Mission-critical computers, navigation, and communication systems often require EMI Shielding to prevent Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from disrupting system operation.  EMI Shielding protects sensitive information and electronics, blocking external electromagnetic and radio frequency interference that may impair the functioning of the devices. If EMI Shielding is not applied, risks can include malfunction, loss of information, or complete failure of systems, putting missions at risk of failure and endangering personnel.  Similarly, radiated emissions from electronic devices used in military operations need to be properly shielded to minimize detection from adversarial surveillance.  

Additionally, Night Vision Goggles, or NVG, are essential equipment for operations to allow military personnel to operate in almost total darkness. Night vision equipment first emerged in World War II, and since then, it has evolved and become more sophisticated over the years. Night Vision Goggles allow the wearer to see in low light conditions, amplifying near-infrared (NIR) ambient light by up to 50,000 times its actual brightness. Military teams use them for covert operations and search and rescue missions.

In modern military operations, NVG EMI shielding is critical for ensuring that night vision systems function without interference from surrounding electronic devices, especially in contested environments. Without proper shielding, NVGs and other mission-critical systems risk disruptions that can compromise effectiveness on the battlefield.

Key Military Standards for NVG EMI Compliance

There are several military standards to adhere to when assessing the functionality of critical equipment, such as NVGs and EMI-shielded systems. The Department of Defense (DoD) sets standards such as these to ensure that equipment meets the requirements to be used functionally and safely.

MIL-STD-461/464

MIL-STD-461 is the testing standard for EMI, which refers to the amount of emissions from an electronic device and the device’s susceptibility to outside electromagnetic interference.  In addition, MIL-STD-464 encompasses the system design to address the electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) of air, sea, space, and ground electronic systems.

MIL-STD-3009

The Department of Defense (DoD) Interface Standard MIL-STD-3009 sets the requirements for aircraft lighting and Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility. It defines acceptable color parameters and NVIS radiance limits for cockpit lighting and display equipment. As the primary reference for NVIS-compliant lighting, it informs numerous related standards and recommendations for newly designed and engineered systems.

MIL-STD-810

MIL-STD-810 outlines requirements for environmental testing procedures that ensure military equipment can withstand extreme conditions and operate effectively. Some of the characteristics “ruggedized” equipment must have are the ability to withstand extreme temperatures (-55 to + 85 deg. C) and vibration, shock, humidity, dust, rain, and altitude.

Challenges in Meeting Standards While Maintaining Performance

There are multiple considerations when engineering these types of equipment as there are multiple points of functionality and cost to consider. For example, while the primary purpose of EMI shielding is to protect devices from electromagnetic interference, the materials used to do this can sometimes also impact the optical clarity of the device it protects; the design needs to be optimized with both considerations in mind.

Military equipment must have a dual-mode function, allowing it to operate effectively in direct sunlight and very low light conditions. As soldiers rely on mobile and wearable night vision systems, weight and ergonomic considerations are critical in design.   For instance, batteries needed to power mobile electronics increase the size of the device and add weight. Additionally, vulnerability to EMI is increased when components are packed tightly together due to space constraints.

One of the biggest challenges in designing NVG EMI solutions is balancing electromagnetic protection with optical clarity. As a result of these concerns, optically transparent EMI shields using conductive coatings and meshes are a good choice because they provide uninterrupted optical clarity and have a minimal impact on the overall design, keeping the devices lightweight. These coatings can be integrated into touchscreens, cover glass, or optics to preserve the clarity, luminance, and viewing angle of LCD displays and resist environmental factors such as corrosion, moisture, and high or low temperatures, making them ideal for military and avionic applications.  Military hardware, such as NVG-EMI systems, can also be equipped with NVIS Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and filters to provide functionality during night operations.  

Future Trends & Evolving Standards

EMI shielding methods that historically relied on metal enclosures are being replaced by conductive composites and conformal coating to improve functionality and design flexibility. Conductive thin-film coatings such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) provide effective shielding and can be used for transparent heating of optics to extend the thermal range of optical systems like NVGs, where maintaining transparency and minimizing weight is critical. 

NVGs and EMI-shielded systems will be in greater demand as digital warfare capabilities advance. In the near future, NVGs may be integrated into augmented reality systems. As network-centric warfare becomes a global threat, seamless communication will become more critical. The requirements for standards like MIL-STD 461 and MIL-STD-810 will likely change as threats evolve and change, adapting to more sophisticated cyber-electromagnetic attacks and increasingly extreme environmental and electromagnetic conditions.

Meeting military standards while balancing cost, performance, and innovation is an ongoing challenge. As defense technology advances, continued investment in EMI shielding and NVG enhancements will be critical to maintaining military readiness on an increasingly complex battlefield.

Cevians: Leading Innovation in NVG EMI Shielding Solutions

For over 40 years, Cevians has been a leading innovator in NVG-EMI systems, including optical coatings, filters, LEDs, and displays to provide advanced solutions for military applications, specializing in Night Vision and EMI shielding technologies. Their products are engineered to meet rigorous performance and compliance standards, ensuring reliability and protection for critical systems. By combining cutting-edge materials with innovative design, Cevians enhances operational efficiency in demanding environments.