MIL-DTL-83528C is a military specification that outlines the guidelines and procedures for testing the shielding effectiveness of electrical and electronic equipment used in military and aerospace applications. The standard provides requirements for measuring and evaluating the performance of shielding materials and components used in these systems, as well as for evaluating the overall shielding effectiveness of the equipment.
By following the guidelines and procedures specified in MIL-DTL-83528C, manufacturers and suppliers can ensure that their equipment meets the highest standards of quality and reliability and provides reliable performance in the most demanding applications.
The MIL-DTL-83528C standard evaluates the shielding effectiveness of gasketing material, specifically of elastomeric shielding gaskets. A list of materials in which gaskets are made is specified below. These materials are qualified under this standard:
- Silver-plated copper-filled silicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Silver-plated aluminum-filled silicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Silver-plated copper-filled flurosilicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Silver-plated aluminum-filled silicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 90-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Medium pure silver-filled silicone durometer
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Pure silver-filled flurosilicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Silver-plated copper-filled silicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Pure silver-filled high durometer silicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Pure silver-filled low durometer silicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of an 80-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Copper-filled silver-plated high durometer
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Nickel-filled silver-plated silicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 100-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
- Glass-filled silver-plated silicone
- rated for shielding effectiveness of a 100-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
MIL-DTL-83528C Shielding Effectiveness Test Procedures
To meet the requirements of MIL-DTL-83528C, electrical and electronic equipment must be subjected to a series of tests that assess its ability to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). These tests include:
- Emissions testing: The equipment is subjected to tests designed to evaluate the levels of EMI and RFI that it generates. This includes tests of radiated and conducted emissions, as well as tests of the equipment’s susceptibility to interference from external sources.
- Immunity testing: The equipment is subjected to tests designed to evaluate its ability to withstand external EMI and RFI. This includes tests of susceptibility to radiated and conducted electromagnetic fields, as well as tests of immunity to electrostatic discharge, electrical fast transients, and power frequency magnetic fields.
- Shielding effectiveness testing: The shielding effectiveness of the equipment is evaluated by subjecting it to tests designed to assess its ability to protect against EMI and RFI. This includes tests of the effectiveness of the shielding materials and components used in the equipment, as well as tests of the overall shielding performance of the system.
In order to conduct MIL-DTL-83528C testing, specialized equipment and personnel are required. The equipment used for testing must be properly calibrated and capable of accurately measuring the electrical parameters of the equipment being tested. The personnel conducting the tests must be trained and experienced in the procedures specified in the standard, and must be familiar with the techniques used for measuring and evaluating shielding effectiveness.
Measurements are made using the plane wave shielding effectiveness method. The gasket is determined by its ability to electrically bond a test cover panel to an enclosure flange. The radiated RF plane wave will attenuate through a 24-by-24-inch opening. Furthermore, the enclosure needs to be large enough so no part of the transmitting antenna is within one meter of any enclosure surface.
The results of the testing must be recorded and analyzed in accordance with the procedures specified in the standard. The testing process is an important step in ensuring the quality and reliability of electrical and electronic equipment used in military and aerospace applications, and helps to ensure that these systems are protected against EMI and RFI and can operate effectively in challenging environments.
Expert MIL-DTL 83528C Compliance Laboratory
In conclusion, MIL-DTL-83528C testing is a critical component of ensuring the performance and reliability of electrical and electronic equipment used in military and aerospace applications. By evaluating the shielding effectiveness of these systems, the standard helps to ensure that they can operate effectively in the presence of significant levels of EMI and RFI, and that they can provide safe and reliable performance in these challenging environments.
Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing.
Are you ready to partner with Keystone Compliance to determine the shielding effectiveness of your product when tested to the requirements of MIL-DTL-83528C? Let’s get started!
Diagram of MIL-DTL 83528C Testing
For more information on Keystone’s shielding effectiveness testing capabilities, please visit: www.keystonecompliance.com