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16 Feb 17. Quintech Electronics’ State-of-the-Art NEXUS-3 Mesh Test Matrix Selected by a Leading Defense Contractor to Enhance RF Wireless Testing for U.S. Government Program. Quintech Electronics & Communications, Inc., (www.Quintechelectronics.com), a world leader in the design and manufacture of RF wireless test and measurement matrix switches, announced that its new NEXUS-3 Mesh Matrix product has been purchased by a leading Defense Contractor in order to enhance its RF Wireless Testing in support of U.S. Government activities.
Quintech’s mesh matrices are used in research test beds to certify the design of critical communications technologies for the military. The NEXUS-3 mesh matrix attenuator switch is available in 8, 16, 24, and 32 port configurations. With integrated programmable attenuators, a device under test can send and receive signals to any or all other connected devices with independently controlled signal levels. The mesh test matrix passes signals from UHF radio, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
“We are excited to be offering the mesh attenuator matrix with the most stringent RF specifications for communications test labs,” says Frank Elling, President of Quintech Electronics. “The NEXUS-3 mesh test matrix provides best-in-class port-to-port isolation and minimal crosstalk. High input levels up to 45 dB are routed with zero signal distortion. Our Q-LAAMP lab management software platform provides an easy-to-use intuitive web browser GUI with both manual and automated sweep control of the attenuators.” (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
16 Feb 17. Japan leads way with Li-ion submarines. Japan’s first submarine to be powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries will be commissioned in March 2020, doing away with lead-acid batteries and a Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP) system.
With the arrival of this eleventh Soryu-class submarine the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) will be the world’s first navy to field a conventional submarine powered by Li-ion batteries.
VAdm (Retired) Masao Kobayashi, former commander of the JMSDF’s Fleet Submarine Force, explained at UDT Asia in Singapore on 18 January that the new type ‘will change conventional submarine operations dramatically’.
While Li-ion batteries offered similar endurance to an AIP system combined with lead-acid batteries at low speeds, Kobayashi said their advantage was found in longer endurance at higher speeds (e.g. during an approach or evasion) thanks to their higher capacity.
Furthermore, Li-ion batteries can be recharged at sea by snorkelling, which Kobayashi described as ‘revolutionary’, when compared with an AIP system.
They also have a shorter indiscretion time due to a high charge current, whereas lead-acid batteries take a long time to restore their electrical capacity. Additionally, Li-ion batteries have a long life, are maintenance-free, enjoy simple operation and result in a simpler power structure.
Their biggest disadvantage is monetary, however. The first Li-ion-powered Soryu-class submarine will cost JPY64.4bn ($566mi) as opposed to JPY 51.7bn for the preceding boat in the class. Much of this $112m difference is due to batteries and electrical circuits.
There are three requirements to fully exploit Li-ion batteries in any submarine. They require high-power diesel engines and a generator, bigger exhaust/intake pipes, alterations to electrical circuits (especially circuit breakers) and high-power diesel engines and a generator.
As Li-ion batteries are lighter than lead-acid batteries the Soryu platform had to be redesigned slightly to maintain weight/balance.
Two Li-ion types are available: lithium nickel cobalt aluminium oxide (NCA) manufactured by GS Yuasa; and lithium-titanate (LTO) from Toshiba. The JMSDF will use NCA-type batteries whereas Kobayashi believes LTO types were offered to Australia