Introduction
Milpower Source, a leader in power and communication technologies, has established itself as a pivotal player in the deployment of large-scale U.S. military projects.... read more
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 Milpower, 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
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. Milpower Source, 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 Milpower.... read more
Customization has long been a double-edged sword in the realm of military technology. While it promises to address specific needs and challenges, concerns about increased costs, technical risks, and project delays often loom large. However, what if customization could be the key to mitigating these risks and unlocking unparalleled performance?... 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
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 USS Gerald Ford (CVN 78) was put to the test during Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) in June 2021. With the new class of ship’s qualification requirements, these trials provide a telling picture for environmental standard requirements in military applications. Military-grade power and networking solutions play a significant role in these military platforms. Environmental conditions and test methodologies to which military platforms must operate are defined in military standards such as MIL-STD-810 and MIL-DTL-901E among others. Engineers developing systems and sub-systems in support of the defense and aerospace industry use design methodologies to meet or exceed the requirements and tests specified in these standards.... read more
In our previous Blog on Power and Networking Solutions for Sensor Fusion Systems we’ve talked about the importance and value of sensor fusion in today’s battlespace. Bringing together diverse, disparate, and geographically displaced sensor data provides battlefield commanders with an unprecedented view of the battlefield. This ensures rapid and informed decision making to maintain an advantage and protect the warfighter.
Our military and military suppliers must continue to advance capabilities to outpace enemies’ threats. The Drive released a fantastic interview earlier this month highlighting a key naval sensor directly supporting sensor fusion and pressing the art of the possible in support of the broader picture in the seaborn battlespace. Two systems directly supported by Milpower Source are highlighted in this interview. The AN/SLQ-32(V)7 Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block III is a perfect example of how the US Navy and its industry partners have improved the defensive and offensive electronic warfare (EW) capabilities aboard US naval assets for decades to come.... read more
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, so the HOST, FACE, CMOSS, MORA, RedHawk and other initiatives were formed by various branches of the US army.... 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
Belmont, NH - Feb 8, 2024 - In the dynamic landscape of military technology, Milpower Source is proud to be presenting the MILTECH 800G3UVPX a VPX Ethernet Switch that is set to redefine the standards of military-grade networking. This product not only aligns seamlessly with the evolving industry trends but also reflects Milpower Source's commitment to providing solutions for the most challenging environments.
Advanced Features for Unparalleled Performance The MILTECH 800G3UVPX provides advanced features, making it an ideal solution for the most demanding military applications. Boasting very high-speed fiber and copper ports, this Ethernet switch stands out in its market by offering unmatched connectivity options. The SOSA alignment sets it apart, ensuring seamless replacement or upgrade without needing an entirely new backplane, a testament to Milpower Source's commitment to flexibility and futureproofing. With full segregation between the data plane and control plane, managed by the IPMI SOSA protocol, the MILTECH 800G3UVPX guarantees robust security measures, including support for advanced technologies and time-sensitive networking (TSN).
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Unrivaled Performance in Targeted Environments
The MILTECH 800G3UVPX addresses multi-sensor systems manufacturers requiring high data rate exchange, such as cameras, radars, and stationary radio systems. In these scenarios, the Ethernet switch's high data rate and accurate timing capabilities are crucial for mission success. Another key application would be communicating multiple systems simultaneously, such as passive radars and command and control systems. The MILTECH 800G3UVPX excels in these applications, providing a robust and reliable networking solution that aligns perfectly with the unique demands of air, land, and sea defense scenarios.
Innovative Technologies Driving Excellence
The MILTECH 800G3UVPX Military Grade 6 X 100G Ethernet Data Plane + 8 X 25G Ethernet Control Plane integrates cutting-edge technologies to elevate its performance in diverse installation environments. The highlight is the incorporation of time-sensitive networking (TSN) for high-speed multiple-connection devices ability. Complying with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, and SOSA, this plug-and-play solution, coupled with configurable options for individual customer needs, sets a new standard for ease of use and adaptability and fits in the ever-evolving needs of military networking.
Anticipating the Future: Market Influence and Adaptability
The MILTECH 800G3UVPX, in its 3U VPX Form Factor, is poised to reshape the current market dynamics, ushering in the sixth networking generation. With the promise of real-time virtual/augmented reality and the interconnection of multiple software radios, this technology will revolutionize the future battlefield. Beyond defense applications, its adaptability extends to other industries such as vehicles, airplanes, autonomous aerial vehicles, ground systems, and marine platforms. As we embrace this technology, we anticipate a transformative impact, unlocking possibilities that were once confined to our imagination and paving the way for a new era in military networking.
Embracing Industry Trends: Supporting AI and Video Processing
As the world anticipates the transition to AI and video processing technology, Milpower Source is already positioning itself at the forefront. The MILTECH 800G3UVPX is geared towards the future, embracing the industry trend of higher data rates, increased connectivity, and enhanced performance. With Milpower Source's dedication to staying ahead of the curve, the MILTECH 800G3UVPX is a step toward the future of military networking.
Customer-Adapted Development and Production Processes
Milpower Source's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its customer-adapted development and production processes. With nearly four decades of experience, Milpower Source has honed its expertise in designing rugged power conversion, power management, and networking solutions. The MILTECH 800G3UVPX is a testament to Milpower Source's ability to tailor products to meet the unique requirements of military and aerospace applications.
In the Heart of Milpower Source: A Passion for Excellence
Headquartered in Belmont, New Hampshire, Milpower Source stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of military technology. With a global team of seasoned professionals, including design engineers, technicians, subject matter experts, and solution architects, Milpower Source is driven by a singular purpose – to create the best power conversion, power management, and networking solutions for mission-critical applications.
In conclusion, the MILTECH 800G3UVPX by Milpower Source demonstrates our commitment to advancing military networking solutions. Milpower Source’s MILTECH 800G3UVPX represents a significant step forward in technology for military communication systems. Milpower Source continues to provide advanced and reliable networking solutions for the military.
For more information please visit the MILTECH 800G3UVPX product page on the Milpower Source website.... 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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