U.S. Department of Defense Military Standards (MIL-STDs)

The MIL-STD-810 testing standard provides thorough procedures for assessing how equipment withstands various environmental stresses, such as extreme temperatures, impacts, vibrations, and humidity, during operation, transport, and storage. Although widely applied to our range of ruggedized computers, the military standard was not originally created with these systems in mind. Consequently, certain tests may lack clarity or precision when interpreted for our range of edge computers. MIL-STD-810 is better understood as a comprehensive collection of environmental standards rather than a single, unified specification.

When selecting a rugged military computer, be sure to ask the vendor to validate their MIL-STD-810 compliance test methods and ensure the equipment meets the required standards for rugged performance. The answers to these questions will help you verify whether the system has undergone thorough MIL-STD-810 testing or if it was merely designed with the intention to pass the tests. Products that are “designed to be tested” but not properly verified often signal potential reliability issues, making these questions critical to ensuring rugged performance and mission readiness.

Which MIL-STD-810 testing methods were used? Understanding the specific methods applied—such as those for temperature, vibration, shock, or humidity—will help clarify whether the product has been tested against the environmental conditions it is expected to endure.

What were the parameters? Ask for details on the exact test conditions, such as temperature ranges, duration, vibration intensity, and other environmental stress factors. This helps ensure the testing was rigorous and relevant to your operational needs.

Was testing done by an independent facility? Independent third-party testing adds credibility and ensures unbiased results. Self-testing by the manufacturer can sometimes lead to incomplete or inconsistent outcomes.

Has this computer passed field verification trials or been successfully proven on a mission? Field-proven performance demonstrates that the equipment not only passed lab tests but also delivered reliable results in real-world operational environments.

Can I see the testing report? Requesting the official test report provides documentation of the exact procedures, results, and any limitations discovered during testing. This level of transparency can help identify any gaps or areas of concern.

Introduced in 1967 and continually updated to address evolving technologies and applications, MIL-STD-461 establishes detailed electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for Department of Defense systems. This standard is a critical benchmark for assessing how effectively a computer or other electronic equipment can function in “noisy” electromagnetic environments. It covers a wide range of platforms, including trucks, ships, aircraft, and fixed installations, while also addressing specific operational scenarios, such as above-deck and below-deck environments on Navy ships. Additionally, MIL-STD-461 allows for tailored requirements to suit unique application needs.

Since the 1990s, the DoD has promoted the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to reduce costs and development timelines. However, in situations where systems must operate alongside powerful transmitters or highly sensitive receivers, compliance with military standards like MIL-STD-461 becomes essential. To meet these stringent requirements, commercial components and computers often require significant upgrades or ruggedization to ensure they can withstand the demanding conditions of military operations.

Equipment compliant with MIL-STD-461 is designed to resist electromagnetic interference and avoid causing disruptions to other devices. While the baseline EMC requirements are comparable to commercial standards, most military applications involve significantly more challenging and demanding environments. When applying MIL-STD-461, which extends beyond the basic below, it is important to define the required testing categories and limit lines. This ensures the testing aligns with the specific environmental exposures of the application, helping to avoid schedule delays and unnecessary expenses.