MIL-STD-461: The Basic Military EMC

Specification and It’s Evolution over the Years

Santo Mazzola, Senior Member, IEEE

From then until now MIL-STD-461 has gone through

Abstract— In 2007, MIL-STD-461 celebrated its 40th revisions A through F and many different notices. The
birthday. In 2007, the DOD released MIL-STD-461F, the changes have been an attempt to make an EMI
latest version of the fundamental military Electromagnetic specification that truly represents the existing
Compatibility (EMC) specification. This paper discusses electromagnetic environment and to make a test
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Specifications prior to specification that ensures that the test data is reliable and
MIL-STD-461 and will outline the evolution and changes repeatable at the many different test laboratories around
that MIL-STD-461 has undergone over its first 40 years of the country.
existence.
The intention of MIL-STD-461 is that it serves as a box
MIL-STD-461 is applied to all active Military electronics test that is a gateway to installing equipment on the
installed in DOD platforms. MIL-STD-461 is a set of intended platform. If a unit passes MIL-STD-461 there is
requirements intended to serve a wide range of platforms confidence that the unit will operate in its intended
from trucks to ships to aircraft to fixed installations, and electromagnetic environment on its intended platform.
many different applications (e.g., above deck and below The ultimate EMI requirement is error free operation of
deck on a Navy ship). MIL-STD-461 is used as is by many the equipment in its intended electromagnetic environment
countries around the world and has been adapted and is but MIL-STD-461 stands as the best vehicle to get to that
the basis for many other EMI specifications by countries point.
throughout the world.

The US military first encountered Radio Frequency

Interference (RFI), the acronym precursor to Index Terms—Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC),
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), some time prior to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), MIL-STD-461, Radio
World War I when a radio was first installed on a vehicle. Frequency Interference (RFI).
However little is known about early efforts to address RFI.
At that point the field of Electromagnetic Interference was I. Introduction

I
created. From that point to the creation of MIL-STD-461 N 2007 , MIL-STD-461 celebrated its 40th birthday. In
the field of EMI was in its infancy. There was a 2007, the DOD released MIL-STD-461F, the latest version
proliferation of Interference and Susceptibility of the fundamental military Electromagnetic Compatibility
specifications by the different services. (EMC) specification. This paper discusses Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI) Specifications prior to MIL-STD-461 and
In 1960, the US Department of Defense (DoD) created a will outline the evolution and changes that MIL-STD-461 has
comprehensive Defense Radio Frequency Compatibility undergone over its first 40 years of existence.
Program (later renamed Electromagnetic Compa-tibility
Program) that focused the Military Services R&D The changes identified in MIL-STD-461 over the years, in this
programs “to provide a means whereby electromagnetic paper are not meant to be exhaustive and complete; they are
compatibility should be ‘built into’ military just an outline of some of the most important changes.
communications-electronics equipment in the research and
development stage”. In 1967 MIL-STD-461 was created. MIL-STD-461 is applied to all active Military electronics
With its sister documents MIL-STD-462 and MIL-STD- installed in DOD platforms. MIL-STD-461 is a set of
463 it was intended as a tri-service EMI specification. requirements intended to serve a wide range of platforms from
MIL-STD-461 delineated the EMI requirements. MIL- trucks to ships to aircraft to fixed installations, and many
STD-462 detailed the prescribed measurement different applications (e.g., above deck and below deck on a
methodology and definitions and acronyms were the basis Navy ship). MIL-STD-461 is used as is by many countries
of MIL-STD-463. around the world and has been adapted and is the basis for
many other EMI specifications by countries throughout the
world.

