What Is Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)?

Radio frequency interference is like a bad neighbor: it's loud, annoying, and keeps you up all night. Do you know that feeling when your neighbor decides to get a puppy? You're trying to sleep, but you hear the incessant barking of a tiny dog that can't stop howling. It can be incredibly frustrating—especially if you're trying to sleep. Radiofrequency interference (RFI) is like that—except instead of a dog, it's an electronic device causing the noise. It disrupts the normal functioning of your device by transmitting radio waves or electromagnetic fields into its circuitry. Luckily, there are ways to combat RFI! If you're experiencing this problem in your home or office, we recommend taking measures to prevent any unnecessary disruption of your electronics. There are different ways by which an electronic device emits radio frequency intrusion: radiated radio frequency interference and conducted radio frequency interference. In the former case, the interference is cast into the environment from the device itself; in the latter case, it is released into an AC power line through the power cord of a component or appliance. In any case of satellite communications, radio frequency intrusion can happen naturally and intentionally. Different forms of space weather—including solar storms—can cause a natural radio frequency interference and an intentional one, which may come from manufactured sources like military satellites or spy satellites! Radio frequency interference is a problem. It can cause issues with your phone, TV, and computers. If you're an airplane pilot? Well, then it's a big problem for you. Safety agencies and many government bodies have norms concerning radio frequency interference and noise emissions. They also have standards and regulations relating to radio frequency communications. Now, there's a good reason for this: it's not just a matter of convenience or comfort—it's a matter of safety! If pilots cannot communicate with each other during flights because of interference from other devices in the area, we're all in trouble. So don't be a bad pilot—keep your radios off when they're unnecessary!