On-board Degaussing

On-board degaussing (OBDG) systems are systems whose architectures can be tailored for specific ship missions, requirements and logistics.

Since 1972, EMS has supplied over 195 shipboard degaussing systems to the US Navy and to friendly foreign navies across the globe. That's more systems and more experience than any other supplier in the world.

In 1979 EMS was awarded its first contract by a foreign customer, the government of the Republic of Korea. Since that time, EMS has been awarded contracts to supply such products to the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Brazil, Taiwan, Norway and Egypt.

OBDG Systems can be:

  • simple systems that use cost and weight efficiency to meet specific signature requirements for a given vessel
  • advanced degaussing (ADG) systems that minimize ship signatures and provide other signature modification capabilities
  • highly advanced degaussing systems that provide closed-loop (CLDG) feedback control or technologically advanced current and power distribution networks and/or communications and control architectures

OBDG systems, ADG or otherwise, can have their power modules:

  • fully distributed for maximum survivability/availability
  • semi-distributed for optimization of cost, weight and power
  • centralized for maintenance optimization

EMS offers all of these architecture options and can customize offerings to meet specific requirements for any ship class and offer all of these options as full US MIL-SPEC or NATO compliant.

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On-board Degaussing capabilities & products

Fully Distributed Degaussing System
Fully Distributed Degaussing System Image

The EMS fully distributed degaussing system offerings include either bulkhead mounted or floor mounted power units that provide individual power and current control to each DG coil located on a given ship. The power supply unit, called a Bi-Polar Amplifier Unit (BPAU) or Coil Drive Unit (CDU), is typically installed adjacent or close to the DG coil it is powering. This limits feeder cable lengths, cost, weight and enhances system survivability. The BPAU/CDU includes all equipment and modules needed to supply current to the DG coil, including the transformer receiving AC power from the ship or converter receiving DC power from the ship. Special survivability algorithms are included in the DG system control software to allow for the loss of one or more BPAU/CDU or coil and still operate as a system to minimize the ship signature.

Recent fully distributed installation examples:

  • T-AKE: 14+ ship sets
  • LCS: 3+ ship sets
  • Spanish BPE: 1 ship set
  • Spanish AOR: 1 ship set
Semi Distributed Degaussing System
Semi Distributed Degaussing System Image

Semi distributed degaussing system

The EMS semi-distributed degaussing system offerings include either bulkhead mounted or floor mounted power units that can:

- provide individual power and current control to each DG coil located on a given ship, the same as the fully distributed system

- provide power and control to a group of signature-matched and balanced DG coils that reduces the number of power units needed and/or optimizes weight and cost by sharing power between matched coils.

The power supply unit, called a Bi-Polar Amplifier Unit (BPAU) or Coil Drive Unit (CDU), is typically installed in a location grouped with other DG BPAUs, either individually mounted or multiple CDUs in a single cubicle. Typically, there may be two or more locations for groups of BPAU/CDUs to limit feeder cable lengths, cost and weight and to enhance survivability of the system. While survivability may be reduced compared to the fully-distributed option, maintainability is improved: the personnel have only two or three locations to visit to maintain the entire system; power usage and cost is lowered by the sharing of power and BPAU/CDUs by matched DG coils. Special survivability algorithms are included in the DG system control software to allow for the loss of one or more DG BPAU/CDU or coil and still operate as a system to minimize the ship signature.

Recent installations:

  • TYPE 45 destroyer: 6+ ship sets
  • ASTUTE submarines: 5+ ship sets
  • Canadian Halifax frigate : 12+ ship sets
Centralised Degaussing System
Centralised Degaussing System Image

Centralised degaussing system

The EMS centralized degaussing system offerings include either bulkhead mounted or floor mounted power units. The power supply unit, called a Bi-Polar Amplifier Unit (BPAU) or Coil Drive Unit (CDU), is installed in a location grouped with all of the other DG BPAU/CDUs, either individually mounted or multiple CDUs in a single cubicle, typically located in a Degaussing Room. Maintainability is significantly improved as the personnel have only one location to visit to maintain the entire system.

  • Several hundred systems installed worldwide