gasoline fumes and cause a fire. The term "HERF" is also used to mean "Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel."

*Extremely Low Frequency ( ELF) signals, such as those produced by electrical power lines, have been accused of causing electromagnetic interference and even health problems. The study of ELF signals and their effects is also a part of the overall field of electromagnetic compatibility.

* Electromagnetically Shielded Enclosures are used to block unwanted radio signals from getting in or out. This general term is used to refer to enclosures that can be several stories tall, or small enough to fit on a printed circuit board.

* Shielded Enclosures that are approximately the size of a typical room or office are often called " shielded rooms, " or (in Canada) "Walk-in shielded enclosures" or "Faraday Cages " after the British scientist Michael Faraday who invented the first one, or "Screen Rooms" after the copper screening that was originally used to build them.

* Shielding Effectiveness Testing is the technology used to determine if a sheilded enclosure is working properly. It is also used to determine the effectiveness of different types of shielding materials.

For more information about shielding, see "THE SHIELDED ENCLOSURE HANDBOOK" and our unclassified COURSES. entitled:

SHIELDED ENCLOSURES

SHIELDING EFFECTIVENESS TESTING

CONSTRUCTION OF ELECTROMAGNETICALLY SHIELDED ENCLSOURES

* TEMPEST security can be considered a sub-specialty of electromagnetic compatibility. The word TEMPEST is not an acronym. It is just a short name, similar to the term "Apollo " in NASA's first manned moon landing Program.

Most information about TEMPEST security engineering is classified. This means that people who work in TEMPEST security engineering, including TEMPEST INC., are prohibited by the U.S. Government from discussing TEMPEST security matters with anyone who does not have:
a) a verified US security clearance, and
b) a need to know the TEMPEST security engineering information. Both must be verified by the US Government.

For this reason, please do not ask us anything about TEMPEST security matters unless we can verify in advance, through official US government channels, that you meet both of the above criteria. At TEMPEST INC. we are required to report all unusual or suspicious inquiries about TEMPEST security matters. We do this diligently and vigorously.

On the other hand, If you are in the Armed Forces of the United States, or if you are a United States government employee or US government contractor, if you meet the above requirements and you need to talk to an experienced TEMPEST engineer, call us. TEMPEST INC. will respond quickly and effectively.

TEMPEST INC. has a 22 year history of providing practical, timely solutions to a wide variety of TEMPEST security engineering problems.

Although these technologies are related, an expert in one area is not necessarily an expert in another. For example, a Certified TEMPEST Professional may or may not have much experience in fixing electromagnetic interference problems. Similarly, a Certified Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer may not know very much about TEMPEST security engineering. At TEMPEST INC. we have well-equipped facilities and proven expertise in both TEMPEST security and Electromagnetic Compatibility.

To learn more about Electromagnetic Compatibility, see our one-day course Introduction to Electromagnetic Compatibility" on our "Courses" page. This course is unclassified and open to all.

Copyright 2006, 2007, 2008 by TEMPEST INC. All rights reserved.

At TEMPEST INC. we receive many inquiries regarding products and services which employ the term " tempest " but are not related to TEMPEST security , which is our particular industry.

As a public service, and to dispel confusion regarding the term tempest, here are some typical uses. While many of these organizations that use the term " tempest " may provide valuable goods and services, they are not connected in any way with TEMPEST INC.:

Other uses of the term tempest : The term tempest is widely used in a variety of fields. We will try to provide clarifying information about some of them. Tempest can refer to:
A marketing firm called Tempest, Inc. that is not related to TEMPEST INC;
A helicopter parts firm called Tempest Aviation Group that is also not related to TEMPEST INC. , even though TEMPEST INC. makes special avionics that can be used in helicopters, and TEMPEST INC. has extensive experience performing TEMPEST tests and planning TEMPEST tests on helicopters specifically;
a tempest vacuum cleaner;
a tempest video game;
a shakespearian play called “ The tempest ;”
Books about the play " The Tempest " ;
a tempest firm that makes fire extinguishers;
an artist with the middle name of tempest ;
a 1982 film with Jon Cassavetes called tempest ;
a tempest lounge in Tacoma, Washington;
a tempest marketing firm called tempest ;
an athletic team called tempest ;
a celtic folk-rock band called tempest ;
a copyright 2010 by TEMPEST INC.;
a Finnish composer called tempest ;
a British band called tempest ;
a German band called tempest ;
a Christian band called tempest ;
a New Zealand band called tempest ;
a magician called tempest ;
an artist called tempest ;
an author with the middle name of tempest ;
a storm-chasing firm appropriately named tempest ;
an anti-bullying foundation called tempest ;
a science fiction author with the middle name of tempest ;
an internet services firm called tempest ;
a gas torch called the tempest.
a south african car rental firm called tempest car hire ;
a new home builder in Indiana called tempest homes ;
a WWII fighter plane called the hawker tempest ;
a classic car called the pontiac tempest ;
a down jacket called the tempest ;
a marketing firm called " tempest plus " ;
a Canadian restaurant called " tempest " ;
a sealed lead-acid battery named " tempest " ;
a breed of dogs called tempest terriers ;

