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Standard Overview Products Used in Testing Related Compliance Standards

Standard Overview

MIL-STD-461G RS103 is used to verify the ability of the EUT and associated cabling to withstand electric fields. MIL-STD-461G RS103 is applicable for equipment and subsystem enclosures and all interconnecting cables. MIL-STD-461G RS103 is applicable as follows:
 
Frequency Range Applicability
2 MHz to 30 MHz Army, Navy and optional for all others
30 MHz to 18 GHz All
18 GHz to 40 GHz Optional for all

 

Test Equipment

  • Signal Generator – Creates signals and modulations for the amplifier.
  • Power Amplifier – Takes signal, amplifies it sometimes greater than 1,000,000 times original power (0dbm going into 1000 W).
  • Low Loss Cables – Interconnect all coax equipment after the amplifier.
  • Dual Directional Coupler – Couples off-nominal values of forward and reverse power (typically by 40 dB or 50 dB).
  • Power Sensors – Measures coupled power from dual directional coupler for monitoring (may need attenuator between the forward coupled port and power sensor to avoid damage).
  • Power Meter – Dual channel, displays power sensor reading in dBm or Watts.
  • Tripod – Holds up the radiating antenna, non-metallic.
  • Radiating Antenna – Transducer which emits RF power into space from the signal source.
  • Electric Field Probe – Measures e-field strength (V/m) on X, Y, Z axes, and composite and returns data via fiber cable.
  • Fiber Optic Communication Link – Non-conductive communication link between field probe and probe interface.
  • Probe Interface – Provides both power and communication to the e-field probe.
 

Procedures

The test procedures shall be as follows:
  • a. Turn on the measurement equipment and EUT and allow sufficient time for stabilization.
  • b. Assess the test area for potential RF hazards and take necessary precautionary steps to assure the safety of test personnel. 
  • c. EUT testing:
    • (1) Perform testing over the required frequency range with the transmit antenna vertically polarized:
      • (a) Set the signal source to 1 kHz pulse modulation, 50% duty cycle. Verify that the modulation is present on the drive signal for each signal generator/modulation source combination. Ensure that the modulation frequency, waveform, and depth (40 dB minimum from peak to baseline) are correct. Using appropriate amplifier and transmit antenna, establish an electric field at the test start frequency. Gradually increase the electric field level until it reaches the applicable limit.
      • (b) Scan the required frequency ranges in accordance with the rates and durations specified in Table III. Maintain field strength levels in accordance with the applicable limit. Monitor EUT performance for susceptibility effects.
      • (c) Ensure that the E-field sensor is indicating the field from the fundamental frequency and not from the harmonics.
    • (2) If susceptibility is noted, determine the threshold level in accordance with 4.3.10.4.3.
    • (3) Repeat the testing above 30 MHz with the transmit antenna horizontally polarized.
    • (4) Repeat 5.21.3.4c for each transmit antenna position required by 5.21.3.3c.

Test Setup

Radiated Immunity Test Setup
 
Frequency Amplifier Antenna DUT Placement Max DUT Dimension/Size at Specified Ant. Dist. (m)
10 kHz – 25 MHz 5000 W 10 kHz – 30 MHz Between Elements ≤ 0.90 x 2.10 x 2.90
10 kHz – 30 MHz 150 W 10 kHz – 30 MHz Between Elements ≤ 0.80 x 0.50 x 0.50
10 kHz – 100 MHz 500 W 10 kHz – 100 MHz Between Elements ≤ 0.36 x 0.46 x 0.36
30 MHz – 220 MHz 5000 W 25 – 1000 MHz Dependent on Shielded Enclosure Parameters
30 MHz – 225 MHz 16000 W 26 – 1000 MHz 1 meter 0.43
220 MHz – 1 GHz 1000 W 80 – 1000 MHz 1 meter 0.53
800 MHz – 4.2 GHz 350 W 800 MHz – 5 GHz 1 meter 0.31
2.5 – 7.5 GHz 300 W 2 – 10.6 GHz 1 meter 0.31
4 GHz – 8 GHz 200 W 4 – 8 GHz 1 meter 0.24
4 GHz – 8 GHz 60 W 4 – 8 GHz 1 meter 0.24
7.5 – 18 GHz 300 W 7.5 – 18 GHz 1 meter 0.5
18 GHz – 26 GHz 40 W 18 – 26.5 GHz 1 meter 0.32
26 GHz – 40 GHz 40 W 26.5 – 40 GHz 1 meter 0.19

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals provides a variety of equipment for performing damped oscillatory immunity tests and other EMC tests. Check out all of the EMC test equipment we carry for rent or read more about EMC testing.

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