A draft of Revision G of MIL-STD-461 has not been released yet, but MET Labs  has obtained information about proposed changes to the Military EMC test.  As covered in this previous post, one of the primary changes is the incorporation of indirect lightning testing heavily leveraged off of Section 22 of RTCA/DO-160G.  There is no lightning requirement in MIL-STD-461F, which was released in 2007.

There is one test that is very likely to be added to MIL-STD-461G: CS117

There are two additional tests that are being considered, but are much less likely to be included: RS106 & RS108

Information about the CS117 test:

  • Derived from DO-160 Section 22 lightning induced transient susceptibility
  • Includes Multiple Burst/Single Stroke same as DO-160
  • Idea is not to change waveforms; services (Army, Navy, Air Force) would need to control the application
  • Cable injection only – no pin injection testing
  • Limited applicability (aircraft electronics) based upon specific program contact call out

Information about the RS106 test:

  • Similar to RS105 (EMP free field test for equipment)
  • Limited applicability – mainly for external stores (missiles, pods, ground equipment, etc.)

Information about the RS108 test:

  • Similar to RTCA/DO-160 Section 23 Lightning Direct Effects
  • Limited applicability (antennas or other external located items) based upon specific program contact call out

The rollout of MIL-STD-461G is currently scheduled for an initial draft in June 2013, a final draft in September 2013, and release in Fall 2014.

Want to know more about upcoming changes to MIL-STD-461?  Consider attending one of these events:

In two days, MET is hosting a MIL-STD Testing Seminar in Santa Clara, California.

Next week, attend this Lightning Testing Webinar.

In August, Pittsburgh is hosting the EMC Symposium, where MET Labs is exhibiting in booth #1024.

Or contact us with questions or a quote request.

4 Comments on Military EMC Testing Standard MIL-STD-461G is Coming

  1. Piyush Piyush

    Does a instrument operating on 3V lithium coin cell needs following DO-160 TESTS:
    Section 20.4 – RF Susceptibility, Conducted
    Section 20.5 – RF Susceptibility, Radiated
    Section 21.3 – RF Emissions, Conducted
    Section 21.4 – RF Emissions, Radiated

    If yes than, how can I apply for above mention tests?

    • admin admin

      If an electronic device is powered by internal battery only and there is no provision for charging the battery while it is installed in the device, the conducted emissions and conducted immunity tests are not applicable. The radiated tests could still be performed. MET can quote the applicable tests for you. We would just need you to complete our Request for Quotation (RFQ) form: https://metlabs.com/Quote-Center.aspx

  2. Piyush Piyush

    May I know what does Category M & S means of DO-160 test?

    • admin admin

      Per DO-160G section 2.8 Category of Tests and Declarations, For each environmental condition addressed in this document, the equipment supplier should select, from the categories defined within the particular sections, a category which best represents the most severe environment which the equipment is expected to be regularly exposed to during its service life.

      In section 20, the categories designate the RF test levels and establish the EUT minimum RF immunity level. Category M, among other categories in section 20, provides test levels which directly relate to the high intensity radiated field (HIRF) external field environments for systems with highest criticality as specified in the HIRF regulations. Category S provides a minimum test level where aircraft effects from the external electromagnetic environment are minor and where interference free operation on the aircraft is desirable but not required. This category may also be representative of the internal EMI environment from aircraft equipment.

      In section 21, category M is defined for equipment and interconnected wiring located in areas where apertures are electro-magnetically significant and not directly in view of radio receiver’s antenna. This category may be suitable for equipment and associated interconnecting wiring located in the passenger cabin or in the cockpit of a transport aircraft. Category S is not used in section 21.

      MET recommends that any equipment supplier intending to sell parts for use on US aircraft should purchase DO-160, fully read it, and understand it. There are responsibilities for the supplier and responsibilities for the test lab. A successful test program requires both parties to have staff involved who have a thorough understanding of DO-160.

Comments are closed.

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