A Multiplexed Digital Voice Intercommunications System for Military Applications

The design and development of a digital voice Intercommunications System (ICS) for military platforms is described in this paper. The system, which is being developed as part of the NAVAIRSYSCOM's Avionics Components and Sub-system (AVCS) program, is based on the MIL-STD-1553 protocol and utilizes commercially available voice digitization components. The bus architecture is intended for use as an integrated radio control arrangement in which a single data bus system carries both digital voice and radio control data.

This ICS offers a quantum increase in the capability and flexibility available to the weapon system manager as well as a decided cost reduction in the future reconfiguration of weapon system platforms. Projections indicate this ICS design will provide a 30% reduction in volume and a 60% reduction in power in comparison with existing analog systems. Additionally the use of modular functions in the design makes Built-in-Test techniques more effective than previously possible with existing ICS architectures.