USEFUL LINKS USING THE TERM "TEMPEST ":
The marketing firm called Tempest, Inc. that is not related to TEMPEST INC has this web site:
http://www.tempestmktkg.com
The helicopter parts firm called Tempest Aviation Group that is also not related to TEMPEST INC., has this web site:
http://www.tempestaero.com
The south african car rental firm called tempest car hire has the following web site:
http://www.tempestcarhire.co.za
The new home builder in Indiana called tempest homes has the following web site:
http://www.tempesthomes.com
The hawker tempest aircraft has the following web site:
http://www.hawkertempest.se
The classic car called the pontiac tempest has this site:
http://www.americandreamcars.com/1963tempest.htm
The tempest jacket can be bought here:
http://www.shopzilla.com/clothing-accessories/tempest+down+jacket/10000000/search
Books about the play " The Tempest " are sold here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=the+tempest&tag=mh0b-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=55535937&ref=pd_sl_97uxmiv4sq_e
The Canadian restaurant called " tempest " has this web site:
http://www.tempest.ca
A web site for the marketing firm called " tempest plus " is here:
http://www.tempestplus.com
The battery named " tempest " has this web site:
http://www.tempestbatteries.com
The tempest terrier dogs have this web site:
http://www.tempest-terriers.com

Tempest can be capitalized and tempest can be written normally.

General information about the tempest arcade game:

The tempest arcade game is made by Atari. Regarding the tempest arcade game, a search on tempest reveals that tempest was developed by Atari Inc. tempest was designed by Dave Theurer. tempest runs on arcade platforms, tempest was released in 1980. The tempest arcade game is of the genres called Tube shooters. tempest takes up to 2 tempest game players. The tempest game players can take alternating turns. tempest can be played on a standard cabinet. tempest can be played on cabaret cabinet as a third option, tempest can be played on a table form. tempest is Displayed in a Vertical orientation. tempest is displayed in color.

The tempest arcade game was not only designed by MR Theurer. tempest was also programmed by him. tempest was released around October, 1981. Copyright 2010 by tempest INC. tempest became popular. tempest had port of the tempest games and tempest had sequels. tempest was the first video game with selectable difficulty. tempest is a shooting Copyright 2010 by tempest INC. game. In tempest the environment is 3-dimensional.

In tempest the object of tempest is to survive as long as possible. tempest game players score points by clearing tempest enemies that land in the tempest playing field. The game tempest can take place in a tube. . tempest can also be in a field. The tempest field is divided into tempest segments . The tempest game player uses a tempest space game’s ship . The tempest ship crawls along the tempest field, moving from tempest segment to tempest segment. The tempest game’s tempest ship shoots destroying tempest enemies within the tempest segment. The tempest game’s ship has a tempest super-zapper. tempest super-zapper destroys tempest enemies on the tempest field.

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Facts about the Tempest folk-rock band:

The Tempest folk-rock band was formed in 1988. Tempest provides high-energy folk rock music. The Tempest folk-rock band is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Tempest band has released twelve critically acclaimed CDs. Tempest has played more than 2,000 gigs. The Tempest folk-rock band has evolved with each new member of the band.

Members of The Tempest folk-rock band:


The founding member of The Tempest folk-rock band is Lief Sorbye.
The The Tempest folk-rock band’s original fiddler is Michael Mullen.
Bassist Damien Gonzalez of The Tempest folk-rock band is also an accomplished drummer.
Guitarist James Crocker of The Tempest folk-rock band combines folk with rock.
Drummer Adolfo Lazo is an original Tempest member.

Tempest's releases are acclaimed worldwide. The Tempest folk-rock band's CDs include both original and traditional material. The Tempest band regularly plays at festivals. The Tempest band plays at American Celtic festivals. The Tempest folk-rock band hosts its own annual festival. For more information about The Tempest folk-rock band see their web site at http://www.tempestmusic.com