Abstract: System generated electromagnetic pulse (SGEMP) is a secondary radiation effect produced by X-ray and gamma rays, which excites transient electromagnetic field and current around electronic systems and then causes damage to components and system failure. Since 1970s, researchers have done a lot of research on the generation mechanism and effect characteristics of SGEMP, and formed a series of analysis methods and specialized numerical simulation codes. However, due to the complexity of the physical process involved in SGEMP, it is still difficult to realize the quantitative analysis of its damage, which has become a short board problem in the field of radiation reinforcement. In this paper, the basic physical process and classification of SGEMP are summarized. According to different types (external, internal, cable and box IEMP), the theoretical research progress of SGEMP at home and abroad is introduced from the aspects of modeling methods, functions and characteristics of specialized numerical simulation codes. The results show that the technical route used in numerical simulation at home and abroad is clear except box IEMP. The simulation capability developed in China can basically be used to realize autonomous. However, in the future, it is necessary to further strengthen the integration of specialized simulation codes and model verification, so as to better apply it to the evaluation of the damage of SGEMP to actual electronic systems.