Electromagnetic pulse

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP), also sometimes called a transient disturbance, is a short burst of electromagnetic energy. It may occur in the form of a radiated, electric or magnetic field or conducted electrical current depending on the source. Electromagnetic pulse is commonly abbreviated EMP, pronounced by saying the letters separately (E-M-P). EMP is generally damaging to electronic equipment, and its management is an important branch of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineering. At higher energy levels, an EMP event such as a lightning strike can cause more widespread damage to aircraft structures and other objects.

The damaging effects of high-energy EMP have been used to create EMP weapons, both nuclear and non-nuclear. These weapons have gained traction in the war against and between Transformers.