MIL-G-83528B: Conducting Shielding Gasket Electronic, Elastomer, EMI / RFI

MIL G 83528B Shielding Effectiveness Testing

MIL-G-83528B Shielding Effectiveness Testing is a critical component of ensuring the reliability and performance of electronic systems used in military and aerospace applications. The standard provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and requirements for evaluating the shielding effectiveness of materials used to protect electronic systems from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

By following the guidelines and procedures specified in MIL-G-83528B, 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.

Summary of MIL-G-83528C Shielding Effectiveness Testing

The objective of MIL-G-83528B Shielding Effectiveness Testing is to determine the ability of a material to effectively shield electronic devices and systems from external sources of EMI. The standard covers both radiated and conducted emissions and immunity testing, and provides a detailed methodology for evaluating the shielding effectiveness of materials in various frequency ranges.

The MIL-DTL-83528C standard involves the measurement of shielding effectiveness of gasketing material, specifically of elastomeric shielding gaskets. The following material of which these gaskets are made of type qualifies under this standard:
  1. Silver-plated copper-filled silicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  2. Silver-plated aluminum-filled silicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  3. Silver-plated copper-filled flurosilicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  4. Silver-plated aluminum-filled silicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 90-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  5. Medium pure silver-filled silicone durometer
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  6. Pure silver-filled flurosilicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  7. Silver-plated copper-filled silicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  8. Pure silver-filled high durometer silicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  9. Pure silver-filled low durometer silicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of an 80-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  10. Copper-filled silver-plated high durometer
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 110-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  11. Nickel-filled silver-plated silicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 100-dB plane wave at 10 GHz
  12. Glass-filled silver-plated silicone
    • rated for shielding effectiveness of a 100-dB plane wave at 10 GHz

To meet the requirements of MIL-G-83528B, 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

MIL-G-83528B Shielding Effectiveness Test Procedures

The testing process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Sample preparation: A representative sample of the shielding material is selected and prepared for testing in accordance with the standard. Physical measurements of the material, such as thickness and electrical conductivity, are taken and recorded.
  2. Radiated emissions testing: The amount of EMI emitted from the electronic device and passing through the shielding material is measured. An EMI source is applied to the device and the level of interference that passes through the material is measured.
  3. Conducted emissions testing: The amount of EMI that is conducted through the shielding material and into the electronic device is measured. An EMI source is applied to the material and the level of interference that enters the device is measured.
  4. Immunity testing: The ability of the shielding material to protect the electronic device from external sources of EMI is measured. An external EMI source is applied to the material and the level of interference that enters the device is measured.
  5. Evaluation of results: The results from the radiated emissions, conducted emissions, and immunity testing are evaluated and compared to the acceptance criteria specified in MIL-G-83528B. The overall shielding effectiveness of the material is also assessed.

Measurements are made using the plane wave shielding effectiveness method. The gasket is then determined by its ability to electrically bond a test cover panel to an enclosure flange so the radiated RF plane wave will attenuate through a 24-by-24-inch opening. The enclosure needs to be large enough so no part of the transmitting antenna is within one meter of any enclosure surface.

Expert MIL-G-83528C Compliance Testing

In conclusion, MIL-G-83528B 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 Compliance’s accurate test reports are delivered quickly to avoid product launch delays. We tailor each test plan to individual customer needs minimizing unnecessary costs and over-testing. From concept through compliance, Keystone meets all of our customers’ needs under one roof.

In addition to MIL G shielding effectiveness testing, Keystone Compliance provides a full suite of laboratory and military certification testing standards such as DEF-STANMIL-STD-810MIL-STD-461, and RTCA DO-160 Testing.

Are you ready to partner with Keystone Compliance to determine the shielding effectiveness of your product when tested to the requirements of MIL-G-83528B? Let’s get started!

Diagram of MIL-G-83528B

MIL G 83528B Laboratory Certification Testing

For more information on Keystone’s shielding effectiveness testing capabilities, please visit: www.keystonecompliance.com