EMC, EMI, and Environmental MIL-SPEC Standards That Affect RF Electronics

As virtually all electronic systems—and even some mechanical, biological and chemical systems—are susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD), and when operating alongside other electronics there is a need for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards.

The DoD offers a handbook and several standards which cover ESD and EMC.

MIL-HDBK-263 provides much of the background around the application of MIL-STD-1686, which establishes the requirements for an ESD control program affecting virtually all equipment and processes that are involved with electrical or electronic components.

In the case of EMC and electromagnetic interference (EMI), MIL-STD-461 prepares a user for the requirements on how to test military systems for EMC.

Additionally, MIL-STD-464 establishes the electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) interface requirements and verification for sea, space, ground, and airborne systems and the ordnance associated with these platforms.

The chart below outlines the DoD ESD and EMC Standards