DO-160 & MIL-STD component test chambers
Even a small malfunction or equipment failure on an aircraft or military vehicle can have serious consequences. That’s why all (military) aircrafts and vehicles are subjected to rigorous EMC testing during development. The MIL-STD and DO-160 standards cover nearly all circumstances that can lead to failure.
In order to test whether an aircraft or one of its individual components complies with these requirements, a compliant EMC test chamber is needed. Comtest supplies test facilities for this express purpose. If you want to know more, don’t hesitate to contact our technical consultants using the online contact forms.
Benefits of in-house EMC testing
Operating your own component test chamber comes with a few advantages; not only will you save time and money by eliminating the need for transport and outsourcing, having a chamber specifically configured for your research will improve the accuracy of testing. Additionally, by being able to complete development in-house, guarding confidential information and designs becomes much easier. Having a test facility at your disposal increases also the flexibility to your R&D department since tight schedules and availability is not a stress factor anymore.
DO-160 and electromagnetic compatibility
Commercial and military aircraft have thousands of components and parts that all have to be able to withstand extreme electromagnetic environments, electrostatic discharge, magnetic fields and other dangers such as lightning strikes. In order to gauge the resilience of these parts, the RTCA/DO-160 standards (under a number of different sections) cover a wide variety of EMC test procedures such as (among others) magnetic effect, power input, voltage spike and the direct effects of lightning.
Tempest
All electrical and electronic equipment produces unintentional radiation, which could be intercepted by a receiving device some distance away from the equipment. ‘Tempest’ refers to the study of the emission of unintentional protectively marked data (usually confidential) from equipment or a system. If these emissions are intercepted and analyzed, they could reveal compromising emanations, hence the protectively marked data. For tailored solutions regarding tempest, please check this page for more information: Tempest shielded facilities.
Typical performance
Comtest MIL-STD chambers are designed in full compliance to the MIL-STD461 & DO-160 standard and set-up including the test table and inner clearances regarding the absorber tips and the testing bench. As per the standard, RF absorber return loss of 6dB minimum between 80MHz to 250MHz and 10dB minimum from 250MHz up. For testing below 70MHz the absorber solution must be changed to a hybrid solution of ferrite tiles and HT25 absorbers.
- Shielding effectiveness according to EN 50147-1 (>80dB at 10KHz)
- Absorber layout in accordance to MIL-STD461 and RTCA DO-160
- Absorber return loss compliant with MIL-ST461 / RTCA DO-160 requirements
- Suitable for both radiated and conducted testing
Why work with Comtest?
Comtest understands the sensitivity and the importance of the research that goes into proper development of products used for aerospace, aviation and military applications. With more than three decades of experience under our belt, we ensure that you get the best military test chamber available today. Moreover, all of our projects have been delivered on time, on budget and exactly according to the requirements specified by the client. You can rest easy knowing that Comtest is a partner you can rely on.
Contact us
Is your company developing devices or semi-finished products with a military application that needs to comply with MIL-STD-461 standards? Contact our technical consultants for more information on our component testing solutions via the online contact forms or call our main company phone number.
