EMI experts at the Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) perform RS103 testing to verify equipment EMI compliance.
RS103 testing assesses equipment immunity to radiated radio-frequency electric fields. As a key electromagnetic susceptibility method in MIL-STD-461, it is essential for many defense applications. We use controlled field exposure and functional monitoring to generate evidence that meets customer requirements.
What Happens During RS103 Testing?
During testing, the equipment operates in defined modes while an antenna generates the required electromagnetic field. The test covers specified frequencies, field strengths, modulation, dwell times, and antenna positions, which may vary by service, platform, installation, or contract.
Before exposure, our team sets up and verifies the test field. During the sweep, we monitor specified functions and record any malfunction, degradation, reset, indication change, or other relevant response.
If the equipment responds at a frequency, we follow the approved procedure, which may include confirming the response and identifying its threshold. We maintain test conditions so engineers can assess observations and determine if corrective action is needed.
Who Relies on RS103 Test Data?
RS103 testing supports equipment manufacturers, defense suppliers, prime contractors, and system integrators. It applies to electronic equipment for aircraft, ships, vehicles, ground installations, and space applications. Qualification teams use the data to assess readiness for integration or delivery.
- Design engineers assessing susceptibility risks
- Compliance teams preparing qualification evidence
- Program offices reviewing contract requirements
- Quality teams confirming the tested configuration
Applicability is determined by the contract or equipment specification. MIL-STD-461 requirements are often tailored for each program. We confirm the required revision and method details before defining the test approach.
How Does Our RS103 Testing Reduce Project Uncertainty?
A successful test session requires more than generating a field. The test article must match the intended configuration, as cables, grounding, support equipment, software, and operating modes can affect results. Clear performance criteria are also essential. ATS features ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited, ISO 9001:2015-registered testing laboratories, ensuring precise testing results you can depend on.
We review these elements with the customer before testing. This preparation can reveal missing adapters, incomplete monitoring, or undefined failure criteria, and helps the lab reserve appropriate antennas, amplifiers, chambers, and test time.
- Documented pretest requirements review
- Setup matched to the approved procedure
- Continuous or periodic functional checks
- Results presented with relevant test conditions
What Should You Bring to an RS103 Test Program?
Customers should provide the test article, representative interconnects, support equipment, operating instructions, and expected performance limits. Please also identify safety constraints and any modes requiring special attention. A current drawing or configuration list supports traceability.
RS103 testing is important because radiated energy can enter through enclosures and wiring, potentially interfering with control, communications, sensing, or data functions. Testing provides a repeatable method to observe equipment behavior before field use.
We deliver professional RS103 testing with organized planning, controlled execution, and comprehensive reporting. Contact us to review your test level, frequency range, equipment setup, performance criteria, and desired completion date.
Contact Us
Contact the RS103 testing experts at ATS by submitting a web request form or calling +1 (888) 287-5227.
