Expanding MIL-STD-461 Solutions: From M2 Series to New MF Filter Modules

Building on the success of last year’s M2-grade DC-DC converters with power solutions ranging from 30W to 300W—featuring reliable performance at operating temperatures down to -55°C—CINCON continues to support defense and aerospace sectors by expanding the MIL-STD-461 offerings with the introduction of the MF EMI filters.

 

Understanding MIL-STD-461 Compliance

Following strong market feedback, CINCON introduces the MF EMI filter modules to further address customers’ EMI challenges and deliver complete defense-ready solutions. These modules comply with MIL-STD-461(F, G), which sets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for defense equipment. The table below summarizes the four key subcategories under the standard:

Requirements for the control of electromagnetic interference emissions and susceptibility

 

MIL-STD-461 covers several electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) characteristics, including:

‧ CE(Conducted Emissions): Refers to the noise or interference a device generates that can affect the power source or other systems it is connected to via cables.

‧ CS(Conducted Susceptibility): Describes the system’s vulnerability to incoming noise conducted through power lines or other conductive paths.

‧ RE(Radiated Emissions): Refers to the electromagnetic noise a device radiates into the surrounding space, which could interfere with other nearby equipment.

‧ RS(Radiated Susceptibility): Refers to the system’s vulnerability to external electromagnetic noise that may be radiated from other devices or the environment.

Compliance with these categories is essential to ensure proper functionality of defense systems in complex electromagnetic environments.

 

MF10/MF20 Integration with Cincon DC-DC Converters

CINCON’s MF10D and MF20D filter modules are designed to integrate seamlessly with selected DC-DC converters to meet MIL-STD-461 EMI requirements.

This integration not only streamlines the EMC filter design process but also delivers a cost-effective solution ideal for COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) applications.

 

Typical applications include:

● Avionics systems (e.g., airborne communication equipment)

● Ground defense vehicle power management

● High-EMI-sensitivity industrial equipment

● Harsh Environments

 

Traditionally, achieving MIL-STD-461 compliance in defense systems requires numerous external filtering components—such as inductors, capacitors, and bead cores—to suppress conducted noise. (See the diagram below for reference) While effective, this approach adds complexity, cost, and space constraints.

 

Cincon’s MF modules simplify this process by integrating the filtering capability into a single module, reducing design effort, improving reliability, and maintaining compliance.

 

EMI Test Example: MF20 with CQB150W-24S24

To demonstrate practical integration, Cincon tested the MF20D075P with the CQB150W-24S24 DC/DC converter. Using the recommended reference circuit and test board, this configuration successfully passed CE102 conducted emissions testing under MIL-STD-461 standards.

 

Cincon provides layout recommendations and reference designs for compatibility with its DC-DC brick modules, including the ECLB and B case series. Below is the reference circuit and layout example for CQB150W-24S24:

MF10/20D075P For Half Brick, Quarter Brick and Eighth Brick Connection Circuit

 

F20D075P For Half Brick, Quarter Brick and Eighth Brick PCB layout top view

 

MF20D075P For Half Brick, Quarter Brick and Eighth Brick PCB layout bottom view

 

The example for testing

 

Components value:

Note:

● C1: NIPPON CHEMI-CON URZ Series aluminum capacitor or equivalent

● C2: 1206 MLCC Capacitor

● C4, C5: 1206 MLCC Capacitor

● CY1, CY2: 1812 MLCC Capacitor

● CY3, CY4: 1808 MLCC Capacitor

● CY5/CY6: TDK Y2 DIP capacitor or equivalent

● C3: NIPPON CHEMI-CON UVY Series aluminum capacitor or equivalent

● BD1, BD2, BD3, BD4: HFZ3216PF-121T60, TAI-TECH

 

Test Result:

MF20D075P (EMI Conducted MIL-STD-461 CE102 with CQB150W-24S24) – Passed

 

Additional Notes on Thermal Management

The MF10/20D050P supports a wide case temperature range of -55°C to +110°C. For optimal performance, appropriate derating or cooling is necessary, ensuring the case temperature does not exceed 110°C. The following graph presents the derating curves for the MF10D075P and MF20D075P modules:

 

Cincon’s In-House EMC Lab and HALT Testing

Cincon operates own EMC lab to perform in-house testing for MIL-STD-461 compliance, significantly reducing development time. To further ensure product reliability, Cincon conducts Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) to identify operational and destructive limits. HALT subjects products to extreme stress conditions, enabling engineers to refine designs, improve durability, and increase customer confidence early in the product development cycle. If you have any further inquiries or need assistance with defense applications, please feel free to contact us. We are here to provide comprehensive support and solutions tailored to your needs.

 

For more information, contact Cincon:sales@cincon.com