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SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES (EESB 313)

REPORT: APPLICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES IN MILITARY

GROUP MEMBERS (SECTION 2) NAME (ID) MOHAMMAD AZMI (EE 087705) MOHD HAZWAN (EE 088117) MOHD SHAHRIZA (EE 087709) PAUL NATHAN (EE 087731) WONG HUN WEY (EE088142) JOB DESCRIPTION UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE WALKIE TALKIE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM RADAR MISSILE GUIDANCE SYSTEM

LECTURER: DR. YAP BOON KAR

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ................................................................................ 3 Walkie-Talkie .............................................................................................................. 5 Global Positioning System .......................................................................................... 6 Radar .......................................................................................................................... 7 Missile Guidance System ........................................................................................... 9 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 11

Introduction
In electrical engineering the type of material used have unceasingly been a vital constituent, from discovering very good electric conductors that can transfer very high amount of current to creating good insulators so that it can withstand high amount of voltage. No one can deny that semiconductors have clearly changed the world beyond imagination. Semiconductor is a material that partially conducts electricity. The usage of semiconductors also reduces the size of any device and thus increasing the mobility and flexibility of the device. Furthermore the operation of semiconductors can help a certain device to produce a specific outcome. This reduces the space and cost consumed in the construction of the device compared to the time before where many elements need to be added to regulate the device. Examples of the usage of semiconductors can be seen in hand phones, computers, printers and many more. In this report, we would like to focus on the application and the utility of semiconductor devices in military. The military utilizes much equipment for combat on sea, land and air. Combat includes defensive and offensive positions. Semiconductors devices play a role in making the equipment easy to use, mobile and versatile. Some military tools require good imaging and better sensors. Here is where semiconductors come in. There are many types of semiconductors that can be used, for example silicon, germanium and gallium arsenide. These semiconductors are incorporated to the devices which are then inserted to the equipment that is used in combat. There is various equipment or tools used in military but in this report, we are going to discuss only five of them. The first is the unmanned aerial vehicle or popularly called the UAV. These vehicles are able to operate without the pilot being directly in them. Secondly is an age-old technology that is the walkie-talkie which is vital for communication in the military. Next is the global positioning system or briefly called the GPS. The GPS superiorly replaces the traditional compass in finding direction and determining the position of a certain target. After that we will elaborate on radar. The radar is able to detect threats and obstacles early on so that the military unit can take defensive measures to avoid any attack. Lastly, we would describe about the missile guidance system. Compared before times where missiles were launched and after that it goes its own, the missile guidance system helps the missile to hit accurately on the target and avoid destroying friendly bases. All these devices will be further explained in the next pages of this report.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

One of the contributions of semiconductor is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV. The UAV as the name suggest, is an aircraft that does not required a pilot on board and it has the ability to fly and perform mission or task on its own controlled by a personnel on the ground. This advanced technology allows the UAV to fly on its own according to the desire altitude, speed, communications, directions and so on. [1]The UAV is designed to perform any task such as target and decoy, reconnaissance, combat, research and development and also for civil and commercial purposes. Even commercials airliner jet that fly with two pilots need the complex computerize program to help them to fly the aircraft smoothly. Then how can an unmanned aircraft take off, fly, performed tasks, landed safely? This is where all the semiconductor sensors take place.

Left : Sensors and cameras installed underneath the UAV Right : Image captured by UAV camera

Sensors are essentials for UAV to ensure that it can fly smoothly in any conditions. Either altitude sensors, radar sensors, temperature or pressure sensor are very important so that the aircraft can react and overcome immediately if any of the sensors detect any unstable activity.

KMA220

[19]The Image on the right is the KMA220 sensor. It has a dual channel magnetic angle sensor module that contains the required capacitors, Integrated Circuits and sensor bridges that are integrated into a single package. This sensor allows the ground engineers to preprogram the required angular range, zero angle and clamping voltages for each channel separately. Among the benefits of this sensor are, the precision sensor for magnetic angular measurement is high, and the adjustment for zero angle and angular range area programmable by the engineers. This sensors has the ability to withstand a temperature range up to 160 C. Also, it has the ability to detect any magnet loss and also power loss.

