In response to requests from industry and government, the Navy
has distributed 18,000 copies of the original NAVMAT P4855-1 since
its publication in 1982. As a result of its low-risk design and
manufacturing guidelines and their implementation by industry,
low-voltage switching-mode power supplies used in most military
electronics are no longer high risk. Unlike conditions prior to the
early 1980s, today's program and design reviews seldom highlight
concerns relative to low-voltage switching-mode power
supplies.
On the other hand, high-voltage power supplies have remained a
concern because they have not yielded to the same techniques used
for low voltage. To address their unique requirements, as well as to
update the low-voltage guidelines, I reconvened the original
committee. Aided by additional industry experts, particularly in the
high-voltage arena, the committee members have brought this
publication up-to-date and have added design and manufacturing
guidelines for high voltage.
Power supply technology is making rapid strides. I encourage
readers to continue keeping my office informed of any developments
which ought to be acknowledged in future revisions of this
publication. I am convinced that with continued assistance and
cooperation between the Navy and industry on power supplies and
other technical issues concerning the design and manufacture of
reliable products, we will meet the ultimate objectives of
significant improvement in Fleet readiness and reduced life cycle
cost.
W. J. Willoughby, Jr
Director: Reliability, Maintainability and Quality Assurance
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Shipbuilding and
Logistics) |