MIL-STD-202 Compliance Tests

MIL-STD-202 defines standard test methods for electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, connectors and switches. A component specification refers to this standard to state which method applies under which condition; the standard itself sets no limits — it describes the method.

The purpose is to ensure component-level tests are carried out the same way across different laboratories, so components made to the same specification by different manufacturers become comparable.

• Resistors, capacitors and inductors
• Connectors and terminals
• Switches and relays
• Cable and wire products
• Printed circuit board components

• MIL-STD-202Testing methods in electronic parts test

Method selection

The method numbers referenced by the component specification

Test classes

Environmental (humidity, temperature, salt fog), physical (vibration, shock, terminal strength) and electrical methods

Conditions

Each method's letter-designated condition options; the choice comes from the specification

Sampling plan

The sampling and acceptance plan in the specification

• Climate and humidity chambers
• Vibration shaker and shock rig
• Salt fog chamber
• Terminal strength and solderability rigs
• Electrical measurement and insulation test instruments

• The specimen must represent the final configuration of the design being qualified.
• The product's environmental life cycle profile and procurement specification must be supplied together with the test.
• If the unit is to be operated during the test, power, load and monitoring interfaces must be provided.
• The functional check procedure and success criterion must be provided in writing by the manufacturer.
• Tests may be destructive; the qualification specimen must be set aside from series use.

Duration depends on the set of methods applied. Humidity and life tests take days to weeks, while most physical methods are completed within a day.

1. 1The component specification is reviewed and the methods to apply are listed.
2. 2The number of specimens and the acceptance plan are determined.
3. 3Electrical measurements are taken before the test.
4. 4Methods are applied in the order given in the specification.
5. 5Interim measurements are taken at the points the method requires.
6. 6Post-test electrical measurements and visual inspection are performed.
7. 7Results are compared against the acceptance criteria in the specification.

The severity level and acceptance criterion come not from the method standard but from the specification the product is subject to: for MIL-STD-810 applications, the product's environmental life cycle profile and procurement specification are decisive; for DO-160 applications, it is the category corresponding to the equipment's installation zone on the aircraft. This page therefore gives no numerical limit.

The assessment relies on the change between pre- and post-test electrical values staying within the specification's limits and the absence of the defined defect type on visual inspection. Limits come from the component specification, not the standard.

• Equipment identification, part number and configuration
• Standard, revision and method/section number applied
• Selected severity level or category and its basis
• Test rig, mounting arrangement and measurement points
• Functional checks performed before, during and after the test
• Measurement results, observations and photographs
• Non-conformities and any test deviations
• A statement that the result applies only to the specimen submitted for testing

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• MIL-STD-810 (environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests)
• The procuring authority's technical specification and qualification plan
• AQAP / NATO quality assurance requirements (where applicable)

The section below describes the field that the MIL-STD-202 Compliance Tests test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• MIL-STD-461 Compliance Tests
• MIL-STD-883 Compliance Tests
• MIL-STD-167 Compliance Tests
• MIL-S-901 Compliance Tests
• MIL-STD-704 Compliance Tests
• MIL-STD-1275 Compliance Tests
• Salt Fog
• Rain
• Explosive Atmosphere
• Environmental Qualification
• EMI/EMC
• Ballistic Testing