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The US military first encountered Radio Frequency electrical machinery. [5]

Interference (RFI), the acronym precursor to Electromagnetic In the 1950s and the 1960s each major military agency
Interference (EMI), some time prior to the start of World War imposed its own Electromagnetic Interference
I, when a radio was first installed on a vehicle. However little (EMI)/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) specification in
is known about early efforts to address RFI. The IRE (Institute the procurement of electronic systems and equipment. For
of Radio Engineers) 1932 Proceedings included a paper on instance, the Air Force used MIL-I-6181 and MIL-I-26600,
electrical interference in car radios. [1] and [2]. At that point the Navy used MIL-I-16910, and the Army used MIL-I-11748
the field of Electromagnetic Interference was created. From and MIL-E-55301(EL). These specifications limited the
that point to the creation of MIL-STD-461 the field of EMI amount of conducted and radiated EMI emissions and set
was in its infancy. There was a proliferation of Interference
susceptibility levels which systems and equipment must reject.
and Susceptibility specifications by the different services.
The specifications also set forth the test configurations and
techniques needed to demonstrate compliance with the
In 1960, the US Department of Defense (DoD) created a
comprehensive Defense Radio Frequency Compatibility requirement therein. [6] Figure 1 is a table outlining some of
Program (later renamed Electromagnetic Compa-tibility the EMI specifications prior to MIL-STD-461.
Program) that focused the Military Services R&D programs
“to provide a means whereby electromagnetic compatibility
should be ‘built into’ military communications-electronics Figure 1. EMI Specification History-Pre MIL-STD-461
equipment in the research and development stage”. [3] In 1967
MIL-STD-461 was created. With its sister documents MIL- SPEC. TITLE TYPE ERA
STD-462 and MIL-STD-463 it was intended as a complete tri- NUMBER
service EMI specification. MIL-STD-461 delineated the EMI
requirements. MIL-STD-462 detailed the prescribed MIL-I- Interference Control Co- 06/1950-
measurement methodology and definitions and acronyms were 6181 Requirement ordinated 05/1987
the basis of MIL-STD-463. MIL-S- Suppression, Radio Co- 07/1951-
10379 Interference, General ordinated 09/1971
From then until now MIL-STD-461 has gone through Requirements, Vehicle
revisions A through F and many different notices. The
MIL-S- Suppression, Radio Co- 08/1958-
changes have been an attempt to make an EMI specification
12348 Interference, General ordinated 09/1971
that truly represents the existing electromagnetic environment
and to make a test specification that ensures that the test data Requirements for
is reliable and repeatable at the many different EMI test Railway Rolling Stock
laboratories around the country. and Maintenance Way
Equipment
The intention of MIL-STD-461 is that it serves as a box test MIL-I- Interference Reduction Co- 12/1962-
that is a gateway to installing equipment on the intended 43121 for Electronic Hand ordinated 09/1971
platform. If a unit passes MIL-STD-461 there is confidence Tools
that the unit will operate in its intended electromagnetic MIL-E- Electromagnetic Army 04/1965-
environment on its intended platform. The ultimate EMI 55301 Compatibility 03/1968
requirement is error free operation of the equipment in its MIL-I- Interference Navy 08/1954-
intended electromagnetic environment but MIL-STD-461 16910 measurement, 11/1967
stands as the best vehicle to get to that point. Electromagnetic,
Methods and Limits
MIL-I- Interference Navy 09/1953-
17623 Measurement, 12/1967
Electromagnetic,
Methods and Limits For
II. The Infancy of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Electric Office
Machines, Printing and
The first military specification was published by the US Lithographic Equipment
Army Signal Corps in 1934 as SCL-49 entitled ‘Electrical MIL-STD- Interference Control Air Force 06/1958-
Shielding and Radio Power Supply in Vehicles”. That 826 Requirement, 01/1962
document “protected” radio receivers from interference by Aeronautical Equipment
requiring shielding of the vehicle ignition system regulator
and generator. [4]
During the 1940s military standards were principally
concerned with RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)
suppression components for internal combustion engines and

