Traditional and FFT-based EMI Measurements according to MIL STD 461 and RTCA DO160

#fft #measurement #methods #receivers #spectrogram #testing #time-domain-analysis #Chicago #EMC #EMI #Emissions #CISPR #16 #MIL461G
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The Chicago Chapter of IEEE EMC Society , Invites you to our November 19, 2026 meeting.  

The topic of understanding modern EMI Measurement Equipment should be of interest to all EMC practitioners. 

Abstract: Traditionally, EMI Measurements are performed by spectrum analyzers or EMI receivers. Using the FFT-based measurement systems for EMI testing can reduce test time, improve the repeatability of EMI tests. While MIL461F defines the settings of dwell and sweep time for spectrum analyzers and EMI receivers, MIL461F defines the first-time parameters and requirements for the FFT-based measurement systems.

During the presentation the technological and mathematical background FFT-based measurement according to CISPR 16-1-1/ANSI C63.2 and MIL461 is explained. The requirements of CISPR 16-1-1/ANSI C63.2 and MIL461G regarding the implementation as well as the equivalence to a traditional EMI receiver ensure traceability and the same test results. The difference between an FFT-analyzer, a Real-time spectrum analyzer and the FFT-based measurement system are explained. Some pitfalls of using scopes with FFT-mode or noncompliant real-time spectrum analyzers for EMI testing are explained. Table 2 of MIL461G points out different parameters regarding the dwell time for stepped scan and FFT-based measurement system. During practical demonstration of the measurement of fluctuating signals, it is explained why a longer dwell time for FFT-based measurements according to MIL461G is required. Also, the advantages regarding the reproducibility and reduction of test time is shown. In addition to traditional scanning FFT-based measuring instruments also offers new methods to visualize and analyzer signals. During the presentation also the usage of spectrogram, time-domain analysis and complaint Real-time spectrum analyzer are shown. Applications like the detection of cycles of emissions as well as the identification of sources using correlation methods are shown. In addition, the changes given in MIL461H regarding EMI testing is presented.


  Date and Time

  Location

  Hosts

  Registration


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  • DLS Electronic Systems, Inc.
  • 1250 Peterson Dr.
  • Wheeling, Illinois
  • United States 60090
  • Contact Event Hosts

  • This program is open to all.  Please so we can account for dinner guests,

    REGISTER IN ADVANCE AT EMAIL BELOW :

    jblack@dlsemc.com  

    Thank you!  Jack Black  Chapter Chair

    847-537-6400


  Speakers

Dr. Stephan Braun of Gauss Instruments International 

Topic:

Traditional and FFT-based EMI Measurements according to MIL STD 461 and RTCA DO160

Abstract: Traditionally, EMI Measurements are performed by spectrum analyzers or EMI receivers. Using the FFT-based measurement systems for EMI testing can reduce test time, improve the repeatability of EMI tests. While MIL461F defines the settings of dwell and sweep time for spectrum analyzers and EMI receivers, MIL461F defines the first-time parameters and requirements for the FFT-based measurement systems.

 

 

Biography:

Dr. Stephan Braun studied Electrical Engineering at Munich University of Technology (TUM), and received his Dipl.-Ing. Degree in 2003. From 2003-2009 he was Research Assistant at the Institute for High frequency engineering, where he received in 2007 his Dr.-Ing. Degree. During this time the research was focused on the Theory and Application of Fully Compliant EMI Testing using Time-domain (FFT-based) Methods. He is working actively since 2007 for DKE and CISPR and has mainly contributed to the inclusion and definition of the FFT-based measuring instrument according to CISPR 16-1-1, CISPR 16-3 and CISPR 16-2-X. In 2010 this novel method became standard and is today referenced by almost all EMI Testing standards, including MIL461G. He is co-founder and managing director of GAUSS INSTRUMENTS International. He is Member of VDE, Electrosuisse and IEEE. He supports the IEEE Continued Education Program of the German Chapter and well as the IEEE EMC Bootcamp. He is author of more than 130 papers and is inventor of several patents, mainly about EMI testing, real-time signal processing and microwave circuits.

Gauss Instruments International 





Agenda

Meeting Agenda:

Dinner and Networking      6:30 to 7:00

Announcements                  7:00 to 7:15

Presentation                        7:15 to 8:15

Final Comments                   8:15 to 8:30