MIL-STD-461 RE102 Radiated Emissions Electric Field Testing
As a leader in EMC regulatory compliance testing, Keystone Compliance assists electronic equipment manufacturers with MIL-STD 461 EMC testing. Meeting the IEC, EN, and other MIL-STD-461 testing requirements can be challenging. Not only do we understand the challenges, but we help guide companies through the process.
Keystone Compliance has a reputation for helping customers achieve their MIL-STD-461 product certifications. Additionally, we are in constant communication throughout the entire test process. We tailor each test plan to individual customer needs minimizing unnecessary costs and over-testing. From concept through compliance, Keystone meets all of our customer’s needs under one roof.
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Summary of RE102 Radiated Emissions Unintentional Radiator Testing
MIL-STD 461 EMC testing standard RE102 refers to radiated emissions from equipment and subsystem enclosures, and all interconnecting cables. This standard military testing requirement does not apply to permanently mounted antennas. This EMC MIL-461 test applies as follows:
- Ground 2 MHz to 18 GHz
- Ships, surface 10 kHz to 18 GHz
- Submarines 10 kHz to 18 GHz
- Aircraft (Army and Navy) 10 kHz to 18 GHz
- Aircraft (Air Force) 2 MHz to 18 GHz
- Space 10 kHz to 18 GHz
The MIL-STD 461 compliance test procedure is specifically designed to verify that electric field emissions from the equipment under testing and its associated cabling do not exceed specified requirements.
Test equipment for MIL-STD 461 RE102 electromagnetic compatibility testing includes equipment such as: Measurement receivers, antennas ranging from 10 kHz to 18 GHz, signal generators, stub radiators, and much more.
Scope of the MIL-461 Compliance Testing of Radiated Emissions
The EMC data is presented as follows:
- Plot amplitude versus frequency profiles. Manually gathered data is not acceptable except for plot verification. Vertical and horizontal data for a particular frequency range are presented on separate plots or clearly distinguishable in black or white format for a common plot.
- The applicable limit on each plot.
- A minimum frequency resolution of 1% or twice the measurement receiver bandwidth, whichever is less stringent, and a minimum amplitude resolution of 1 dB for each plot.
- Plots for both the measurement and system check portions of the procedure.
- A statement verifying the electrical continuity of the measurement antennas
MIL-STD-461 Test Method RE102 EMC Testing Procedures
Above 30 MHz, the limits are met for both horizontal and vertical polarized fields.
The EMC military standard 461 RE102 testing procedures are conducted as follows:
- Ambient requirements must be verified and met. Plots are taken when required.
- The measurement equipment is turned on and allowed sufficient time for stabilization.
- Using the system check path, an evaluation of the overall measurement system from the coaxial cable end used at each antenna is performed. For rod antennas that use passive matching networks, the evaluation is performed at the center frequency of each band. System check path verification is performed near the upper end of the affected frequency band. If readings are obtained that deviate by more than three dB, the source of the error is located and must be corrected.
- An evaluation for each antenna to demonstrate that there is electrical continuity through the antenna is conducted. This is done by visually inspecting each antenna for damage.
- After, each EUT is turned on and allowed sufficient time for stabilization.
- Using the measurement path, the radiated emissions are finally determined from the EUT and its associated cabling. Lastly, measurements are taken for each antenna position.
Keystone Compliance Provides Expert Military and EMC Lab Compliance Testing
Keystone Compliance strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. Our team can accommodate fixed, mobile and portable devices of all sizes.
Complete our request a quote form to get a jump start on the conversation. Have a question about electromagnetic compatibility lab testing? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.
For more information on general MIL-461 compliance and test standards, please visit the links below: