Electromagnetic Pulse

An Electromagnetic Pulse, or EMP, is a burst of electromagnetic radiation that results from an explosion (usually from the detonation of a nuclear weapon) and/or a suddenly fluctuating magnetic field. The resulting rapidly changing electric fields or magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges.

EMPs are most prominently featured in Battlefield 2142.

Battlefield 2142
In the 22nd century, man relies on technology more than ever before, which has also altered the face of warfare. In order to combat high tech weaponry, the use of EMP devices has become invaluble.

By the outbreak of The Cold War, numerous EMP devices existed that helped to change the outcome of conflicts. Both the EU and PAC have EMP equiped weaponry mounted on satalite weapon platforms in the atmosphere that, with just two rounds, can disable any electronic device or vehicle in the vicinity until the device/vehicle can activate its 'fail-safe', which have been implemented in the face of EMP warfare.

EMP weapons in Battlefield 2142 cause a number of effects on target electronics/vehicles. Upon the release of the EMP, any nearby vehicle will become instantly disabled. This causes the vehicle to activate a form of 'fail-safe' that allows the vehicle to reactive (how this works is not known). The fail-safe does not come into play for about 2-3 seconds. At first, the vehicle will regain control of acceleration and direction (in the case of Tanks, APCs and Battle Walkers) and after another 2-3 seconds turret/upper section traversel will be re-engaged. Throughout this, and for several seconds afterwards, the HUD of the vehicle will distort and flash. All of these effects leave the vehicle unable to engage any enemies effectivly for almost 10 seconds, giving the enemy a breif upperhand. Continued use of EMP devices on the vehicle are also used to render it 'disabled' and force the driver out, allowing the enemy to engage and kill him. This method also allows the enemy to steal the vehicle once the effect of the EMP has worn off.

EMPs can also be effective, to an extent, against infantry. All infantry are equiped with NetBat Helmets that use electronic visors to aid the soldier in his vision and combat awareness. This HUD becomes distorted and blurry when subjected to an EMP, giving enemy infantry and armour the upper hand against the affected.