In response to requests from industry and government, the Navy has distributed 18,000 copies of the original NAVMAT P4855-1 since its publication in 1982. As a result of its low-risk design and manufacturing guidelines and their implementation by industry, low-voltage switching-mode power supplies used in most military electronics are no longer high risk. Unlike conditions prior to the early 1980s, today's program and design reviews seldom highlight concerns relative to low-voltage switching-mode power supplies.
On the other hand, high-voltage power supplies have remained a concern because they have not yielded to the same techniques used for low voltage. To address their unique requirements, as well as to update the low-voltage guidelines, I reconvened the original committee. Aided by additional industry experts, particularly in the high-voltage arena, the committee members have brought this publication up-to-date and have added design and manufacturing guidelines for high voltage.
Power supply technology is making rapid strides. I encourage readers to continue keeping my office informed of any developments which ought to be acknowledged in future revisions of this publication. I am convinced that with continued assistance and cooperation between the Navy and industry on power supplies and other technical issues concerning the design and manufacture of reliable products, we will meet the ultimate objectives of significant improvement in Fleet readiness and reduced life cycle cost.
W. J. Willoughby, Jr
Director: Reliability, Maintainability and Quality Assurance Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Shipbuilding and Logistics)
