In an era where technology evolves at breakneck speed, the integration of advanced wearables into military systems has become a focal point for enhancing soldier capabilities and operational effectiveness.... read more
The demand for military wearables has been rapidly increasing in recent years, driven by the need for high-speed data transfer and real-time information sharing. These systems play a crucial role in enabling seamless communication between multiple wearable devices while reducing the reliance on various types of batteries.... read more
In today’s electronics landscape, effective thermal management is not just a necessity but a critical factor in ensuring optimal performance and longevity of electronic systems. At Enercon, we specialize in providing advanced thermal management solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by ground, naval, and airborne military applications.... read more
Introducing the MILTECH 9080: a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) integrated with a managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch
At the heart of every modern Military system lie two essential building blocks—a power distribution system and a Networking connectivity solution. But what can one get from combining the two functions into one value-multiplier product? Enter the MILTECH 9080, a groundbreaking Power Distribution Unit (PDU) integrated with a managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch, a solution engineered to meet modern military operations' diverse and demanding needs. From its robust, efficient design to its unique, cost-effective, and space-saving features, the MILTECH 9080 sets a new design and engineering excellence standard.... read more
Today's military technology requires robust, reliable, highly efficient, and versatile components. Multifunctional products combining multiple features or integrating several technological functions into one chassis provide a versatile, efficient, and compact installation method. This development approach of smart, economical, and operationally efficient solutions expands the limits of modern military operations.... read more
In the theater of modern warfare, the image of the soldier has evolved dramatically. No longer merely combatants, today's soldiers are dynamic nodes in a vast information exchange network and strategic coordination.... read more
In modern military operations, the effective exchange of information and reliable power distribution are paramount for mission success. Ground Data Terminals (GDTs) play a crucial role in facilitating real-time communication and powering essential equipment on the battlefield. Enercon, a pioneering provider of integrated power and networking solutions, has embarked on a mission to redefine GDTs through complete customization and advanced production capabilities. This comprehensive case study is about relationships, illustrating how a focused sales process that addresses the customer leads to technological excellence and customer satisfaction.... read more
When it comes to military technology, innovation is not just a pursuit but a necessity. The design process of our MILTECH 477 stands as a testament to this ethos, born out of a keen understanding of customer needs, a vision for future trends, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the development team at Enercon.... read more
Power distribution units (PDUs) for military applications have several useful features for monitoring and controlling power paths to devices in the system. One useful feature is the adjustable current limit, which can also be used during channel startup to provide a monotonic voltage ramp to a capacitance inside the downstream Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). This is done by setting a current limit value that is lower than that required for the continuous LRU load. By charging this capacitance with a constant-current source, the voltage ramp to the LRU can be set to a slower voltage ramp, averting high inrush currents that are common with switching into a capacitance.... read more
Unveiling the Resilient Design and Essential Features of Power Distribution Units for Uncompromising Military Applications... read more
Recent global conflicts shed light on the rising impact of unmanned loitering aerial weapon systems in the theatre of modern battlefields. A loitering munition, armed with an integrated warhead, remains airborne within a designated area until it identifies a suitable target, executing an attack through direct collision.... read more
In military settings, power failures can wreak havoc on sensitive electronic components during voltage drop-outs. To safeguard equipment and ensure uninterrupted functionality, the choice of a high-quality UPS solution and battery testers and chargers is crucial.... read more
In the realm of large-scale combat operations, the US Army places utmost importance on the seamless integration of electronic warfare and robust communications. This integration is a necessity, required to adapt to the rapid evolution of technology and the array of combat scenarios. Over time, the Army has envisioned the development of an open architecture system, reinforced by a sustainable approach aimed at maximizing investments for continuous capability enhancements and obsolescence management—all while managing size, weight, and power (SWaP) considerations.... read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of networking, the need for efficient and intelligent data transmission is paramount. This is where Layer 2 and Layer 3 Ethernet switches come into play and form the backbone of modern network infrastructures.... read more
Media converters serve as indispensable bridges, linking otherwise incompatible media types. These devices allow fiber optic cables to interface with twisted pairs, coaxial cables, and even different modes of fiber optics.... read more
Ground data terminals (GDTs) provide a secure and reliable way to transmit data and distribute power between ground forces and other elements of the military, such as air assets and command and control centers. GDTs are mainly used for sharing real-time situational awareness data and transmitting orders and commands from ground commanders to air assets and other forces. This allows for rapid and coordinated decision-making, which can be essential in a fast-moving battle.... read more
In challenging and demanding environments, the need for rugged, military-grade devices is paramount. These devices are specifically designed and tested to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring reliability and durability in the field. ... read more