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 3

III. The issuance of MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-462 and Title Release Date

MIL-STD-463 MIL-STD-461A 08/01/1968
(Basic)
The basic versions of MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-462 NOTICE 1 02/07/1969
were issued on July 31, 1967. In an oddity MIL-STD-463 was NOTICE 2 03/20/1969
not issued on the same day but was issued previously on June NOTICE 3 05/01/1970
9, 1966. Since MIL-STD-463 was Titled “Definitions and NOTICE 4 02/09/1971
Systems Of Units, Electromagnetic Interference and NOTICE 5 03/06/1973
Electromagnetic Compatibility Technology” is was only right NOTICE 6 07/03/1973
that the document detailing definitions and units be released
first. Figure 3. MIL-STD-461A Notices and Release Dates
The forward of MIL-STD-461 stated “The purpose of this
standard is to provide military interference control
requirements in a coordinated document.” MIL-STD-461 was While MIL-STD-461A was having notices issued against it
replacing multiple general purpose interference specifications this also forced MIL-STD-462 to have notices issued against
and standards that were used by the various branches of the it. Figure 4 details the notices that were released against MIL-
military. The standards and specifications superseded by Mil- STD-462.
STD-461 are listed in Figure 2.
TITLE DATE
MIL-STD-461 Single Service Documents
MIL-STD-462 07/31/1967
Coordinated Documents
NOTICE 1 08/01/1968
MIL-I-6181 MIL-E-55301(E) Army
NOTICE 2 05/01/1970
MIL-S-10379 MIL-I-16910 (Navy)
NOTICE 3 02/09/1971
MIL-S-12348 MIL-I-17623 (Navy)
NOTICE 4 04/01/1980
MIL-I-43121 NFEC-SPEC-50Y (Navy)
NOTICE 5 01/05/1983
MIL-STD-26600 (Air Force)
NOTICE 6 10/15/1987
MIL-STD-826 (Air Force)
Figure 4. MIL-STD-462 Notices and Release Dates
Figure 2. Specifications Superseded by MIL-STD-461

MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-462, and MIL-STD-463 were a

IV. The issuance of MIL-STD-461B.
trio of specifications that worked together as one to become
the basic Electromagnetic Interference requirement. MIL-
In 1980 MIL-STD-461B was issued. MIL-STD-461B had a
STD-461 outlined the requirements, MIL-STD-463 detailed release date of April 1st, 1980. Some of the significant
the measurement techniques and MIL-STD-463 explained the
changes were the stream lining of the requirements by
definitions and systems of units. combining CE02 with CE01 and by combining CE04 with
CE03 and the deletion of RE04. On notable addition to this
IIII. The issuance of MIL-STD-461A standard was the A2a classification for Spacecraft and launch
vehicles (including associated support equipment). Another
MIL-STD-461, being a basic general standard, especially
addition was the inclusion of the CE07 test, which specifies
that it was an initial standard, had some growing pains.
on-off transients measured on the power lines. There was also
Revisions were required and on August 1, 1968 MIL-STD-
an increase in bandwidth in a number of tests and notably an
461A was issued. It became apparent that there were differing
increase for RS03 end frequency up to 40 GHz in certain
factions in the respective branches of the military who felt that applications. [7]
MIL-STD-461A needed more revisions to address specific
requirements that they felt were specific to their branch of the
military. Although MIL-STD-461A was mandated there were
many exceptions and revisions made to the standard. To
IV. The issuance of MIL-STD-461C.
address this situation instead of issuing a new revision of
MIL-STD-461A, notices to MIL-STD-461A were issued.
In 1986 MIL-STD-461C was issued. MIL-STD-461C had a
Figure 3 details the notices that were released against MIL-
release date of August 04th, 1986. Published only six years
STD-461A. after MIL-STD-461B, MIL-STD-461C was very similar to
the MIL-STD-461B version. Notable among the changes were

