Multifunctional Information Distribution System

Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is the NATO name for the communication component of Link-16.

MID 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).[1] 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.[2]

The MIDS terminal is based on the TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) 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 band (1030 and 1090 MHz.)[3]

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.[4]

  1. ^ U.S. Army Weapons Systems 2013–2014, Department of Army, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., Dec 13, 2013
  2. ^ U.S. Army Weapons Systems 2013–2014, Department of Army, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., Dec 13, 2013
  3. ^ Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT) Development and Integration Programs Towards LINK-16 Network Centric Allied/Coalition Operations, UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED, page 11-8
  4. ^ Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT) Development and Integration Programs Towards LINK-16 Network Centric Allied/Coalition Operations, UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED, page 11-8