New MIL-STD-461G Draft for Military EMI Control Is Released

After a long wait, the draft of MIL-STD-461G has been published.  MIL-STD-461 is the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) primary standard for the control of electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics of subsystems and equipment.  Draft G was prepared by a committee consisting of representatives of the Army, Air Force, Navy, other DoD agencies, and industry.

MET Labs combed through -461G line by line.  Changes range from simple (a “MIL-STD-451G” typo on the cover that will surely be corrected) to complex (new lightning and ESD test methods).

Following are the most significant updates from MIL-STD-461F (the most recent current version):

4.3.8.6.1 Interconnecting leads and cables: clarification added. In particular, for free standing EUTs, a table is now included for routing cables.
Figure 4 (Free Standing EUT in Shielded Enclosure) and Figure 5 (Free Standing EUT on Ground Plane): Cables placed on table with ground plane.
5.11 of 461F, CS106, removed.  From this point forward, the section numbers will no longer match between 461F and 461G.

5.12.3.3 Setup (CS114): clarification added that monitor probe is placed around a second fixture and terminated with 50Ω.

5.15 CS117, Conducted Susceptibility, Lightning Induced Transients, Cables and Power Leads: This is a new test method, which is based on RTCA DO-160 Sec. 22 Lightning Induced Transient Susceptibility.

5.16 CS118, Personnel Borne Electrostatic Discharge: This is a new test method, which is based on IEC 61000-4-2 ESD.

5.18.1 RE102 Applicability: Note restricting upper frequency range of test based on highest intentionally generated frequency within the EUT is removed. (All tests performed up to 18GHz.)

5.18.3.3 C. (2) (b) 2. For free standing EUT, antenna heights shall be determined as described in 3.18.3.3.c.(2).(c).2 and 3.

3.18.3.3.c.(2).(c).2 and 3: changed word “width” to “area”.  This will result in additional test positions for all EUTs with a height greater than the smallest part of the antenna beam width curve.

5.21.3.3 e. EUT Testing (RS103): word “width” changed to “area”.  This will result in additional test positions for all EUTs with a height greater than the smallest part of the antenna beam width curve.

Note: This draft, dated March 2, 2015, has not been approved and is subject to modification.

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