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 4

a clearer delineation between types of equipment being tested, application guide provides background information for each
each equipment now had its own separate part in the emission and susceptibility and associated test requirement in
specification. Also this version added the damped sinusoid the main body of the standard. The information includes
testing of CS10 and CS11 as well as the RS05 requirement for rationale for requirements, guidance in applying the
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) field transient. requirements, and lessons learned from platform and
laboratory experience. This information helps users
understand the intent behind the requirements.
V. The issuance of MIL-STD-461D.
Some people feel that the issuance of MIL-STD-461D was the
In 1993 MIL-STD-461D was issued. MIL_STD-461D had a first step in a goal of harmonizing MIL-STD-461 and
release date of January 11, 1993. The D-version of MIL-STD- commercial EMC testing. While some aspects of that are true,
461 was a major overhaul of this standard. Both test levels and there are many issues to be addressed before a truly
test methods were significantly changed. This required an harmonized EMI requirement could be completed.
update to MIL-STD-462 as well. Other then the notices this
was the first major update to MIL-STD-461 since its initial
publication in 1967. So drastic a change was MIL-STD-461D VI. The issuance of MIL-STD-461E.
that it changed all of the test designators. CE01 became
CE101, CE03 became CE102 etc. One of the more significant
changes in MIL-STD-461D was replacing the 10 microfarad
feed through capacitor with Line Impedance Stabilization In 1999 MIL-STD-461E was issued. MIL-STD-461E had a
Networks (LISNs). Conducted emissions on power leads had release date of August 20, 1999. MIL-STD-461E was very
previously been performed using a clamp-on current probe similar to MIl-STD-461D. The major change was the
and the measurement was taken in terms of dB above one incorporation of MIL-STD-462 into MIL-STD-461. Minor
microampere. changes included the altering of Radiated Emission and
With the change, CE102 was now a measurement more Radiated Susceptibility sweep times. The end frequency of
similar to the commercial conducted test method, where a CS01 was also extended from 50 kHz to 150 kHz. The end
voltage measurement was taken off a coaxial port of the LISN. frequency of CS114 was also changed from a 400 MHz to 200
The measurements were now made in dB above one MHz.
microvolt. [8].
MIL-STD-461E again had inclusion of an Application Guide
The current probe method is still used for CE101. And the in the appendix. The application guide was modified from
measurement for CE101 is still in terms of a dB above one MIL-STD-461D and now contained more detail. It again
microampere. included background information for each emission and
susceptibility and associated test requirement in the main body
Another improvement was the specifying of minimum sweep of the standard. The information included rationale for
time requirements for both emissions and susceptibility. By requirements, guidance in applying the requirements, and
defining minimum requirements for sweep times the standards lessons learned from platform and laboratory experience. This
greatly reduced the possibility that susceptibility problems information helps users understand the intent behind the
requirements.
could be missed during testing.

Another change was the addition of making a pre-test

The appendices of MIL-STD-461D/MIL-STD-462D as well
calibration part of the test procedure. Performing a pre-test
as of MIL-STD-461E are accredited to one of the main
calibration is an excellent check to ensure that cables and contributors of the MIL-STD-461D and MIL-STD-461E
connectors are in good condition, the correct transducer rewrite: Mr. John Zentner of the Air Force Systems Division
factors have been entered and that all equipment is functioning of Wright –Patterson Air Force Base. [9]
within its required parameters.

Finally the most controversial of the changes was the abolition

of narrowband and broadband measurements. MIL-STD-461D
made no distinction between the two. Instead it specified a VII. The issuance of MIL-STD-461F.
single emission limit that should be used and specified the
measurement bandwidth of the receiver. This was given as a In 2007 MIL-STD-461F was issued. MIL-STD-461F had a
function of the frequency. This change was also a significant release date of December 10, 2007. MIL-STD-461F restores
step in the direction of commercial EMI standards. the old CS06 testing requirement from MIL-STD-461C as
CS106. The new CS106 requirement only has one pulse
Another improvement that showed up in MIL-STD-461D was duration required whereas the old CS06 requirement had
the inclusion of an Application Guide in the appendix. The multiple pulse duration tests required. There is now an

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 5

interchangeable modular equipment requirement that requires [5] Henning, E. (1944) “Vorschriften für die Funkentstörung von Geräten
und Anlagen der Wehrmacht,” Einfürung zu VDE 0878, Vol. 65 pp. 5-6.
qualification of assemblies when new (LRM) line replaceable Elektrotechnische Zeitung (ETZ), Berlin.
modules are incorporated into devices. The qualification can [6] Kesselmann, Warren, IEEE and Mertel, Herbert IEEE, “The History of
be by test or similarity assessment but requires approval of the Military EMC Specifications”,
www.ieee.org/organizations/pubs/newsletters/emcs/summer00
procuring agency.
[7] EMC Integrity Incorporated. “MIL-STD-461 Overview”
http://www.emcintegrity.com/military-aerospace/milstd461.aspx.
There was a change in the RE101 test method involving over- [8] EMC Integrity Incorporated. “MIL-STD-461 Overview”
limit emissions. If over-limit emissions are detected at the 7- http://www.emcintegrity.com/military-aerospace/milstd461.aspx
[9] Kesselmann, Warren, IEEE and Mertel, Herbert IEEE, “The History of
cm antenna location, MLI-STD-461F calls for determining the Military EMC specifications”,
distance from the EUT where the emissions meet the limit. www.ieee.org/organizations/pubs/newsletters/emcs/summer00
This data is used to help determine if the emissions need to be [10] Ferguson, Steven G., Washington Laboratories, “The Continuing
Evolution Of MIL-STD-461:Version F”
suppressed based on the distance of the nearest piece of http://www.evaluationengineering.com/features/2008_april/0408_aerosp
equipment in the platform. ace_defense.aspx

