MIL-STD-810 Rugged Computing Testing

Devices used for military or aerospace applications must operate well in many conditions, from high pressure to extreme moisture. These devices must also hold up to rough handling. To set a benchmark for devices manufactured for military use, the U.S. government established military standards denoting the rigorous testing that tools must endure before deployment.

If you need to certify that your manufactured devices hold up to military standards, turn to VTEC Laboratories. We provide extensive testing to allow for improved safety and mission success.

What Is MIL-STD-810 Testing?

MIL-STD-810 tests ensure that military equipment undergoes extensive evaluation before field deployment. This process falls under environmental testing standards for rugged computing equipment. Testing certifies that devices can withstand environmental stresses throughout their life span.

Testing covers many areas, including pressure, temperature, fluid contamination, solar radiation, rain, humidity, salt fog, sand and dust, and many other extreme environments that military equipment might face. After testing a product in the conditions covered by this standard, data can be gathered and recorded to create a test report.

Some products are only “designed to meet” MIL-STD-810 — rigorous rugged computing equipment testing serves to certify that products truly meet these standards. For military organizations and other groups, MIL-STD-810 tests are the best way to assess whether military devices will operate as they should in the field.

How Is MIL-STD-810 Testing Performed?

Manufacturers can ensure their products meet this military standard by subjecting devices to laboratory tests that simulate the real-world environments they may encounter. MIL-STD-810 test methods include:

• Immersion: This test determines if the equipment can withstand immersion or partial immersion and operate during and afterward.
• Explosive atmosphere: A laboratory can perform this test to demonstrate whether the computing equipment can function in explosive atmospheres without causing ignition or that an explosion inside the device will not spread outside the case.
• Sand and dust testing: For system components or military vehicles, these tests can determine whether sand and dust will impact sensitive electronics
• Salt fog testing: Testing in this area determines whether finishes and coatings protect devices exposed to salt-laden environments. Tests may also cover the effects of salt fog on physical and electrical elements.
• Fungus testing: This test aims to determine whether fungus can grow on devices and if they can still operate with fungal growth.
• Solar radiation: If devices will endure sun exposure during their use, this test can determine the heating effects of solar radiation and the potential for degradation.
• Temperature shock: This test determines whether sudden temperature changes will cause physical damage or affect device performance.
• Altitude: Also referred to as a low-pressure test, this test determines whether the computing equipment can operate in an environment with low pressure or rapid changes in pressure.
• High temperature/low temperature and humidity: These three tests of rugged computing equipment cover a device's performance in different weather conditions.