How to protect electronics from an Electromagnetic pulse?

What measures can be taken to protect yourself from a E1 electromagnetic pulse?

• The actual pulse, not the aftermath (no survival tactics please...)

• Answer:

  In the case of EMP generated from a high altitude nuclear detonation, Compton Scattering resulting from the release of gamma radiation associated with the nuclear detonation " knocks" electrons from atoms in the upper atmosphere. These electrons are the accelerated by the earth's magnetic field and in turn produce electromagnetic radiation in the form of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP). The generated pulse has 3 major components. The first component labeled as E1 has a rapid rise time (less than 10 nanoseconds); the second component, labeled E2 resembles a lightning pulse with rise times in the microsecond range with duration from 10 microsecond to a few seconds; and the third component labeled E3 has a duration which can range from seconds to minutes and is similar in nature to what would be found during a geomagnetic storm The potential threat and massive consequences of a high elevation nuclear detonation in terms of it's generation of widespread electromagnetic radiation has been documented by the 2008 EMP Congressional Report (see link below). Today's massive electrical infrastructure makes extensive use of high circuit density integrated circuit technology and is vulnerable to extensive failure from large and fast electric field transients generated as a result of a high altitude nuclear blast. In addition,  high voltage transformers are also vulnerable since the high elevation blast produces large currents similar to those in a geomagnetic disturbances. A well executed detonation would have catastrophic effects on the electrical grid and our ability to function in a modern society.The Commision outlined an approach for mitigating these effects. Currently, there is a House of Representstives sponsored bill (HR 668), which focuses on protecting the electrical grid infrastructure from major electromagnetic transients. Protection against the fast E1 pulse is accomplished by extensive shielding using a Faraday Cage (see link below) of the equipment requiring protection, and the minimization of elements which can act like antennas in coupling the electromagnetic radiation. In addition, equipment built with sensitive ICs connected to the electrical grid needs protection using fast over-voltage non-linear electronic shunts. Examples of such devices include varactors and plasma discharge tubes (see link below). http://www.empactamerica.org/EMP-Commission_Final-Report.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunt_(electrical)