EMC for security solutions and military products

VG 95373 is a series of German defence equipment standards published by the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Utilisation of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), which define the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for electronic and electrical systems and equipment in the German defence sector.

• Purpose: To establish specific measurement procedures and limit values for the permissible electromagnetic emissions and immunity of equipment. The aim is to ensure that the equipment functions safely and efficiently under realistic interference conditions, without being affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI) or causing it itself.
• Scope: The requirements apply to manufacturers who develop and produce electronic and electrical systems for use by the German Armed Forces. This encompasses a wide range of equipment, such as radar systems, communications equipment and other military equipment.
• Test methods: The standard consists of several parts covering different test requirements. The VG 95373 series is structured into the following main parts:
  • VG 95373-10: Test methods for conducted interference currents (conducted emissions).
  • VG 95373-12: Test methods for interference field strengths (radiated emissions).
  • VG 95373-13: Test methods for immunity to fields (radiated immunity).
  • VG 95373-14: Test methods for immunity to conducted disturbances (immunity). 

Conformity: Compliance with these standards is a prerequisite for market access in the German defence sector. Manufacturers must demonstrate that their equipment meets the test requirements of the current versions of VG 95373.

MIL-STD-461G is a US military standard that specifies electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for electronic and electrical systems and subsystems developed or procured for the US Department of Defence (DoD). It ensures that equipment functions correctly in its electromagnetic environment without causing interference itself or being affected by external interference.

We currently offer selected tests in this area, such as RE102 or CE102. We will review your specific requirements and provide you with a quotation.

For use in the defence sector, electronic systems must meet significantly higher electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements than those in the civilian sector. Whilst civilian EMC standards provide only inadequate coverage – or none at all – for many phenomena, military standards specifically address the extreme and harsh interference conditions encountered in real-world operational environments. Strict compliance is essential to ensure operational safety and to prevent mutual interference caused by electromagnetic disturbances.

We guide manufacturers through the structured process of obtaining the necessary documentation within the Bundeswehr’s procurement process:

1. Specification of requirements:
Based on the contractually stipulated requirements and taking into account the customer’s risk analysis – particularly when defining relevant operating conditions – the necessary test procedures and limit values are defined and set out in a detailed, standards-compliant test plan.

2. Design and optimisation:
We provide support in integrating EMC-relevant design principles (e.g. shielding, filtering) into product development. Should the need for optimisation arise during the process, we offer technical support in implementing the necessary measures.

3. Accredited test procedures and documentation:
The products are tested in our specialised, accredited test laboratory in Hamburg in accordance with the applicable military standards. The results are recorded in a comprehensive test report.

4. Gaining market access:
Successful completion of this qualification phase is the formal prerequisite for sales within the national and international defence sector.

TÜV NORD CERT GmbH
EMC Services Department

Harburger Schlossstraße 6–12
21079 Hamburg

Telephone: +49 40 766293422
Email: emv@tuev-nord.de