Advancements in semiconductor technology are paving the way for more functional wearable devices across a variety of military applications. How will the military’s increasing demand for semiconductors impact the global chip market?
Semiconductors are the backbone of wearable sensors, which monitor physiological parameters such as heart rate, body temperature, and movement. Devices like heart rate monitors and fitness trackers in the form of bracelets, watches, and rings have become popular among athletes and in the healthcare industry. Now, the defense industry has begun to harness wearable devices for military applications as well.
How semiconductors are shaping wearable devices
As the use of wearable electronic devices has exploded in recent years, the military sector has taken notice. Wearable devices for military use now include health sensors, printed electronics, and communications systems. Advancements in semiconductor technology have created improved sensing capabilities, allowing wearable sensors to detect subtle changes in a soldier’s health and performance in real time. As semiconductor technology continues to shrink in size, these sensors have become smaller, lighter, and easier to wear. They can be embedded in clothing, helmets, or wristbands. The US Army is studying how to use wearable sensors to enhance troops’ readiness and performance by collecting data over time and adapting training programs accordingly.
Printed electronics technology is allowing devices to shrink even more by printing electronics onto a variety of substrates, including textiles. Printing allows further enhancement of the critical SWaP (size, weight, and power) factor, making devices lighter and easier for soldiers to carry in the field. Over the last few years, the Department of Defense has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into flexible electronics research to develop better wearable devices for military applications.
Wearable devices in military communications
Communications are a critical part of the defense industry. Soldiers must carry many electronic devices to ensure they maintain a clear line of communication throughout the chain of command—but these devices add weight and bulk, impeding movement in the field.
Wearable devices for military use are helping address this challenge. The development of modular load-carrying systems, which can easily attach to vests and backpacks while holding many pieces of equipment, has helped streamline the amount of gear troops must carry. Advancements in semiconductor technology have made communications devices smaller and lighter, helping reduce weight. Advancements in connector design have reduced the number of wires and cables required for military communications, further streamlining each soldier’s load.
The next step is integrating communications systems into clothing or backpacks. Some connectors are now being sewn directly into garments, offering features like automatic magnetic latching, auto-alignment, and self-coupling to make it easy to mate and de-mate with one hand.
The challenges of wearable devices
Although wearable devices offer many benefits for military applications, they also come with challenges. The defense industry requires rigorous performance and quality standards; wearable devices must meet standardized requirements while also factoring in comfort and ease of use.
Durability is always a concern in military applications, where devices can be used in tight spaces and dirty environments. Electronics are sensitive to environmental factors like heat, sunlight, dust, rain, and abrasion, which become an even bigger threat when devices are worn directly on the body. Wearable devices for military use must be designed to withstand all of the elements without snagging on clothing or abrading fabric.
How will this impact the global semiconductor market?
Wearable devices aren’t the only area in which the military needs semiconductors. Every aspect of national defense, from transportation to cybersecurity, relies on countless semiconductors to perform at the highest standard.
With the recent advancements in wearable devices and electronic warfare, the military is expected to drastically increase its demand for semiconductors. The defense and aerospace semiconductor market is predicted to more than double between 2021 and 2031. The next generation of military equipment will need not only more advanced chips, but higher quantities of them, which could put additional strain on an already volatile market. This is one of the motives behind the CHIPS Act, which aims to strengthen the US semiconductor market by providing federal funding for semiconductor research, design, and production.
The expansion of wearable devices is poised to positively impact soldier training and performance. How the semiconductor industry will meet the rising demand for chips is something a lot of people will be watching.
Read more:
● Electronic Warfare is Changing — Here’s Where It’s Headed
● Beyond ISO Standards: Electronic Components for Defense and Aerospace Should be Subject to Higher Standards of Quality Testing