MIL-STD-464 Testing

MIL-STD-464 Testing Methods

This MIL-STD-464 testing standard establishes Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) interface requirements and verification criteria for airborne, sea, space, and ground systems, including associated ordnance. Verification shall be accomplished on production representative systems. Prior to usage in external settings, electromagnetic compatibility of safety-critical functions with the system and those surroundings must be confirmed.

The following lists of methods are used in MIL-STD-464 testing:

• Margins
• Intra-system electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)  
• Intermodulation Interference (IMI) 
• Multiplication
• The generated level of unintended RF emissions at antenna ports of receivers attached to antennas
• External RF EME 
• High-power microwave (HPM) sources 
• Lightning
• Electromagnetic pulse (EMP)
• Subsystems and equipment electromagnetic interference (EMI) 
• Electrostatic charge control
• Electromagnetic radiation hazards (EMRADHAZ)
• Life cycle
• Electrical bonding
• TEMPEST
• System radiated emissions
• EM spectrum

Video 01:Fundamentals of MIL-STD Testing

MIL-STD-464 Testing Requirements

• Electrically Initiated Devices (EIDs) require a 16.5 dB margin of the Maximum No-fire Stimulus (MNFS) for safety and a 6 dB margin for other applications. 
• Intra-system electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requires system self-compatibility.
• The coupling of mechanical connections has some specific values:
• 10 milliohms from case to system structure,
• 15 milliohms from cable shield to device chassis, and 
• 2.5 milliohms across individual connection interfaces.

MIL-STD-464 Testing Terminologies

• Below Deck – an area of ​​a ship surrounded by metallic structures, such as a surface ship hull or superstructure made of metal, a submarine hull, a non-metallic ship’s shielded area or space, or a ship’s shielded area. A combination of metallic/non-metallic hull and superstructure materials or deck-mounted metal shelters.
• EID uses electrical energy to generate combustible, pyrotechnic, thermal, or mechanical output as a single unit, device, or subassembly.
• Electromagnetic Environment (EME) refers to the electromagnetic effects covered by the disciplines of “electromagnetic compatibility” (EMC), “electromagnetic interference” (EMI), “electromagnetic vulnerability” (EMV), “electromagnetic pulse” (EMP), “electronic protection” (EP), “electrostatic discharge” (ESD), and “hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel” (HERP).
• Margin is the difference between the electromagnetic strength level of subsystems and equipment and the exposure level caused by system-level electromagnetic coupling. It is usually expressed as a ratio of decibels (dB).