Agreed, Eldredge. I'm sure flight systems are already very protected against EMI, but nothing can be fully resistant to EMI. Also, it would be very difficult to test every type of product that emits EMI to see the frequencies and levels that it emits. I don't think there is anything more that can be done on the aircraft side of things.
True. Designing devices that are protected from EMI interference is as much art as it is science. Designing an entire flight control system that is fully protected from EMI is even more difficult. To further complicate matters, while lab testing can be pretty extensive, it is very difficult to replicate all of the real-life aspects on the installed system.
That is the dilemma - how is a flight attendant supposed to tell one passenger that his/her device is OK, and the passenger in the next seat has to turn their device off?
@Barbara: It is not about being old fashioned it has more to do with being confined to ourselves instead of hearing other peoples thoughts. I can imagine what you must have gone through during that flight.
I think people tend to become over excited when they need to complain about faulty service. However, I feel that one should always consider speaking softly in public places so as to keep the discussion to your own self.
@syed: even if cellphones don't represent a problem, the idea of sharing the tight confines of an airplane with a bunch of cell-phone talkers is enough to put me off travel forever! As soon as the plane lands, everybody's cell flips on and you are treated to everything to "I love you"s to "Cancel the meeting, I'm late!" and everyhting in between. On my last trip, someone was reaming a hotel car service person because the car hadn't shown up yet, but the woman was still in baggage claim. After the tirade, she called everyone she knew to complain about the car service. It's one thing to be in a phone booth (remember those?) and overhear a conversation; it's another thing to be privy to conversations wherever you go. I guess I am really old fashioned, but I just don't think everything needs to be shared.
@Barbara: I couldn't agree more. I find the time on flights to be relaxing and I feel we should sometimes get away from the dependancy on cellphones. It is just for a few hours and one can ponder over other things in life during that time.
Above all even if we do not have the facts to prove that cellphones cause problems during takeoff and landings. I prefer to keep them shut off, as I think personal safety is more important than a call or a sms.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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