Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is the

NATO The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO ; , OTAN), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental organization, intergovernmental Transnationalism, transnational military alliance of 32 Member states of NATO, member s ...

name for the communication component of

Link-16 Link 16 is a military tactical data link network used by NATO members and other nations, as allowed by the Multifunctional Information Distribution System, MIDS International Program Office (IPO). Its Technical standard, specification is part of ...

developed by Xetron. MIDS is an advanced command, control, communications, computing and intelligence ( C4I) system incorporating high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital communication links for exchange of near real-time tactical information, including both data and voice, among air, ground, and sea elements. MIDS is intended to support key theater functions such as surveillance, identification, air control, weapons engagement coordination and direction for all services. The MIDS program includes two different families of receiver synthesizer line cards: * MIDS-LVT (Low volume terminal): LVT(1), LVT(2), or LVT(3). * MIDS-JTRS (Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals). MIDS-JTRS is a

software-defined radio Software-defined radio (SDR) is a radio communication system where components that conventionally have been implemented in analog hardware (e.g. mixers, filters, amplifiers, modulators/ demodulators, detectors, etc.) are instead implemented ...

(SDR) that is compliant with the JTRS Software Communication Architecture (SCA) . MIDS JTRS maintains the Link-16, J-Voice, and TACAN functionality of the older MIDS-LVT standard, and adds link-16 enhanced throughput (ET), link-16 frequency remapping (FR), and programmable crypto. The MIDS terminal is based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) data-link technology with 128 time slots per second; during each time slot, only one terminal is allowed to transmit while all the other terminals on the same network are set to receive. To improve the anti-jamming capability signals are spread over 51 frequencies in the 960–1215 MHz frequency band; transmission is inhibited around the two

IFF In logic and related fields such as mathematics and philosophy, "if and only if" (often shortened as "iff") is paraphrased by the biconditional, a logical connective between statements. The biconditional is true in two cases, where either both ...

bands (1030 and 1090 MHz.) The maximum output power of a MIDS terminal is 200 Watts which allows an operational range of 300 miles; range can be extended by relaying information between intermediate terminals.

MIDS Components

The MIDS terminal consists of two different Line Replacement Units (LRUs): the Main Terminal and the Remote Power supply (RPS). The Main Terminal consists of 10 Shop Replaceable Units (SRUs): *

Chassis A chassis (, ; plural ''chassis'' from French châssis ) is the load-bearing framework of a manufactured object, which structurally supports the object in its construction and function. An example of a chassis is a vehicle frame, the underpart ...

Power Amplifier An audio power amplifier (or power amp) amplifies low-power electronic audio signals, such as the signal from a radio receiver or an electric guitar pickup, to a level that is high enough for driving loudspeakers or headphones. Audio power a ...

(PA) * Exciter/IPF ( Interference Protection Feature) * Receiver Synthesizer (R/S, 2 per terminal), Either LVT(1), LVT(2), LVT(3), or JTRS Terminals * Signal Message Processor (SMP) * Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) * Voice * Tailored Processor (TP)/Avionic MUX (1553B/3910) * Data Processor (DP)/Ground MUX (X.25/Ethernet) * Receiver-Transmitter Interface (RTI/Discrete) In addition there are a few accessories required by some specific platforms: * High Power Amplifier Interface Assembly (HIA) * Direct Current Adapter (DCA) * Alternating Current Adapter (ACA) The MIDS terminal is equipped with four different interfaces to communicate with the host platform: * MIL-STD-1553B * STANAG 3910 *

Ethernet Ethernet ( ) is a family of wired computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN) and wide area networks (WAN). It was commercially introduced in 1980 and first standardized in 198 ...

X.25 X.25 is an ITU-T standard protocol suite for Packet switched network, packet-switched data communication in wide area network, wide area networks (WAN). It was originally defined by the CCITT, International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Co ...

Data rate can vary between 108 and 238 kbit/s, depending on the interface used. Secure voice messages are available with two different rates: 16 kbit/s and 2.4 kbit/s. The MIDS software (SW) consists of two main configuration items: * Core SW (basically a modified JTIDS SW), which handles the LINK-16 messages; * Tailored Input/Output (I/O) SW, which handles communications with the host platform. MIDS Terminals exchange communication data with an onboard computer platform known as the Host which will format, filter, and/or condition communication data for presentation.

MIDS Receiver Synthesizer line cards variants

MIDS-JTRS

MIDS-JTRS is a

that is compliant with the JTRS Software Communication Architecture (SCA). MIDS-JTRS is a replacement for MIDS-LVT and adds three additional channels for JTRS waveforms. As the MIDS-LVT migrates to the JTRS compliance, the system will maintain its link 16 and TACAN functionality with Navy and Air Force platforms that use MIDS-LVT but also accommodates future technologies and capabilities as part of MIDS-JTRS. MIDS-JTRS improvements include enhanced link 16 throughput, link 16 frequency remapping and programmable crypto. MIDS-JTRS will provide an additional three 2-megahertz or 2 gigahertz programmable channels to accommodate incremental delivery of advanced JTRS waveforms.2010 Weapon Systems By Defense Department, Government Printing Office, Google Books, 2014

MIDS-LVT

The MIDS family includes 3 main variants. * LVT(1), which was developed for integration on a multitude of surface and airborne platforms, and is characterized by PhEN 3910, MIL-STD-1553B,

, and

physical interfaces, and the adoption of both Voice and TACAN functions. * LVT(2) was developed by the US, specifically to satisfy the requirements set by the

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. This terminal is characterized by unique power supply and blower systems, and by the Army Data Distribution System Interface (ADDSI) X.25 interface. * FDLT or LVT(3) (Fighter Data Link Terminal) specifically developed to meet the requirements of F-15 fighter platforms. Additional variants: * MoS (MIDS On Ship) designed for rack mounting (in place of JTIDS), with specific power supply and high power amplifier units. Overall 11 different variants of the MIDS-LVT are known. One commonly used instance of an MIDS is the MIDS Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) which has been funded by the

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, and

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and developed by MIDSCO, a joint venture by Thomson CSF, GEC,

Siemens Siemens AG ( ) is a German multinational technology conglomerate. It is focused on industrial automation, building automation, rail transport and health technology. Siemens is the largest engineering company in Europe, and holds the positi ...

, Italtel, and Enosa. Another such terminal is the MIDS-JTRS (MIDS

Joint Tactical Radio System The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) aimed to replace existing radios in the American military with a single set of software-defined radios that could have new frequencies and modes (“waveforms”) added via upload, instead of requiring mu ...

), which is currently under development by the United States. An older MIDS is the JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). Currently, there are three production lines, which are competitors: ViaSat, Inc (USA), Data Link Solutions LLC (USA), and EuroMIDS (Europe).

References

*Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT) Development and Integration Programs Towards LINK-16 Network Centric Allied/Coalition Operations (UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED), Roberto Sabatini (MAJ Italian Air Force) et al. {{Reflist

External links