[18]Image sensors and data collection is very essential to an aircraft especially for UAV. The ability for the UAV to be an agent for border patrol, coastal patrol and even reconnaissance (Military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features) is highly demand by any national military department to ensure the safety of the nation. This is where the use of smaller scale spectrometers, data collection, imaging and sensor technologies took place in order to achieve the main purpose of the UAV. This is where all of the semiconductors application play their role. All basic gadgets installed on the UAV consist of Thermal Infrared - Visual EO Sensors very basic semiconductor devices such as the transistor, capacitor and so on. [1] [2]Aside from sensor that gives information about the surroundings, another aspects that must be taken into considerations is power. The ability of a UAV to be on air is fully dependant on internal combustion of fuel by the aircrafts engine. The fuel burn which is proportional to the total weight of the aircraft and also the flight durations may cause limitations on flight hour. To overcome this problem, the UAV engineer uses solar energy as an alternative so that the flight hour can be maximised. Solar power can hold the UAV for a potential of unlimited flight. Solar panels are one of the contributions of semiconductor applications. The concept is very simple. [2]Solar panel uses sun light as a source to generate electrical power via photovoltaic effect. [1]But due to the current technology, the UAV still needs more modification in the future. The most important technology that is required for this aircraft is autonomy technology. Autonomy is defined as the ability to make interactions or decisions without human intervention. For this to work, aspect such as sensor fusion, communications, motion planning, trajectory generation, task allocation and scheduling must be improved. As future engineers, it is our main responsibility to ensure a better quality and be more innovative in terms of technology to ensure a better future so that we can have a better nation.

Image shows the basic semiconductor solar panel

Walkie-Talkie
Walkie-talkies are hand held devices that allow two or more people to communicate using radio waves. They are also known as a two way radio. Two way radios transmit (send) and receive radio communication signals. Another term for a device like this is a transceiver. Two-way radio systems usually operate in a halfduplex mode; that is, the operator can talk, or he can listen, but not at the same time. A push-to-talk or Press To Transmit button activates the transmitter; when it is released the receiver is active. A mobile phone or cellular telephone is an example of a two-way radio that both transmits and receives at the same time (called full-duplex mode). It uses two different radio frequencies (channels) to carry the two directions of the conversation simultaneously. [3] A walkie-talkie contains six main parts which is the transmitter, receiver, crystal, speaker, microphone, and power source. The transmitter sends voice, after it has been made into a radio signal, to the other walkie-talkie. The receiver picks up the radio signal that the transmitter from the other walkie-talkie is sent. The crystal sets the frequency (also known as channel) that the walkie-talkies are on. They must be on the same frequency in order to communicate. The speaker is the part that takes the signal picked up by the receiver and amplifies it, so it can be heard. The microphone is the part that you speak into, and it converts your Waklie Talkie voice into electric signals. It is the exact opposite of the speaker which converts electric signals in voices. The power source is a type of battery, and sometimes these are rechargeable. [4] Some walkie-talkies also have switches to change frequencies, so people do not hear other conversations by users sharing the same frequency. Also, some units can be used as pagers and some cell phones even have walkie-talkies built into them.

Simple circuit of a walkie [20] talkie[3]

Global Positioning System


The Global Positioning System, GPS is one of the products that used the semiconductor device to make the system works. GPS is a satellite navigation system that helps to provides location and time information. It works anywhere in the earth unless if there is any obstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. The GPS project was started since 1973 but it became fully operational in 1994. GPS was found by the U.S Department of Defence. It was created by Roger L. Easton. In military, GPS is used to get the accurate target of various types of military weapons. [5]
Army Deploy First Guided Mortar

GPS is used to determine the position of a place by estimating how far away a satellite from the GPS receiver. A GPS receiver will track the location of the satellite through the satellite transmission when the receiver is located at the spheres intersect. Each GPS satellite will transmits data of its location and current time. The transmission signal is moving at the speed of light. By estimating the time of the signals to reach to the receiver, it can help to determine the distance to the GPS satellite. In order for the receiver to estimate the distance it need at least four GPS satellites. [6]
Four GPS Satellites

