MIL-STD-464: RF Environmental Effects on Systems

MIL-STD-464 details the US military’s requirements for electromagnetic environmental effects on the interfaces of sea, space, ground and airborne systems. To safeguard the operation and performance of these systems, each should be compatible with equipment within the system and related subsystems. MIL-STD-464 primarily consists of design requirements and verification methods necessary to prevent or resolve these electromagnetic compatibility issues. Throughout the standard, Data Item Descriptions (DID) are referenced to determine problem areas early on in system design, minimize risks going forward and document testing results.

The current version of MIL-STD-464 is MIL-STD-464C.

The following are brief summaries of the standard's requirements:

5.1 Margins
Margins should be offered based on system performance requirements, tolerances and uncertainties.
 
5.2 Intra-system electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
The system should be electromagnetically compatible with its own components.
 
5.3 External RF EME
The system should be electromagnetically compatible with a specified external electromagnetic environment to the extent that operational performance standards are met.
 
5.4 High-power microwave (HPM) sources
The system should meet its own requirements after exposure to narrowband and wideband HPM environments.
 
5.5 Lightning
The system should possess the appropriate resistance to both direct and indirect lightning effects.
 
5.6 Electromagnetic pulse (EMP)
The system should meet performance standards after exposure to the EMP environment.
 
5.7 Subsystems and equipment electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Individual components, equipment and subsystems must meet radiated immunity, radiated emissions, conducted immunity and conducted emissions test requirements.
 
5.8 Electrostatic charge control
The system should be able to both control and disperse electrostatic discharge (ESD) triggered by static effects, air flow, fluid flow, exhaust gas flow, personnel charging, launch vehicle charging and other causes.
 
5.9 Electromagnetic radiation hazards (EMRADHAZ)
The system should defend personnel, fuels and ordnance from electromagnetic radiation.
 
5.10 Life cycle, E3 hardness
System performance and EMC requirements of MIL-STD-464 should be met throughout the rated lifecycle of the system, including repair, maintenance, surveillance and corrosion control.
 
5.11 Electrical bonding
The system should include the relevant bonding to meet electromagnetic compatibility standards set forth in MIL-STD-464.
 
5.12 External grounds
The system and its related subsystems should offer external grounding provisions to help with controlling current flow and static .
 
5.13 TEMPEST
Distribution of materials should not lead to compromising national security information.
 
5.14 System radiated emissions
The system should control RF fields that are needed to operate with other, co-located systems and limit the capability of threats to locate and track the system.
 
5.15 EM spectrum supportability
Systems dependent on spectrums should adhere to DoD, national and international spectrum regulations.

Download MIL-STD-464