Autonomous vehicles serve in frontline combat. The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) is being developed as part of the Army’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) family of vehicles: light, medium and heavy. The Army reportedly envisions employing RCVs as “scouts” and “escorts” for manned fighting vehicles to deter ambushes and guard the flanks of mechanized formations, marking a significant shift in the way we approach warfare.RCVs are intended to be controlled by operators riding in NGCVs, but the Army hopes that improved ground navigation technology and artificial intelligence (AI) might eventually permit a single operator to control multiple RCVs or for RCVs to operate in a more autonomous mode.... read more
Understanding the terminology and requirements related to the "holdup" time parameter can be valuable for system designers in the airborne industry.... read more
MIL-STD-461 is a military and defense equipment testing standard that is used by the US military and defense industry to verify the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of electrical and electronic equipment. The standard specifies requirements for testing and evaluating the electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions and susceptibility of equipment, to ensure that the equipment can operate effectively and safely in a wide range of electromagnetic environments.... read more
In a liquid cooling system, cold plates are in charge of transferring heat from high-heat load surfaces to the fluid used. To select the best liquid cooling solution for your application, you must determine the cooling fluid flow rate, fluid inlet temperature, the heat load of the devices attached to the cold plate, and maximum desired cold plate surface temperature Tmax. From these values, you can calculate the cold plate's maximum allowable thermal resistance.... read more
Alternating current (AC) power supply can be classified into single-phase and three-phase sources. Knowing the difference can help us determine when and where to use which. Requirements in airborne and ground applications utilizing AC sources of supply are becoming more frequent. In some cases, the traditional 28VDC direct current (DC) bus is at maximum current capacity and is not available, especially for higher power applications. The AC bus is often readily available for use and makes sense for upgrade and modernization programs to enhance capability on a platform.... read more
Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology brings significant advantages to the military electronics market in the area of miniaturization and efficiency. The electron mobility of GaN allows engineers to design devices with extremely high switching frequencies, resulting in high power densities, high performance, and higher operating temperatures, all at a lower cost compared to alternative technologies.... read more
Over the past few decades, the global ground vehicle community has seen a dramatic increase in the application of capabilities to the platform. These capabilities may be in the form of more effective protection equipment, more capable sensors, improved mobility, strengthened communications, or upgraded lethality technology. In the vast majority of these cases, power demand emanating from such improvements has increased orders of magnitude on board ground vehicles.... read more
The US Army has developed an open standard to define and drive interoperability on airborne and ground platforms, referred to as C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards, otherwise known as CMOSS. CMOSS is a modular open systems architecture (MOSA) intended to converge computing and command capabilities into one system, as opposed to integrating and managing separate capability “boxes” into a platform. CMOSS is a buzzword around the US defense industry and is one of several open architecture standards with a healthy focus from both Government and industry leaders. While CMOSS was initiated by the Army, other elements around the DOD and allied nations are beginning to take notice. The concept of “open architecture” is here to stay.... read more
PDU devices serve as a ‘circuit breaker’ to protect expensive and sensitive loads designed into the system. Such loads may include computers, displays, control devices, sensors, and weapons systems. Like the circuit breaker in homes, a PDU is a necessary tool to protect against current inrush or spikes, short circuit conditions, and other electronic maladies. In today’s market, power management devices, such as PDUs, may be referred to as circuit breakers, power distribution units (PDU), remote power control (RPC), and other trade names. PDUs can come in many different shapes and sizes based on the requirements of the military system, but not all are designed for use in a military or aerospace environment.... read more
MIL-STD-704 is an Aircraft Electrical Power Military Standard that defines a standardized power interface between a military aircraft and its equipment. The purpose of this standard is to ensure compatibility between the aircraft power system (including external power) and the utilization equipment (with connected power supplies). A power supply running directly from a generator, or its AC/DC rectifier must be able to handle the various transients from these “dirty” power sources.... read more
MOSA, the Modular Open Systems Approach, formerly known as Open Systems Architecture, is defined as a technical and business strategy used to streamline the design of affordable and flexible systems for military applications. Various branches within DoD have attempted to implement an open architecture approach within military systems over the years.
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Airborne pods are compact external electro-mechanical platforms that are attached to nearly any aircraft type yet operate independently. They hold intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems that collect sensor data across long-range airborne missions, turning normal aircraft into warfighters. To overcome the harsh conditions in which they operate while still being highly effective and secure, pods require rugged networking and power solutions that overcome myriad related challenges.
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Autonomous vehicles serve in frontline combat formations fighting alongside manned vehicles, resupply missions, urban reconnaissance etc.
Autonomous vehicles combine decision-making with real-time control. These two aspects become more critical in the modern battlefield. Mission-decision and Real-Time control are being achieved by sensor technology – gathering situational data through radar, LIDAR and electro-optics – as well as complex software algorithms for processing the huge amounts of data collected and determining what action needs to be taken.
