The Requirement: When MIL-STD-461 revision “G” was issued, I believed that the answer to many of my measurement equipment calibration issues had been solved. Right there in the “Calibration of measuring equipment” paragraph the requirements clearly stated: After the initial calibration passive devices such as measurement system antennas, current probes, and LISNs, require no … [Read more...]
About the Author
Steve Ferguson
Steven G. Ferguson is principal consultant at Compliance Direction, LLC. Steve has over forty years of experience in testing and device evaluation. He has instructed in the area of testing methods for the past twenty years, focusing on electromagnetic compatibility, product safety and environmental test methods. His comprehensive knowledge of MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD 704/1275/1399 and CE Marking requirements for commercial and industrial equipment provides the ability to discuss the many aspects associated with regulatory compliance. With a background operating test laboratories and manufacturing companies designing products, developing test procedures and performing tests, he has the experience to address a wide variety of regulatory compliance topics. He presents various courses on EMI/EMC compliance including EMC for Nuclear Power Facilities, Architectural Shielding and MIL-STD-461 testing presented on-line and at customer facilities. Steve is a iNARTE Certified EMC Engineer. Contact information: www.compliancedirection.com [email protected] (240) 401-7177 5753 Hwy 85 N; #4312 Crestview, FL 32536 Topics: a. MIL-STD 464/MIL-STD-461 testing b. Electrical Safety Evaluation c. CE Marking topics (EMC, Safety, RoHS)
Review of Induced Signal Susceptibility Testing—DO-160 Section 19
The Issue Induced signal susceptibility has been a factor in electronic equipment performance since the dawning of voltage and current. Often referred to as crosstalk, the undesired coupling of one circuit’s signals to another may result in interference that degrades the integrity of either signal. This article examines the testing process prescribed by RTCA DO-160 Section … [Read more...]
Review of Bonding and Grounding Requirements
The Question What is the required bonding and grounding requirements to achieve compliance with the various electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards associated with electronic equipment? I received this question a few days ago and quickly realized that a quick and easy answer was not feasible since I virtually had no knowledge of what kind of equipment types were … [Read more...]
Review of Magnetic Effects Testing—DO-160 Section 15
The Issue From the beginning of aviation, knowledge of the aircraft direction during flight has been critical to locating destinations. The magnetic compass was used for centuries in shipping, and naturally, it was adopted for aircraft use. Without visible signposts or landmarks, direction relies on the compass to provide the necessary information. The compass aligns with the … [Read more...]
Review of MIL-STD-1275 Requirements
Introduction This may seem disassociated from the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) theme of this publication but issues dealing with power quality and the qualification testing has a direct link to EMC. Frequently the EMC engineers and technicians are tasked taking care of the power quality, so I believe that reviews of these standards are appropriate. MIL-STD-1275 deals … [Read more...]
Review of Space Applications EMC Requirements
The Contract Having been a long-time manufacturer of oxygen concentrator equipment, when I saw an opportunity to bid on a job to provide an oxygen concentrator system (OCS) for a satellite project I jumped at the chance. The specifications were normal for this type of system and of course electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements were included. Having experience with … [Read more...]
Review of MIL-STD-1399-300-1 Requirements
Introduction The electrical power system of a ship functions like a city’s electrical grid from the power generation to medium voltage distribution to the low voltage networks located in various sections of the ship’s structure. It only makes sense to treat the power system like a city’s power system, after all larger vessels include services that a city would … [Read more...]
Review of MIL-STD 704 Requirements
Introduction This article discusses the power quality test and evaluation with a review of MIL-STD-704 and the relationship with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). MIL-STD-704 deals with aircraft electric power characteristics, and provides the standard to ensure compatibility between the aircraft power system (including external power) and the utilization … [Read more...]
MIL-STD-461 CS101 Test Method Review
MIL-STD-461 CS101 Test Method Review Authored By: Soydan Cakir, TUBITAK UME, [email protected] Steve Ferguson, Compliance Direction LLC, [email protected] Osman Sen, TUBITAK UME, [email protected] Murat Celep, TUBITAK UME, [email protected] 1. Introduction Discussions with various members of the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) … [Read more...]
Review of MIL-STD-464 Requirements
Introduction My reviews have covered MIL-STD-461 over the past few months so it’s time to step up to the system requirements. We realize that the MIL-STD-461 requirements apply to equipment items and subsystems as stated in MIL-STD-464. Revision “C” is the current edition, but a review is a little overdue. In this review, the discussion will focus on the various requirements … [Read more...]
