Automotive power supply distribution and grounding techniques adopted for fighting vehicles

The automotive electrical system of a fighting vehicle uses a 28 V regulated DC bus for power distribution and for catering for the various loads fitted on board the vehicle. The vehicle uses harnessing schemes that adopt both single wire return and two wire methods for power distribution within the vehicle. The present paper deals with various EMI and EMC problems encountered and methods adopted to reduce the same to meet MIL 461C standards. The rotary slip joint is adopted to supply power from the stationary chassis to the rotating top which is unique for a given vehicle. The paper also discusses the grounding philosophy adopted in the fighting vehicles for best performance in a harsh environment.