New Defence Standard 61-5 Part 6

The new Defence Standard 61-5 Part 6 has been rewritten to keep pace with new operational demands on vehicle power supply systems encountered during recent operations and sees Issue 6 issued during February 2009.

The Defence Standard outlines the characteristics for all military ground platforms with DC power distribution systems up to 28V nominal power and covers both terminal equipment and the actual platform itself.

New test methods have been developed which include an environmental aspect for terminal equipment when measuring maximum inrush current. The standard also recognizes the increase use of 12 volt systems by including defined limits for both 12 and 24V powered equipments.

A fundamental change from Issue 5 is the requirement of a Power Critical Design Review. This is aimed to document the parameters and test methods required to validate the platform and equipments against the requirements of this standard.

By application of these tests and compliance with Def Stan 59-411 the defined limits, both electrical and electromagnetic compatibility of equipment, including radio and other non-automotive electronic/electrical systems, within the vehicle should be ensured.

EMC specialists from TRaC served on the DSTL working group on the writing of this standard and are ideally placed to give consultancy advice for the Power Critical Design Review in addition to the testing and qualification work that forms part of the sign off of the equipment and platform.