RadiMation Application Note 157

How to perform a MIL-STD-461 RS103, radiated susceptibility, electric field

This application note explains how the MIL-STD-461 RS103, radiated susceptibility, electric field test can be performed with RadiMation^®

RS103 is a test method used in military and aerospace environments to evaluate the susceptibility of electronic equipment to radiated electromagnetic fields across a frequency range of 2 MHz to 40 GHz. It primarily uses pulse modulation to simulate high-intensity electromagnetic interference, ensuring that devices can withstand these conditions without malfunctioning.

The exact requirements and test methods for the RS103 are specified in the MIL-STD-461. This application note demonstrates how to setup a closed loop test. When testing closed loop, no calibration is required.

Necessary equipment

The following devices are necessary to perform the RS103 test:

• Signal generator
• Amplifier
• Antenna
• Field probe

Define the test level

If the limit in "Table XI RS103" is the same value for the whole frequency range the creation and usage of the correction file can be skipped. Usage of the correction file is only applicable to variable limits.

Create a correction file for the test level

    File

       New

          Correction

First create a correction file in RadiMation^® and specify the test level (See 'Table XI RS103 limits.').

    File

       Save correction

Store the correction file with the RS103 limits as file on disk.

This correction file with the test level will be used during EUT testing.

EUT Testing

EUT Testing equipment

The configuration of the EUT test site should contain the following devices:

#	Device name	Tab in testsite configuration window	note
	Signal Generator	Devices 1	The signal generator to use
	Amplifier	Devices 1	The amplifier to use
	Antenna	Devices 1	The antenna to use
	Field Sensor 1	Field probes	The field sensor to use

Configure the EUT test

To perform the test on the EUT, create a radiated immunity multiband test.

Create a test setup configuration file for the following settings:

Frequency range	Frequency step	Polarization
2 MHz to 30 MHz	1%	Vertical
30 MHz - 18 GHz	0.5%	Both (Horizontal and vertical)
18 GHz - 40 GHz	0.25%	Both (Horizontal and vertical)

The radiated immunity multiband test can be configured by selecting the menu:

    Tests

       Radiated Immunity

          Multiband

             New

Start

The start frequency of the test. For example 2 MHz.

Stop	The stop frequency of the test. For example 30 MHz.

Frequency Step

The frequency step, for the applicable steps see "Table III susceptibility scanning" in MIL-STD-461G.

Dwell Time

The dwell time.

Frequency Change Mode

Constant.

Modulation

The modulation to use see below.

Test equipment

The equipment needed for the radiated susceptibility test.

Location Type

Antenna height, distance, polarization and angle.

Test Level

Specify the Electrical field closed loop method test level and configure a Constant field or Variable field

Inputs

No inputs are needed.

At TestLevel click Add to add a new Test level and select TestLevel - Electrical field closed loop method

Description

The description of the test level.

Test level

Check Variable field and specify the correction file for the applicable test level. When the level is one fixed value check Constant field and specify the test level

Tolerance

Specify the tolerance to use.

Probes

Check Probe 1 to measure with the first probe.

To configure the pulse modulation settings click Config next to the modulation settings, click the PM tab, and enter the pulse modulation settings as defined in 5.21.3.4.c.1.a

Activate modulation

Check this checkbox to enable the pulse modulation.

Frequency

The PM frequency 1 kHz.

Duty Cycle

A duty cycle of 50%.

Also apply modulation out of the dwell-time period

Check this checkbox to enable modulation outside the dwell-time.

When all settings are configured press Start Test to run the test.

EUT test result

Once the test is finished, the results of this test are stored in the EUT file and available as one of the performed Tests in the EUT file. Selecting the corresponding test result and pressing on Info will show the test results again.

Conclusion

The RadiMation^® Radiated Immunity multiband test can be used to perform the RS103 EUT test.

The sensitivity of an EUT to incoming electromagnetic interference. This is equivalent to the term Immunity. RadiMation® always uses the term Immunity.

Equipment Under Test

The ability of an EUT to be immune to incoming electromagnetic interference. This is equivalent to the term susceptibility that is used by some standards.

The ability of an EUT to be immune to incoming electromagnetic interference. This is equivalent to the term susceptibility that is used by some standards.