mathematics

Multifunctional Information Distribution System

Multifunctional Information Distribution System is a mathematics topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Multifunctional Information Distribution System rather than just read about it. In short: Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is the NATO name for the communication component of Link-16 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 elemen…

Key takeaways

Multifunctional Information Distribution System belongs to mathematics; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Multifunctional Information Distribution System to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Multifunctional Information Distribution System from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is the NATO name for the communication component of Link-16 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 (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 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 Power Amplifier (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 X.25 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 software-defined radio 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.

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, Ethernet, and X.25 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 US Army. 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 United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain and developed by MIDSCO, a joint venture by Thomson-CSF, GEC, Siemens, Italtel, and Enosa. Another such terminal is the MIDS-JTRS (MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System), 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).

See also Joint Tactical Info Distribution System (JTIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Tactical Data Link Link 16 Link 11 Link 4

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.

External links GlobalSecurity's Military Aircraft Systems - MIDS Description

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Multifunctional Information Distribution System

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Multifunctional Information Distribution System claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In mathematics, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Multifunctional Information Distribution System before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Multifunctional Information Distribution System ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Multifunctional Information Distribution System

In research: Multifunctional Information Distribution System appears in mathematics research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Multifunctional Information Distribution System in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Multifunctional Information Distribution System is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Military radio systems, NATO communications, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Multifunctional Information Distribution System outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Multifunctional Information Distribution System in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Multifunctional Information Distribution System means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Multifunctional Information Distribution System out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Multifunctional Information Distribution System in simple terms?

Why does Multifunctional Information Distribution System matter?

Because it connects several mathematics ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Multifunctional Information Distribution System?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Multifunctional Information Distribution System.