MIL-STD-461 Testing

The MIL STD 461 testing standard addresses electromagnetic interference (EMI) by analyzing the emissions of an electronic device and the susceptibility of a device to outside electromagnetic interference. The MIL-STD-461 test procedures define the test levels and test limits of electronic equipment used by the US military. The first version of MIL-STD 461 was published in 1967 and the most current requirement is MIL-STD-461G testing. A detailed listing of the various versions of the standard from the original MIL STD 461 to MIL STD 461G are included at the bottom of this page.

A MIL-STD-461 test lab such as Keystone Compliance is needed to determine whether a manufactured device requires compliance. By and large, if the product is electronic, electrical, and electromechanical equipment and subsystems designed or procured for use by activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (DoD), then it will be required to undergo MIL STD 461 compliance testing.

MIL-461 tests are best suited for items that have the following features: electronic enclosures that are no larger than an equipment rack, electrical interconnections that are discrete wiring harnesses between enclosures, and electrical power input derived from prime power sources.

Expert MIL-STD Regulatory Compliance Lab Testing

Keystone Compliance has developed a strong reputation as one of the leading MIL-STD-461 testing labs in the country. With five EMC chambers, including three three-meter chambers with oversized doors, short lead times on scheduling are almost always available. Keystone’s engineering team takes great pride in thoroughly understanding the 461 test requirements and being able to apply that knowledge to benefit customers who are experiencing compliance challenges with their devices.

Our philosophy is to help each and every customer identify ways of meeting the requirements of the test standard. We are not a lab that simply says “pass” or “fail”. We are a lab that offers valuable engineering assistance throughout the entire MIL STD 461 test program.

This partnership approach has helped make Keystone Compliance one of the fastest-growing labs in the industry. Contact us to start a partnership to the best MIL-STD-461 test laboratory in the country.

Included below is a list of some of the specific test requirements in the standard as well as a list of the various versions of MIL-461. Please follow the links for more detailed standard 461 testing.

MIL-STD-461 Tests:

• CE101: Conducted Emissions, audio frequency currents, power leads.
• CE102: Conducted Emissions, radio frequency potential, power leads.
• CE106: Conducted Emissions, antenna port.
• CS101: Conducted Susceptibility, power leads.
• CS103: Conducted Susceptibility, antenna port, intermodulation.
• CS104: Conducted Susceptibility, antenna port, rejection of undesired signals.
• CS105: Conducted Susceptibility, antenna port, cross modulation.
• CS109: Conducted Susceptibility, structure current.
• CS114: Conducted Susceptibility, bulk cable injection.
• CS115: Conducted Susceptibility, bulk cable injection, impulse excitation.
• CS116: Conducted Susceptibility, damped sinusoid transients, cables and power leads.
• CS117: Conducted Susceptibility, lightning transients, cables and power leads.
• CS118: Personnel Borne Electrostatic Discharge.
• RE101: Radiated Emissions, magnetic field.
• RE102: Radiated Emissions, electric field.
• RE103: Radiated Emissions, antenna spurious and harmonic outputs.
• RS101: Radiated Susceptibility, magnetic fields.
• RS103: Radiated Susceptibility, electric field.
• RS105: Radiated Susceptibility, transient, electromagnetic field.

MIL STD 461 Test Standard Versions:

• Version (Release):
•  MIL-STD-461 (July 1967)
•  MIL-STD-461A (August 1968)
•  MIL-STD-461B (April 1980)
•  MIL-STD-461C (August 1986)
•  MIL-STD-461D (January 1993)
•  MIL-STD-461E (August 1999)
•  MIL-STD-461F (December 2007)
•  MIL-STD-461G (December 2015)