Extended Mission Low Power Concepts for Portable Computing Environment (T-103-96)

The proposed research will focus on leveraging significant technology breakthroughs in reduced power electronic components and computer power saving devices necessary to achieve the desired operating times and mission endurance for Soldier Command and Control (C2) System products. Researching and maturing selected key low power technologies is proposed to enhance the effectiveness of these systems and to meet future mission operating endurance of seventy-two hours or greater. Unique to this research is the power reduction opportunity from a totally integrated perspective, considering all aspects of the Soldier System desirable features. Low Power system achievement is obtained through underlying technology breakthroughs that reduce the electronic gate count, substitute software implemented functions. The Soldier System minimum low power technology solutions include: CPU with motherboard./memory, power converter, display/entry device, speech recognition and synthesis, video capture and compression, data and voice communications, and GPS (Y-Code) receiver. Research goals will address technology targets of opportunity that will lead to the design, prototyping, and packaging of a low power command and control Soldier System. Simulation midels will be tailored to predict low power technology insertion opportunities and for reuse in next generation prototyping.