The susceptibility sweep rates and step sizes have been S. Mazzola – Santo (Sandy) Mazzola is the current Chairman of the Long
increased for frequencies above 1 GHz, allowing for a faster Island section of the IEEE. He is a past Chairman of the IEEE Long Island
susceptibility test. Section Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Society. In 2007 Santo
received an IEEE Region 1 Award for the Enhancement of the IEEE in
Industry and Community. Santo has been involved with design, testing, and
A new requirement in MIL-STD-461F states that “Input obtaining EMC compliance for military equipment and commercial equipment
power leads, returns, and wire grounds shall not be shielded”. for over 25 years. Santo currently works for BAE Systems in Greenlawn.
Santo is responsible for all aspects of Electromagnetic effects on the products
This revision removes the capability to shield power cables as
at BAE Systems. He is involved with designs for Electromagnetic Interference
an EMI control measure. [10] (EMI), EMC, Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), Electrostatic Discharge (ESD),
Lightning, Nuclear Radiation hardness, and TEMPEST.

Santo has recently made technical presentations to the Long Island

Consultants Network, the Long Island IEEE EMC society, and previously
I. CONCLUSION presented a paper at the inaugural 2005 Long Island Systems, Applications,
and Technology Conference (LISAT). Santo started his career as an EMC
With the future of military electronics clearly heading engineer for the Dayton T. Brown Company in Bohemia. He then worked for
towards more use of COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) and AIL Systems in Deer Park as the EMC laboratory manager. He then worked
society’s love of wireless intentional transmitters, the need for for Symbol Technologies in Holtsville, as a Regulatory Compliance EMC
engineer, managing the Gigahertz Transverse Electromagnetic Cell (GTEM)
MIL-STD-461, as well as EMI specifications in general is as lab and was responsible for the design and installation of an Open Area Test
strong as it ever was. Site (OATS) facility. Santo was responsible for preparing, submitting, and
As the electromagnetic environment evolves the need for a obtaining worldwide RF approvals for intentional transmitter products
including Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing for RF Safety.
specification that represents repeatable EMI testing and that
accurately imposes the appropriate electromagnetic Santo has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from
environment on equipment will always continue. SUNY@ Stonybrook. When not “chasing electrons” Santo enjoys life with
his wife Susie, daughter Maggie and son Andrew. Santo enjoys music,
What does the future hold for MIL-STD-461 changes? collecting comic books, movies, sports, and the theatre.
Whether the changes are the inclusion of lightning
requirements or the inclusion of more stringent requirements
for lossyness of the absorber in the test chamber, it is clear that
MIL-STD-461 will change and evolve as the world around it
changes and evolves.

References
[1] Curtis, Leslie E. “Electrical Interference in Motor Car Receivers,
“Proceedings of the Institute of Radio Engineers, vol.20, no.4, April
1932, p674.
[2] Kesselmann, Warren, IEEE and Mertel, Herbert IEEE, “The History of
Military EMC Specifications”,
www.ieee.org/organizations/pubs/newsletters/emcs/summer00
[3] Memorandum from the Acting Secretary of Defense to the Secretaries of
the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Subject - Radio Frequency
Compatibility with attachment: “Radio Frequency Compatibility
Program, dated 9 June 1960
[4] Kesselmann, Warren, IEEE and Mertel, Herbert IEEE, “The History of
Military EMC Specifications”,
www.ieee.org/organizations/pubs/newsletters/emcs/summer00

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