EMC/ESD protection in composites

Aside from the obvious harsh environmental effects, EMC and ESD are probably the most effective killers of electronics modules in cars. For both radiation of, and susceptibility to EMC and protection against ESD, behaviour of metal bodied vehicles is now well known. The increasing use of composites in vehicle bodies and existence of totally composite construction prototypes, presents a rather different picture, adding up to a step into the unknown, especially in light of tougher EMC requirement product liability etc. The author gives an overview of the various techniques offered to the manufacturers of composite vehicles for EMC/ESD protection-included in the composite-and comments on their effectiveness