Meeting MIL-STD-461 - CS118 Requirements with Absolute EMC's Cutting-Edge Solutions

Meeting CS118 Requirements with Absolute EMC's Cutting-Edge Solutions

Understanding CS118 in MIL-STD-461G and upcoming version H
CS118 is a crucial standard focusing on personnel-borne electrostatic discharge (ESD) for electrical, electronic, and electromechanical subsystems that include a man-machine interface. It is applicable to ensure that equipment does not experience malfunctions or performance degradation when exposed to static discharge, as defined in MIL-STD-461. The primary goal is to verify the ability of a unit under test (EUT) to withstand personnel-induced electrostatic discharge while in a powered-up state.

Applicability & Limits of CS118
The CS118 standard applies to systems involving electrical interfaces, with a specific requirement that the EUT must not exhibit any malfunctions or deviations beyond its specified performance limits when subjected to ESD events. Testing involves a contact discharge of 8kV for conductive surfaces and air discharge for non-conductive surfaces up to 15kV, using a network comprising a 150 pF capacitor and a 330-ohm resistor.

CS118 Testing Equipment Requirements
The equipment required to conduct CS118 testing includes an ESD Generator, capable of delivering between ±2kV to ±15kV, contact and air discharge tips, an electrostatic voltmeter, an oscilloscope with a bandwidth of ≥1 GHz, an ESD current target, and additional grounding and attenuation accessories.

Absolute EMC provides a complete solution to meet CS118 requirements by offering several state-of-the-art tools designed specifically to perform and streamline this type of testing.

Absolute EMC Solutions for CS118 Compliance
Absolute EMC offers a comprehensive range of products that support compliance with CS118 requirements for personnel-borne ESD testing:

1. Onyx 30 - 30kV ESD Simulator
• The Onyx 30 is a versatile ESD simulator that provides adjustable discharges from ±2kV to ±30kV, allowing for precise testing across the required range of CS118. Its user-friendly interface and reliability make it an ideal choice for meeting ESD requirements. The contact discharge and air discharge capabilities meet the standard requirements effectively.
• Learn more about Onyx 30
2. AEMC-HVM100kV Electrostatic Meter
• For precise voltage measurement, Absolute EMC offers the AEMC-HVM100kV electrostatic voltmeter. This device ensures that all electrostatic potentials are correctly identified, offering the precision required for CS118 compliance, especially when verifying voltage levels.
• Learn more about AEMC-HVM100kV
3. PET 4000

o    The PET 4000 2Ohm ESD Target is used to verify the proper wave shape of the ESD network and simulator. It allows operators to adjust test parameters effectively, ensuring consistent application of ESD pulses as required by CS118.

4. Resistor Cables
• Absolute EMC also provides the special Resistor Cables necessary for discharging the EUT in between pulses. The cable is constructed with 2x 480 kOhm resistors, one on each end of the wire to make up the 1MOhm resistance. This is commonly used in many industries for ESD. 

From MIL-STD-461H

5.16.3.2 Test equipment.

The test equipment shall be as follows:

a. ESD Generator, adjustable from ±2kV to ±15kV (minimum range), see Figure CS118-1 and Table X for simplified ESD generator characteristics. ONYX 30

b. ESD network, 150 picofarads (pF) capacitance, 330-ohm discharge resistance. Incl. with ONYX 30

c. Contact discharge tip Figure CS118-2. Incl. with ONYX 30

d. Air discharge tip Figure CS118-2. Incl. with ONYX 30

e. Electrostatic voltmeter. AEMC-HVM100kV

f. Oscilloscope, single event bandwidth ≥1 GHz. Normally owned by Lab

g. ESD current target, input resistance 2 ±5% ohms, Figure CS118-3. PET 4000

h. Attenuator, 20 dB.  Incl. with PET 4000

i. Coaxial cable, 50-ohm impedance, ≤1 meter. Incl. with PET 4000

j. Metallic ground plane. Part of standard MIL Setup

k. Ionizer or one (1) megohm resistor (1MΩ ±10%). Resistor Cable

Simplified Compliance
The combination of Absolute EMC's solutions allows testing professionals to achieve CS118 compliance with confidence. The Onyx 30 provides the required ESD impulses while maintaining ease of use, and the AEMC-HVM100kV ensures accurate monitoring of electrostatic voltages throughout the testing process. Together with the PET 4000 and the appropriate resistor cables, Absolute EMC offers all the necessary tools to meet the stringent requirements of CS118 testing for personnel-borne electrostatic discharge.

Get Started with CS118 Testing Today
Meeting CS118 standards can be challenging, but Absolute EMC simplifies the process by offering reliable, easy-to-use equipment. With high-quality instruments and a focus on customer success, Absolute EMC is here to ensure your systems meet all ESD immunity requirements efficiently.

For more information about CS118 testing solutions or to request a quote, visit our website or contact our team today.

Visit Absolute EMC for all your EMC testing needs.