The main task of the sensing suite in autonomous vehicles is to provide the most reliable and dense information on the vehicular surroundings. The challenge is controlling and managing the system integration in real-time battlefield from both communication and power aspects. The networking solutions should feature Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities in addition to management capabilities. Power distribution units are needed to manage the power and power supplies with high power output and the ability to work simultaneously with other power converters.
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Due to upgrades of various sensors, in different locations of the helicopter, there was a need to relay fast communication between the pilot and the co-pilot/gunner.
The customer was looking for a very small 1G LAN rugged switch with management capabilities.
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The VITA standards group has existed for many years now, developing the VME, VXS, XMC, VPX, and VNX standards as common physical and electrical formats to enable the development of modular systems. In military systems, the need for using open-architecture systems approaches became a priority.... read more
Sensors have become ubiquitous on the battlefield to detect and track everything from aircraft to dismounted soldiers, and from enemy radar systems to covert communications. Electronic Warfare (EW) represents the ability to either disrupt or use electronic signals attacks. Aircraft and unmanned systems perform reconnaissance missions and pass data back to field-deployed personnel and naval platforms being protected just outside contested environments. Mapping and surveillance aircraft share data back to centralized command posts around the globe for intelligence on enemy stockpiles, troop movements and missile defense systems that share target data with central command and anti-aircraft systems to help lock down the exact location of any missile fired for acts of aggression.
This collective battlefield picture and information sharing, along with accurate and real-time location mapping starts with sensors.... read more
Due to a UAV's compact and sensitive platform, there is no room for a bulky synchronous generator that allows a fixed voltage output. Likewise, the opportunity for a fixed speed engine to feed the UAV's permanent magnet generator to create a constant voltage output does not exist. A GCU (Generator Control Unit) functions as a mediator between the variable voltage and frequency alternator/generator and the stabilized DC bus requirement set by the payload. Its non-isolated topology provides high efficiency, light weight and a small form factor which makes the GCU power supply very attractive for systems that are powered by Permanent Magnet Generators (PMG) such as light weight UAVs, avionics, electronic warfare and other military applications.... read more
Managed ethernet switches are the solution for scenarios that involve multiple devices, or require redundancy, monitoring, and control over the application network. Managed switches are remotely programmable via Web or programmatic interfaces to allow pre- and dynamic configuration. These switches provide key features to support today’s UAV applications. primary among these are quality of service, VLANs, spanning tree, and redundancy.... read more
The armed forces see Software Defined Radios (SDR) as an optimal solution to combat the ever-changing communications technologies surrounding traditional manpack radios that are used in today’s ground vehicles. SDRs enables the radio chassis to run multiple wavelengths or can accept an upgrade capability by simply changing out payload cards. By using a single chassis as the base platform, there have been significant size, weight, and power (SWaP) improvements for the vehicle and platform integrations. This enables the combination of shared resources and, by reducing the amount of man-pack radios, decreases the tax on the vehicle’s electrical system.... read more
Every electrical system created for the battlefield poses its own unique set of challenges that require difficult design decisions. We know that design engineers all too well understand about the trade-offs between requirements of the system and those of its components. The same is true for industry standards that apply at the system level versus those that apply to its components. When faced with what to do when overlapping standards don't agree, sometimes the answer is -- do more.... read more
When you modify your system's architecture from mechanical to an electrical circuit breaker- based power distribution unit (PDU) and power architecture, you achieve much better flexibility and customization at the system level. You can tailor and scale to the specific needs of your platform more efficiently and optimize the system design to protect expensive and sensitive loads . This blog offers some reasons why electronic circuit breakers are more advantageous within a military platform.... read more
Customization. That word triggers fear in the hearts of design engineers, with thoughts of schedule slips and delays, increased technical risk, and the oh-so-frightening ka-ching of increased costs. But in reality, collaborating with a power supply manufacturer who can work with you to tailor key features can actually reduce cost and schedule risk for the most complex power supply requirement. Technical risk is mitigated even further when designing from a field-proven, existing product or circuit topology. Starting from the 60% or 80% solution, a power supply manufacturer's engineering team can collaborate with you to tailor to your specific and unique design needs and make it unequivocally right; the 100% solution!... read more
Most engineers are all too familiar with the term "electrification" in military vehicle and aircraft designs, defined as the conversion of a machine or system to the use of electrical power. It's necessary to integrate power distribution units (PDUs) when designing this electrification and protecting higher voltages, harnesses, and loads on a system. PDUs can also be referred to as solid state power control (SSPC) or remote power control (RPC) and they replace old mechanical circuit breakers with electronic circuit breaker technology.... read more
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