In order to build an open GPS tracker we should have the following item : voltage supply, PNP transistor, capacitor M50 connector for GPS device, stereo plug for phone, 14 IC socket, red and green LED, switching diode, battery holder, GPS receiver module, and USB AVR programmer. [7]

GPS Tracker device

GPS Tracker circuit

Radar
Radar is a system which detects objects using radio waves, specifically microwaves. The radar is able to identify the range, altitude, direction and speed of an object in its field of vision. Actually the word RADAR is an abbreviation from the elaborate term, Radio Detection And Ranging. The radar can be used to determine anything that cannot be detected by the naked eye such as guided missiles, weather formations and ships. The fundamental way of how radar works is a radar dish which can be up to 100 feet in diameter emits pulses of radio waves which hits any object in its path of beam Israeli military radar is typical and reflects a small amount of energy to a receiver of the type of radar [21] typically located at the same place as the radar dish. The energy received can be translated to all kinds of data to determine the objects characteristics. [8] In the beginning of the development of radar technology, it was secretly cultivated by countries during and before World War 2. Before World War 2, there are many designs which are primitive to the radar. The first person who suggested the object detecting device was Alexander Popov, a physics instructor in Imperial Navy School in 1897. [8] Later, other scientists, such as Christian Hulsmeyer and Nikola Tesla, produced their own ideas of an object detecting device. In 1934, Great Britain used it in military as a defence against aerial intrusion. They built a network of radar systems at the British Isles called Chain Home. This aided them to construct a better defence system during World War 2. A Chain Home tower in Great [9] [8]
Baddow, United Kingdom [8]

There are many types of radars, where each of them carries distinct functions. 1. Surveillance Radars a. To identify aircraft, guided missiles and any aerial object. b. Fixed or moving surface targets c. Tracking multiple targets d. Air traffic management e. Air defence 2. Meteorological radars a. Weather forecast b. Early warning for any natural disaster 3. Imaging radars a. Mapping objects b. Space observation [10] [11] The highlight is on the surveillance radars because of its dominance in the military.
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The early designs of radars were just a basic transmitter which transmits electromagnetic waves and reflects back. In the 1940s, semiconductors were introduced in the production of radars. This is because during World War 2, a proper image of the object to be detected is needed. Here is where the semiconductor technology comes in. The radar receivers must have solid state rectifiers or crystals to translate the receiving microwave signals to ultra-high frequencies using vacuum tube diodes. [12] [13] The leading choices of semiconductors are germanium and silicon. For the diode to work efficiently, the semiconductors must be as pure as possible. These pure elements are later doped with specific impurities so that they will perform in accord to the wanted outcome. Seymour Benzer of Purdue University later discovered that the best type of semiconductor is germanium. This is because they are the best detectors. However, due to the ever changing radar signals the crystals are unable to withstand the varying signals and would often burn out. Due to this problem Purdue University, University of Chicago, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Bell Labs worked in synergy to construct better crystals. [12] [13] The crystal rectifier diodes have a tiny metal point which slightly touches the selected semiconductors inside of it. This crystal rectifiers objective is to convert the reflected signal from any detected object into the direct current (DC) which is vital for visualization on screen. These types of diodes were commonly used in the Allied radar receivers. [12] [13]
Cross section of 2 common ww2 rectifiers [12]

Examples of ww2 type 1N21 crystal rectifiers [12]

Missile Guidance System


A very popular usage on semiconductor in the defence sector is in the missile guidance system. In order for a missile to hit its target, an embedded computer is inserted into the missile. This embedded computer will then be link to either a computer in the command centre (so the missile can be controlled manually) or a radar/GPS system for automatic targeting. The first missile guidance system was developed by Nazi Germany for its V-2 rockets during World War 2. These rockets utilised analog computers, called Mischgert, to control the angle of projection and distance. The analog computer will receive radio signals from the gyroscopes and accelerometer installed in the rockets and makes the necessary adjustment through calculation so as to maintain the rocket in its trajectory course. The analog computer then sends back signals to the gyroscopes for adjustment or to the control The Mischgert, the computer system of the engine to cut off the engine that was used to guide the V-2 whenever a certain distance has been achieved. rockets Later version of the V-2 rockets used radio signals transmitted from the ground to control the missile. [14] [15] As Integrated Circuit (IC) technology advance, so does the capability of the missile guidance system. The Minuteman missile utilised a semiconductor Small-Scale Integration (SSI) circuit as a lightweight digital computer. This greatly improves the reliability and accuracy of the guidance system because unlike analog computers, digital computers are immune to electrical and noise interference. Besides that, the size and weight of the guidance system is reduced and its survivability in a nuclear environment is increased (since Minuteman is designed for nuclear warfare). [16] Modern guidance system uses radiation-hardened semiconductor in order to prevent ionizing particles from damaging the system in a nuclear or radioactive environment, thus further increasing the durability of the system in the event of a nuclear warfare. [17]

