MIL-STD-461 CS1116

CS116 is a conducted susceptibility test method defined under MIL-STD-461, designed to assess equipment’s ability to tolerate damped sinusoidal transients on its interconnecting cables and power leads. These transients typically occur when lightning, switching operations, or other high-energy events couple into cable harnesses, generating rapid current and voltage oscillations. The frequency range of the CS116 test usually spans from 10 kHz to 100 MHz, encompassing transient signals that can pose a significant threat to sensitive electronic subsystems.

In a typical CS116 setup, a test generator produces ring wave or damped sinusoidal pulses of specified amplitude and frequency. This signal is then coupled onto the Equipment Under Test (EUT) cables through devices such as injection probes or line impedance stabilization networks (LISNs), depending on the cable or lead type. The test levels and number of pulses are carefully controlled to simulate realistic transient scenarios aligned with the standard’s strict guidelines.

Throughout the procedure, the EUT’s functionality and performance are continuously monitored. Operators look for operational anomalies such as data loss, erroneous signals, system resets, or performance degradation. Under transient stress conditions, the EUT must remain operational or experience only minor, acceptable performance reductions. Successful completion of CS116 signifies that the equipment can withstand high-speed, damped oscillatory transients without compromising mission-critical functions, thereby enhancing confidence in the system’s robustness and reliability in demanding operational environments.