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.
Ground Data Terminals traditionally served as communication interfaces with separate power supplies, but Milpower Source has revolutionized this concept by integrating power and communication into a single, customizable device. Offering tailored solutions to meet customer demands, Milpower Source provides options such as redundant power inputs, fiber optic connections, and enhanced cooling methods, ensuring efficiency and reliability in military applications.
How it all started
A connection was established with a third-party company as part of a fruitful collaboration with a significant strategic customer for Milpower Source. Our client wanted to integrate Milpower Source's products into their system's structure in the appropriate places (where power supplies are needed).
The process began with the characterization of the first product for the platform, and as the process progressed, we were exposed to additional needs and elements of the system.
Our expertise in producing customized integrated power and networking products for military applications enabled us to offer a valuable solution in the follow-up project of the system's control unit - GDT.
Milpower Source overcame the limitations created by the requirement for two boxes (power and communication) and provided a solution that saves space, time, money, cables, and harnesses.
The Concept of GDTs
Traditionally, the GDT was the interface for communication equipment, when parallelly, it was necessary to use an external power supply to support the demands of the consumers (Lapotps, PCU, antennas, etc.). However, Milpower Source recognized an opportunity to enhance efficiency and functionality by integrating both aspects into a single device. This innovative approach not only streamlines operations but also reduces complexity and enhances reliability on the battlefield.
Customization Options
Customized development starts from customer demands that transmit an outline, system requirements, maintenance aspects, a total price, and mechanical constraints. By this, we characterize the solution and send it to the customer for approval.
The process incorporates synergistic procedures that combine our development and project teams along with those of the customers. This process is built on the axis between what exists today and where our client wants to be.
This expertise has qualified Milpower Source engineering teams to match the unique GDT solutions according to the customer's specifications. Some of the customization options offered by Milpower Source include:
● Redundant power inputs for enhanced reliability.
● Fiber optic connections for remote device connectivity.
● Integration of internal routers for seamless networking.
● Consolidation of power and data lines reduces costs, size, and EMC effects
● Enhanced cooling methods for operation in harsh environments.
The Milpower Source -GDT series represents an innovative fusion of power supply and networking functionalities, streamlining operations and enhancing reliability on the battlefield. Our meticulous development and production process ensure that customized GDT solutions meet customer specifications and perform reliably in real-world conditions, prioritizing customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
Milpower Source -GDT Series Overview
At the heart of the Milpower Source -GDT series lies a sophisticated fusion of power supply and networking functionalities. By consolidating these critical components into a unified platform, Milpower Source eliminates the need for separate systems, thereby reducing complexity, minimizing footprint, and enhancing operational efficiency. This integration ensures seamless communication and power distribution, enabling military and defense organizations to operate with unparalleled agility and responsiveness.
The Milpower Source -GDT series boasts a comprehensive array of features designed to meet the diverse operational requirements of modern military applications. Central to its functionality is a managed Ethernet switch, which provides robust networking capabilities, facilitating data transmission across various communication channels. Additionally, the inclusion of a router enhances compatibility and interoperability, ensuring seamless integration with existing network infrastructures.
Furthermore, the Milpower Source -GDT series is equipped with a Microcontroller Unit (MCU), enabling advanced monitoring and control functionalities. This allows operators to oversee and manage the performance of the GDT system in real-time, ensuring optimal efficiency and reliability in mission-critical scenarios. Moreover, various serial interfaces, including RS232 and RS422/485, enhance connectivity options, enabling seamless integration with a wide range of devices and peripherals.
The Development and Production Process
David Dvash, Milpower Source 's Program Director, and Senior R&D Engineer who led the GDT development process, shed light on the procedure that accompanied the work with the customer. "At the onset of the client's request, we realized this would be an integrative system incorporating several technological areas. Due to the very preliminary nature of the requirements, we realized we would need to build a process that would include milestones with a deep understanding of the customer's requirements and the existing systems and their limitations to develop a product that will optimally support future needs.
Phase 1: Requirement Analysis
A military command center requires a customized GDT solution to facilitate secure communication and power supply to the system elements. The solution must be rugged for harsh environments and support multiple networking protocols and power inputs.
We began the development process by thoroughly analyzing the customer's requirements and operational needs. This included identifying specific power and networking requirements, as well as any unique challenges or constraints faced by the customer.
Phase 2: Design and Engineering
Once the requirements had been identified, Milpower Source 's engineering teams (Power & Network) collaborated to design a customized GDT solution that met the customer's specifications. This involves accurate characterization, selecting the appropriate components, and designing the schematics, which will later be laid out parallel to the mechanical & thermal design to guarantee compliance with military and customer standards and regulations.
The selected solution includes redundant power inputs, multiple outputs, fiber optic connections for remote device connectivity, and internal routers for seamless networking. The design is optimized for size, weight, maintenance, and cost efficiency while ensuring reliability and performance in challenging conditions. Using one harness for each element, the GDT provides all the required power and communication contents.
Phase 3: Prototyping and Testing
After completing the design phase, Milpower Source created prototypes of the customized GDT solution for testing and validation. This involved rigorous testing to ensure the device met the customer's requirements and performed reliably in real-world conditions.
Testing includes environmental testing for temperature, humidity, vibration resistance, and functional testing to verify performance and reliability. Any issues identified during testing are addressed and resolved before moving to the production phase.
"The prototype completion phase is an exciting phase." David continues, "This is the first time you've met the product after designing it. We accompany each stage with tests and strict compliance with the design requirements. Any gap that is discovered is analyzed and treated immediately."
David explains, "The challenge in our specific case is that in an integrated product, the power component is considered 'heavy electronics,' and the communication component is considered 'delicate electronics.' A contrast in the behaviour of the power conversion and communication components creates a challenge. Communication, for example, is more sensitive to noise and less immune, affecting the implementation at the hardware level, which is also different between the two."
Phase 4: Production and Deployment
Once the prototypes had been successfully tested and validated, Milpower Source began the production process. This involved manufacturing the customized GDT units in accordance with the approved specifications and quality standards. Upon completion, the customized GDT solutions are deployed to the customer's location for integration into their operational infrastructure. Milpower Source provides ongoing support and maintenance to ensure the continued reliability and performance of the GDT solutions.
Conclusion
Milpower Source provides an integrated solution for GDT that essentially incorporates central building blocks within a complete system. One unit allows the customer more straightforward procurement, simpler maintenance, and easy logistics. The customer receives complete performance at the technology, operational, and commercial levels - one POC; from the customer's point of view, this is one product he manages.
David concludes, "As Milpower Source delves deeper into the market of integrated systems - power supply management and communication, we gain the knowledge and tools to address new requirements that will come to us. Already today, we can anticipate potential challenges in the future. This helps us understand what the market works on, its needs, and its structure. We plan, implement, and manufacture sub-assemblies that allow us to be more advanced and adaptable and have added value.
Featured here is our Miltech 3433, a custom product. Reach out to start building yours to fit your needs.
Find the datasheet here.
Featured here is our Miltech 3433, a custom product. Reach out to start building yours to fit your needs.
Find the datasheet, here.