The Minuteman missile, the earliest missile to use digital computer

As the military landscape shifts from large scale war like in the two World Wars to small scale proxy battle that emerge during the Cold War till today, it is no longer practical anymore for the usage of intercontinental ballistic missile like the V-2 and the Minuteman. Nowadays, modern missiles are smaller and lighter which can be mounted on vessels, vehicles and aircrafts to suit the tactical needs of the army.
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Hence, there is a need to further reinvigorate the designs of the missile guidance system to make it simpler, lighter, cheaper, less power consuming and yet equally if not more effective so that they can fit into slimmer missiles. This is where semiconductors play a huge role. As IC chips keep getting smaller and cheaper due to advance in technology and mass production, it enables the design of much smaller, lighter, cost-effective and less complicated guidance systems. Semiconductor also contributes another crucial factor in missile development; improvement in user-friendliness due to it being less complicated. This is important because often soldiers/pilots need to make life-or-death decisions in a split second. Hence, semiconductor helps in simplifying the control system until nowadays where a user need to only press a few buttons in order to fire the missile and guide it towards the target. [18]

An example of a modern missile guidance system for aircraft missile. This system uses Medium-Scale Integrated devices such as register.

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Conclusion
Gone are the days where large scale wars between nations are fought; yet many still see the need to keep improving on their military technology. This is because in order to maintain stability and subsequently facilitate growth, military strength is needed as a deterrent force. Hence the usage of semiconductor in military application plays a huge role in maintaining that much-sought-after stability. Generally, semiconductor enables the fusion of the electronic aspects into modern weapon systems such as data processing. For example, one key aspect of war is intelligence. Without semiconductors, it will not be possible to develop either a Global Positioning System or even a simple radar which can detect enemy movement. Another example is the ability to undertake long distance warfare. Without semiconductor, there will be no walkie-talkie to communicate. Soldiers from different area will not be able to coordinate with each other. Without semiconductor, there will be no missile guidance system to accurately guide the missiles to their intended target. Finally, semiconductor reduces the risk of casualty. Without semiconductor, there will be no unmanned vehicles to guard a large territory non-stop or undertake dangerous mission.

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References
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[15] t. f. e. Wikipedia, "Inertial navigation system," Wikipedia, 19 April 2013. [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inertial_navigation_system. [Accessed 3 June 2013]. [16] H. M. Kristensen, "Minuteman Weapon System History and Description," July 2001. [Online]. Available: http://www.nukestrat.com/us/afn/Minuteman.pdf. [Accessed 6 June 2013]. [17] t. f. e. Wikipedia, "Radiation hardening," Wikipedia, 2 June 2013. [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_hardening. [Accessed 4 June 2013]. [18] UAVM, "Imaging Sensors and Data Collection," UAV Marketspace, [Online]. Available: http://www.uavm.com/uavsubsystems/imagingdatasensors.html. [Accessed June 2013]. [19] NXP, "KMA220, Dual channel programmable angle sensor," NXP Semiconductors, [Online]. Available: http://www.nxp.com/products/sensors/angular_sensors/KMA220.html. [Accessed June 2013]. [20] A. Jose, "Simple FM Walkie Talkie," Electronics Projects, 11 August 2012. [Online]. Available: http://myfreetimehobbies.blogspot.com/2012/08/simple-fm-walkie-talkie_11.html. [Accessed June 2013]. [21] t. f. e. Wikipedia, "Radar," Wikipedia, 31 May 2013. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar. [Accessed 1 June 2013].

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