Generation and Suppression of Voltage Transients in Military Vehicular Electrical Systems

Voltage transients generated in military vehicular electrical systems are being suppressed using a transient suppressor of considerable surge energy capability. This suppressor, a shunt type, is capable of absorbing 250 J in a 50 ms surge. The current and future increasing reliance on voltage-sensitive semiconductorized equipment makes it mandatory that transient protection be incorporated into nonmilitary automotive systems. Consideration is being given to equipping these nonmilitary automotive systems with high-energy surge suppressors. This paper describes transient suppressor developments at the U.S. Army Electronics Command; that is, suppressors used to protect tactical communications equipment. Emphasis is given to space, weight, and cost in the suppressor design. An approximate method is given for determining the suppressor surge capability which does not require a knowledge of the generating system impedance. The shunt suppressor requirements depend basically on the load being removed and the responsiveness of the generating system voltage regulator. Examples of voltage transients generated by military vehicular electrical systems are also presented.