The impact of standard electronic modules on future navy electronic systems development

The purpose of this study report was to investigate the potential benefits which might be brought about by a more wide-spread use of Standard Electronic Modules (SEM) in the production of present and future electronic systems. The method of reporting paralleled the method of research. First, the physical and environmental description of SEM was discussed along with a description of the SEM program organization and documentation. Next, a data search and personal interviews were conducted to ascertain the success or failure of some typical operational systems. The present situation was then examined and several different types of SEM implemented systems were examined. In order to investigate the widest possible applications, typical landbased, airborne and shipborne SEM implemented equipments were compared with similar equipments built using conventional designs and custom modules. Comparisons were then made as to life-cycle-cost (LCC), Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), changes in weight and volume, ease of maintenance, skill levels required for maintenance, logistic support requirements, and initial acquisition cost.