MIL-STD-461 CS118

CS118, introduced in MIL-STD-461G, is a conducted susceptibility test focused on personnel-borne electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. In real-world environments, operators and maintenance personnel can inadvertently generate high-voltage electrostatic discharges that can damage or disrupt electronic systems. CS118 ensures that equipment and subsystems can withstand these ESD strikes without degrading performance or compromising functionality.

During a CS118 test, a specialized ESD generator—configured to meet the waveform and amplitude requirements outlined in MIL-STD-461G—applies repeated electrostatic discharges to the Equipment Under Test (EUT). Various contact points and approaches are used (e.g., direct contact discharge and air-gap discharge), simulating the conditions that might occur when a person touches or comes into proximity with equipment under typical operating or maintenance scenarios.

The EUT is continuously monitored for operational anomalies such as resets, lock-ups, corrupted data, or performance degradation. The test plan defines acceptable performance criteria, ensuring the equipment either remains fully functional or experiences only minor, reversible interference. By successfully completing CS118, manufacturers demonstrate the robustness and safety of their equipment under personnel-related ESD events. This is a critical requirement for both mission-critical systems and everyday electronic devices, where reliability is paramount.

OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE SAME STANDARD:

ONYX VISION 8, 8kV ESD Simulator w/Camera

An 8 kV ESD simulator for contact and air discharge testing, with a built-in camera and a 3.5-inch color touchscreen. See the discharge point live and save images before and after an impulse to support test documentation.

The portable ESD gun includes a 150 pF / 330 ohm RC network, two rechargeable battery packs and USB-C charging. Increase the voltage capability later with a purchased unlock code for a higher-voltage ONYX VISION configuration.

ONYX VISION 16, 16kV ESD Simulator w/Camera

An 16 kV ESD simulator for contact and air discharge immunity testing. Its integrated 1.5-megapixel camera displays the test point on a 3.5-inch color touchscreen and saves photographs before and after an impulse.

Includes a 150 pF / 330 ohm RC network, two rechargeable batteries and USB-C charging. Upgrade to 30 kV later with a purchased unlock code.

ONYX VISION 30, 30kV ESD Simulator w/Camera

A 30 kV ESD simulator for contact and air discharge immunity testing. Its integrated 1.5-megapixel camera displays the test point on a 3.5-inch color touchscreen and saves photographs before and after an impulse.

Includes a 150 pF / 330 ohm RC network, two rechargeable batteries and USB-C charging. The 30 kV model provides the highest listed family voltage; lower-voltage models can be upgraded with a purchased unlock code.

Onyx 16

+/- 16.5kV air and Contact Discharge
150pF/330Ohm Standard, Other networks available
>16 hour Battery life, AC mains option
Optional Software

Onyx 30

+/- 30kV air and Contact Discharge
150pF/330Ohm Standard, Other networks available
>16 hour Battery life, AC mains option
Optional Software

MIL-STD-461 CS118

Categories

Automotive +

Component +

International Product Standards +

International Test Standards +

Military & Avionics +

Safety +

Telecom/Wireless +

MIL-STD-461 CS118