MIL-STD-810 is a series of performance and manufacturing guidelines set by the Department of Defense for military and commercial equipment and applications.
These guidelines specify allowable parts and environmental condition ranges in which a device must be able to operate to meet compliance.
MIL-STD-810 is a generally accepted standard of ruggedization testing and compliance for mobile computers and equipment.
The MIL-STD-810 test method is used to generate confidence in the environmental worthiness and overall durability of material system design. The testing process follow guidelines which include:
- Program documentation
- Program roles
- Test standards
- Laboratory test method guidelines
These laboratory test methods are broken down into 24 categories and resultant procedures appropriate to the environment in which the equipment is expected to be used.
But it should be noted that the actual tests are carried out according to pre-defined test plans and criteria.
The tests are normally natural environment field tests or laboratory tests – or a combination of both. The test procedure is dependent on the environment tested. The procedure and its execution provide the basis for collecting the necessary information.
Some of the products tested will carry a MIL-STD-810E rating. Others may be compliant with a MIL-STD-810F rating. Then there’s the MIL-STD-810G rating which is a revision of MIL-STD-810E and MIL-STD-810F.
The tests and methods are more or less the same but much of the standard has been rewritten to provide clearer direction.
When selecting a rugged product, it’s essential to make sure it was designed to meet compliance with MIL-STD-810 and that the actual tests to which the product is compliant reflect the environment in which the item is to operate.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers MIL-STD-810 Training, a one-day course that focuses on the purpose of the various MIL-STD-810 tests as well as the test environment and equipment. Participants will also learn the various methodologies required to perform each test.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.