Case Study: Custom EMI Filtering for a Naval Frigate Program

Application Overview

Modern naval vessels rely on complex electronic systems for communications, navigation, surveillance, and mission-critical operations. These systems must maintain electromagnetic compatibility while meeting stringent military and information-security requirements.

A naval frigate program required multiple EMI filtering solutions capable of addressing both MIL-STD-461 and TEMPEST requirements, while accommodating specialized electrical and mechanical configurations.

Application Challenges

Naval electronic systems present unique EMI/EMC challenges due to the density of onboard equipment, sensitive communications systems, and demanding operating environments.

Key challenges included:

• EMI/EMC Compliance: Addressing MIL-STD-461 requirements for electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility.
• TEMPEST Requirements: Providing additional attenuation to help control potentially compromising electromagnetic emissions.
• Leakage Current Constraints: Managing Y-capacitor configurations to accommodate naval electrical requirements.
• Mechanical Integration: Supporting specialized connectors and mounting configurations.
• Long-Term Reliability: Developing solutions suitable for multi-year naval defense programs.

Astrodyne TDI Solution

Astrodyne TDI provided a customized EMI filtering approach for the naval frigate program, supporting both AC and DC power architectures.

The project involved four EMI filters, with modifications to address the program's electrical performance, leakage current, and connector requirements.

The original filtering solution was subsequently adapted to accommodate additional TEMPEST requirements, demonstrating Astrodyne TDI's ability to respond to evolving program specifications.

Product Offering Details

The customized solution included:

• Four EMI filters supporting single-phase AC and DC applications.
• 10A and 40A current ratings across the specified filter configurations.
• MIL-STD-461 and TEMPEST filtering requirements addressed through application-specific modifications.
• Y-capacitor modifications, including reductions to below 100 nF on applicable AC line configurations.
• Harting input connectors to accommodate system interconnection requirements.
• Customized electrical and mechanical designs tailored to the naval application.

Conclusion

This naval frigate program demonstrates Astrodyne TDI's ability to adapt EMI filtering technology to complex military requirements.

Through customized electrical configurations, leakage current management, and specialized connector integration, Astrodyne TDI supported the program's evolving EMI/EMC and TEMPEST needs.

The project highlights the value of working with an experienced EMI filtering partner capable of supporting specialized requirements throughout long-term military programs.