MIL-STD-461 RS101 Radiated Susceptibility EMC Lab 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 tailors 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. Lastly, our accurate test reports are delivered quickly using our “four-eyes” approach. Meaning that multiple engineers and technicians review each report, ensuring that all the information required is present.
Request a quote to receive expert MIL-STD-461 testing services tailored to your specific needs. Contact us to discuss your product and how we can assist you in achieving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test lab certifications.
Summary of RS101 Radiated Susceptibility (Immunity) MIL-461 Compliance Testing
The MIL-STD-461 EMC compliance test is applicable from 30 Hz to 100 kHz. This is only applicable for equipment and subsystem enclosures, including electrical cable interfaces. The MIL-461 standard is not relevant for electromagnetic coupling via antennas.
For Army and Navy ground equipment, the MIL standard is only used for vehicles having a minesweeping or mine detection capability. This standard is only applicable to Navy and submarine equipment and subsystems that have an operating frequency of 100 kHz or less. It also does not include equipment with an operating sensitivity of 1 μV or better.
For Navy aircraft, the military standard is related only to specific equipment. This equipment must be installed on anti-submarine warfare equipment capable aircraft, and external equipment on aircraft that are capable of being launched by electromagnetic launch systems.
Scope of Unintentional Radiator MIL-461 Compliance Equipment
The equipment under testing (EUT) can not exhibit any malfunction or degradation of performance in any way. The EUT can not deviate from specified indications when subjected to specific magnetic fields.
Data is reported as follows:
- Tabular data showing verification of the calibration of the Helmholtz coils
- Tabular data, diagrams, or photographs showing the applicable test frequencies and locations determined.
- Graphical or tabular data showing frequencies and threshold levels of susceptibility.
MIL-STD-461 Test Method for Radiated Susceptibility Testing Procedure
The MIL-STD 461 Immunity/Susceptibility EMC test is used to verify the ability of the EUT to withstand radiated magnetic fields. Procedures for this RS101 test are as follows:
- First, the EMC immunity test is set up to maintain a basic setup and calibration level. The measurement equipment, radiating loop, and loop sensor are all configured accordingly.
- Next, the MIL-461 test measurement equipment is turned on and allowed sufficient time for stabilization.
- After stabilization, the EMC test is calibrated. This is done by setting the signal source to a frequency of 1 kHz and adjusting the output to provide a magnetic flux density of 110 dB above one picotesla. The voltage output is measured and verified so that the receiver B is within 3 dB of the expected value based on the antenna factor.
- The equipment under testing (EUT) must be stabilized. The loop sensor must be 5 cm from the EUT face or electrical interface being probed. The plane of the loop sensor is then oriented parallel to the axis of connectors. Following this, the applicable frequency range is scanned. If susceptibility is noticed, three or more test frequencies per octave are selected.
- The loops are repositioned to detect optimal locations and frequencies of interference.
- At each frequency range, a current is applied to the radiating loop that corresponds to the applicable limit.
- Lastly, a portion of these steps are repeated and data is taken from test engineers noting the frequencies and relevant data.
Keystone Compliance Offers MIL-STD-461 EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory Compliance Testing
Keystone Compliance strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. Our team can accommodate fixed, mobile and portable devices of all sizes. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling.
If you are ready to start your RS101 MIL-STD-461 testing, please request a quote. Have a question about our MIL-STD 461 lab or radiated susceptibility/immunity 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: