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Unclassified designation system for United States military electronic equipment From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), which was previously known as the Joint Army-Navy Nomenclature System (AN System. JAN) and the Joint Communications-Electronics Nomenclature System, is a method developed by the U.S. War Department during World War II for assigning an unclassified designator to electronic equipment. In 1957, the JETDS was formalized in MIL-STD-196.
Computer software and commercial unmodified electronics for which the manufacturer maintains design control are not covered.
Electronic material, from a military point of view, generally includes those electronic devices employed in data processing, detection and tracking (underwater, sea, land-based, air and space), recognition and identification, communications, aids to navigation, weapons control and evaluation, flight control, and electronics countermeasures. Nomenclature is assigned to:
This system is separate from the "M" designation used in the Army Nomenclature System (MIL-STD-1464A).
Items are given an Item Level which describes their hierarchy
Item Level | Description | Examples |
---|---|---|
Unit | An item that may be capable of independent operation but whose functionality is not complete without other items. Installation and Maintenance kits are the only unit level items that may contain complement data. | Radio, computer, digital Power Supply, Antenna or radio receiver. |
Group | A collection of units or assemblies that are not capable of performing a complete operational function. A group may be a subdivision of a set or may be designed to be added to or used in conjunction with a set to extend the function or the utility of the set. | Antenna group may be “used with” or “part of” a radio set. |
Set | A unit or units and necessary assemblies, subassemblies and parts connected together or used in association to perform an operational function | Radio terminal set or sound measuring set, including parts, assemblies and units such as cables, microphone and measuring instruments. |
Subsystem | A combination of sets, groups, etc., which performs an operational function within a system and is a major subdivision of the system. | Intercept-Aerial Guided Missile Subsystem |
System | A combination of two or more sets, which may be physically separated when in operation, and such other assemblies, subassemblies and parts necessary to perform an operational function or functions. | Integrated Shipboard Computer System and a Navigational Control System |
Center | A collection of units and items in one location, which provides facilities for the administrative control in an area of responsibility which is specifically assigned for development and maintenance of installations, control of personnel, or conduct of tactical operations | an Operations Center |
Central | A grouping of sets, units or combinations thereof operated conjunctively in the same location for a common specific function. It may provide facilities for controlling switching, monitoring, etc., electronic and electrical equipment from one central location. | Operations Central, Central, Communications |
The core of the JETDS system is the combination of a Type Designation with an Item Name to specify a particular item.
For example:
The type designation is a unique series of letters and numbers which specifies an item. There are three basic forms of type designator used:
The Type Designation is used in conjunction with an approved Item Name drawn from the H-6 Item Name Directory.
For example:
The type designation used to specify Systems, Subsystems, Centers, Central, and Sets is made up of a prefix AN/, three type designation indicator letters, a hyphen, and a type designation number. The AN prefix signifies Army-Navy. The three type designation letters (chosen from the table below) specify where the equipment is used, what the equipment is, and what its purpose is. The type designation number helps specify the exact item; subsequent items with the same Installation/Type/Purpose are numbered sequentially (i.e. the next item developed after the AN/PRC-34 would be the AN/PRC-35).
For example:
Installation (1st letter) | Type of Equipment (2nd letter) | Purpose (3rd letter) | Miscellaneous |
---|---|---|---|
A - Piloted Aircraft (includes parachutes and piloted balloons) | A - Invisible Light, Heat Radiation (e.g., infrared) | A - Auxiliary Assembly | X, Y, Z for changes in voltage, frequency, or phase |
B - Underwater Mobile (submarine) | B - Communications security (was Pigeon) (NSA use only) | B - Bombing | Tn for Training versions |
C - Cryptographic Equipment (was Air, Transportable) (NSA use only) | C - Carrier (electronic wave or signal) | C - Communications (Receiving/Transmitting, two way) | (C) NSA use only |
D - Pilotless Carrier (UAV, missile, rocket) | D - Radiac (Radioactivity Detection, Identification, and Computation) | D - Direction Finder, Reconnaissance, and Surveillance | (P) accepts plugins |
E - Laser (was NUPAC: Nuclear Protection & Control) | E - Ejection and/or Release | (V) variable items | |
F - Ground, Fixed * | F - Fiber Optics (was Photographic) | (- FT, - IN) identical items with varying lengths | |
G - Ground, General * | G - Telegraph or Teletype | G - Fire Control or Search Light Directing | ( ) developmental or experimental |
H - Recording and/or Reproducing | |||
I - Interphone and Public Address | |||
J - Electromechanical or Inertial Wire Covered | |||
K - Amphibious (vehicles) | K - Telemetering | K - Computing | Automatic Digital Processing Equipment (ADPE) |
L - Countermeasures | L - removed (was Searchlight Control, now covered by "G") | 1. Digital Equipment Only | |
M - Ground, Mobile * | M - Meteorological | M - Maintenance or Test Assemblies | 2. Analog Equipment Only |
N - Sound in Air | N - Navigational Aids | 3. Hybrid (1 & 2 combined) | |
4. Input/Output Device | |||
P - Portable (i.e. man-portable) | P - Radar | P - removed (was Reproducing, now covered by "H") | 5. Magnetic Media |
Q - Sonar and Underwater Sound | Q - Special or Combination | 6. Others | |
R - Radio | R - Receiving or Passive Detecting | ||
S - Water (surface ship or buoys) | S - Special or Combination | S - Detecting or Range and Bearing, Search | |
T - Ground, Transportable * | T - Telephone (Wire) | T - Transmitting | |
U - General Utility (multi use) * | |||
V - Ground, Vehicle * | V - Visual, Visible Light | ||
W - Water Surface and Underwater combined * | W - Armament (not otherwise covered) | W - Automatic Flight or Remote Control | |
X - Facsimile or Television | X - Identification and Recognition | ||
Y - Data Processing or Computer | Y - Surveillance (search, detect, and multiple target tracking) and Control (both fire control and/or air control) | ||
Z - Piloted and Pilotless Airborne Vehicles combined * | Z - Communications (NSA use only) | Z - Secure (NSA use only) |
* Additional info on Installation indicators:
** Additional info on Type of Equipment indicators:
The type designation used to specify Groups (assemblies that are used in conjunction with others to function) is made up of a two letter group indicator (from the table below), followed by a dash, a group number, followed by a slash, and 1-3 letters specifying the equipment it is "part of" or "used with" (see Table 1). If the group is unique and only "part of" or "used with" one particular equipment, that equipment may be specified. If the group may be used with multiple different items, then it is more appropriate to designate it more generally.
For example:
Group Indicator | Family Name | Examples (does not limit the application of group indicators) |
---|---|---|
OA | Miscellaneous groups | Groups otherwise not listed. Do not use if a more specific group indicator applies |
OB | Multiplexer and/or demultiplexer groups | All types |
OD | Indicator groups | All types |
OE | Antenna groups | All types |
OF | Adapter groups | All types |
OG | Amplifier groups | All types |
OH | Simulator groups | All types |
OI | Cryptographic groups | All types |
OJ | Consoles and Console groups | All types |
OK | Control groups | All types |
OL | Data analysis and Data processing groups | All types |
OM | Modulator and/or Demodulator groups | All types |
ON | Interconnecting groups | All types |
OP | Power Supply groups | All non-rotating types |
OQ | Test-Set groups | All types |
OR | Receiver groups | All types |
OS | Satellite groups | All types |
OT | Transmitter groups | All types |
OU | Converter groups | All types |
OV | Generator groups | All types including power generating equipment |
OW | Terminal groups | Telegraphs, radios, telephones, etc. |
OX | Coder, Recorder, Interrogator, Transponder groups | All types |
OY | Radar groups | Do not use if more specific indicator applies |
OZ | Radio groups | Do not use if a more specific indicator (OE, OR, OT, etc.) applies |
The type designation used to specify Units is made up of a unit letter(s) indicator (from the table below), followed by a dash, a unit number, followed by a slash, and 1-3 letters specifying the equipment it is part of or used with (see Table 1). As with Group type designations, if the Unit is unique and is "part of" or "used with" only one particular equipment, that equipment may be specified. If the unit is used with multiple different items, the equipment designation should include only the indicators which are common or appropriate. If a unit could be described by multiple indicators, the indicator which best describes the unit's primary function should be used. The exception would be if there exists a unit indicator which can describe the unit's multiple functions (see examples below); if such a multi-function describing unit indicator exists, then it should be used.
For example:
Unit Indicator | Family Name | Examples (does not limit the application of unit indicators) |
---|---|---|
AB | Support for antennas | Antenna mounts, mast bases, mast sections, towers, etc. |
AM | Amplifiers | Power, audio, interphone, radio frequency, video, electronic control, etc. |
AS | Antennas, simple and complex | Arrays, parabolic type, masthead whip or telescopic loop, dipole, reflector, etc. |
BA | Batteries, primary (non-rechargeable) type | Batteries, battery packs, etc. |
BB | Batteries, secondary (rechargeable) type | Batteries, battery packs, etc. |
BZ | Alarm units | All types |
C | Controls | Control boxes, remote tuning controls, etc. |
CA | Computer auxiliary units | Input/Output, peripherals, etc. |
CC | Cable assemblies, RF | RF cables, waveguides, transmission lines, etc., with terminals |
CD | Controlling devices | Complex controlling devices |
CM | Comparators | Compares two or more input signals |
CN | Compensators | Electrical and/or mechanical compensating, regulating, or attenuating apparatus |
CP | Computers | Mechanical and/or electronic mathematical calculating devices |
CU | Couplers | Impedance coupling devices, directional couplers, etc. |
CV | Converters (electronic) | Electronic apparatus for changing the phase frequency, or from “one” medium to “another” |
CW | Radomes | Radomes |
CX | Cable assemblies, non-RF | Non-RF cables with terminals, test leads, also composite cables of RF and non-RF conductors |
CY | Cases and cabinets | Rigid and semi-rigid structures for enclosing or carrying equipment |
D | Dispensers | Chaff |
DA | Loads, dummy | RF and non-RF test loads |
DI | Data transmission units | Devices for authentication and transferring recorded or generated data over transmitter/receiver links |
DT | Detecting heads | Magnetic, capacitive, or optical pickup devices, search coils, hydrophones, etc. |
DU | Display Units/Monitors | All types that are external devices for computers, test sets, etc. |
F | Filter units | Electronic types, back-pass, low pass, band suppression, noise telephone, filter networks; excludes non-repairable types |
FO | Fiber optics | Electrical, electronic, and communications, etc. |
FR | Frequency measuring devices | Frequency meters, tuned cavity, etc. |
G | Generators, power | Electrical power generators without prime movers (see PU) |
GO | Goniometers | Instruments for measuring angles for determination of energy transferred from moving to fixed coil (directional) antennas, etc. |
H | Head, hand, and chest sets | Includes earphones |
HD | Environmental apparatus | Heating, cooling, dehumidifying, pressure, vacuum devices, etc. |
ID | Indiciator units, non-cathode ray tube | Calibrated dials and meters, indicating lights, etc. (see also IP) |
IM | Intensity measuring devices | Includes SWR gear, field intensity noise meters, slotted lines, etc. |
IP | Indicator units, cathode ray tube | Azimuth, elevation, panoramic, etc. |
J | Interface units | Interconnecting and junction units, etc. Do not use if a more specific indicator applies. |
KG | Key generators | Units generating a pseudorandom sequence of crypto variables using algorithms |
KY | Keying devices | Mechanical, electrical, and electronic key coders, interrupters, etc. |
LA | Lasers | Communication, electrical, etc. |
LS | Loudspeakers | Separately housed loudspeakers and intercommunication stations |
M | Microphones | Radio, telephone, throat, hand, etc. |
MD | Modulators, demodulators, discriminators | Devices for varying amplitude, frequency, or phase |
ME | Meters | Multimeters, vacuum tube voltmeters, power meters, volt-ohm-milliameters, etc. |
MK | Miscellaneous kits | Maintenance, modification, etc. |
ML | Meteorological devices | Miscellaneous meteorological equipment, etc. |
MO | Multipurpose | Units that perform two or more functions |
MT | Mountings | Mountings, racks, frames, stands, etc. |
MU | Memory units | Memory units |
MW | Microwave | Communications, etc. |
MX | Miscellaneous | Equipment not otherwise classified. Do not use if a better indicator is available |
O | Oscillators | Master frequency, blocking, multi-vibrators, etc. (for test oscillators: see SG) |
OC | Oceanographic devices | Bathythermograph, etc. |
OS | Oscilloscope, test | Test oscilloscopes, for general test purposes (see IP) |
PL | Plug-in units | Plug-in units not otherwise classified |
PP | Power supplies | Non-rotating machine types such as vibrator pack, rectifier, thermoelectric, etc. |
PT | Mapping and plotting units | Electronic types only |
PU | Power equipment | Rotating power equipment, motor-generators, dynamotors, etc. |
R | Receivers | Receivers, all types except telephone |
RB | Robotics | Electric-mechanical, etc. |
RD | Recorder-Reproducers | Sound, graphic, tape, wire, film, disc, facsimile, magnetic, mechanical, etc. |
RE | Relay assembly units | Electrical, electronic, etc. |
RL | Reeling machines | Mechanisms for dispensing and rewinding antenna or field wire cable, etc. |
RO | Recorders | Sound, graphic, tape, wire, film, disc, facsimile, magnetic, mechanical, tape and card punch, etc. |
RP | Reproducers | Sound, graphic, tape, wire, film, disc, facsimile, magnetic, mechanical, punched tape and card readers, etc. |
RR | Reflectors | Target, confusion, etc., except antenna reflectors (see AS) |
RT | Receiver and Transmitter | Radio and radar transceivers, composites of transmitter and receiver, etc. |
S | Shelter | Protective shelters, etc. |
SA | Switching units | Manual, impact, motor-driven, pressure-operated, electronic, etc. |
SB | Switchboards | Telephone, fire control, power distribution, etc. |
SG | Generator, signal | Test oscillators, noise generators, etc. (see O) |
SM | Simulators | Flight, aircraft, target, signal, etc. |
SN | Synchronizers | Equipment to coordinate two or more functions |
SS | Special purpose | Devices performing unique functions |
SU | Optical units | Electro-optical units, such as night vision, scopes, sights, auto-collimator, viewers, trackers, alignment equipment |
SY | Speech, secure | Devices that secure voice transmission/receiving equipment |
T | Transmitters | Transmitters, all types except telephone |
TA | Telephone apparatus | Miscellaneous telephone equipment |
TB | Towed body | Hydrodynamic enclosures used to house transducers, hydrophones, and other electronic equipment |
TD | Timing devices | Mechanical and electronic timing devices, range devices, multiplexers, electronic gates, etc. |
TF | Transformers | When used as separate units |
TG | Positioning devices | Tilt and/or train assemblies |
TH | Telegraph apparatus | Miscellaneous telegraph items |
TN | Tuning units | Receiver, transmitter, antenna, tuning units, etc. |
TR | Transducers | Sonar transducers, vibration pickups, etc. (see H, LS, and M) |
TS | Test units | Test and measuring equipment not otherwise classified. Do not use if more specific indicators apply |
TT | Teletypewriter and facsimile apparatus | Teletype, tape, facsimile miscellaneous equipment |
TU | Television | Special types |
TW | Tape units | Preprogrammed with operational test and checkout data |
V | Vehicles | Carts, dollies, vans peculiar to electronic equipment |
ZM | Impedance measuring devices | Used for measuring Q, C, L, R, or PF, etc. |
A modification letter is placed after the type designation number to signify a modification to a specific equipment that still retains at least one-way interchangeability with all previous versions. Modification letters begin with "A" and proceed sequentially. For more information on Interchangeability (see below).
Note: the letters "I", "O", "Q", "S", "T", "X", "Y", and "Z" are not to be used as modification letters
For example:
A suffix "(V)" following the type designation number and any modification letters indicates variable components or configurations for said Group/Set/Subsystem/System/Center/Central. A number may follow the parenthetical V to identify a specific configuration.
For example:
Note: A specific equipment should only be given a (V) signifier if it can be configured with different components, not simply because one of its components has a (V) signifier. The (V) signifier would be warranted if the item accepted variable configurations of a particular component.
For example:
A suffix of "(P)" following the type designation number and any modification letters indicates a Unit which is designed to accept "plug-in" modules capable of changing the function, frequency, or other technical characteristics of the unit. The plug-in is not considered part of the unit itself.
For example:
A suffix of "(C)" following the type designation number and any modification letters indicates an item which directly contains NSA-controlled cryptographic material.
For example:
A suffix of "-Tn ", where n is a number, indicates equipment (Set, Subsystem, System, Center, or Central) designed to provide training in the operation of a specific set or multiple sets. If it is designed specifically to provide training for one particular unit, then that unit may be specified. If it is a training equipment which can provide practice for various different sets/subsystems/systems etc., then that should be indicated with the appropriate letter indicators.
For example:
For example:
A digit or digits in parentheses following the type designation letters indicates the type of ADPE included in the item.
For example:
1 | Digital Equipment Only |
---|---|
2 | Analog Equipment Only |
3 | Hybrid (1 & 2 combined) |
4 | Input/Output Device |
5 | Magnetic Media |
6 | Others |
Maintenance equipment that is given a type designation is set up as AN/xxM, where the first two letters after the slash (signifying Installation and Type of equipment) are followed by an M.
However, if a maintenance or test Unit or Group is considered a "part of" the item in question, it does not receive the M signifier.
For example:
A change in the power input voltage, phase, or frequency is denoted by addition of the letter(s) "X", "Y", or "Z". The first such modification would be denoted with an "X", the second with a "Y", the third with a "Z", the fourth with an "XX", etc. If simultaneous modifications are made that improve the equipment as well as affect power input, then both a modification letter (A, B, C, D, etc.) as well as a power requirement modification letter (X, Y, Z, etc.) will be used.
For example:
A pair of parentheses surrounding where the type designation number would be located is used to signify an experimental or developmental model. Type designation number is not required but is useful for clarity. When the developmental model is ready for production, the parentheses are struck off.
For example:
Electronic type (non-rotating) servo amplifiers are designated "AM"; rotating type servo amplifiers are designated "PU".
Plug-in Units which can be described by their function (like receiver, microphone, loudspeaker, etc.) will use those corresponding Unit indicators. If no indicator exists to describe the plug-in's function, then the generic plug-in unit indicator (PL) will be used.
For example:
Type designators for groups and units like cables, waveguides, cords, etc. may also include a parenthetical "( -FT, -IN)" to designate the specified length. These type designators will not include a specified System/Subsystem/Center/Central/Set type designator after the / but will be given a more generic indicator like /U or /GR. However, a group or unit type designation that is already linked to a specific system/subsystem/center/central/set may use ( -FT, -IN) if the system/subsystem/center/central/set uses multiple of the group/unit and they are only distinguishable by length. This use is only for new assignments and will not be retroactive
For example:
Primary batteries (non-rechargeable) are designated using "BA"; Secondary type batteries (rechargeable) are designated using "BB".
JETDS was adopted 16 February 1943 by the Joint Communications Board for all new Army and Navy airborne, radio, and radar equipment. Over time it was extended to cover the Marine Corps and the Navy's ship, submarine, amphibious, and ground electronic equipment. When the Air Force was established as a separate department, it continued the use of the system for electronic equipment. JETDS was adopted by the United States Coast Guard in 1950, Canada in 1951 and the NSA in 1959 (though the NSA continued to use its own TSEC telecommunications security nomenclature[2]). In 1957 the U.S. Department of Defense approved a military standard for the nomenclature, MIL-STD-196. The system has been modified over time, with some types (e.g. carrier pigeon -B-) dropped and others (e.g. computers and cryptographic equipment) added. The latest version, MIL-STD-196G, was issued in 2018.[1]
Revision | Date |
---|---|
Original | 9 May 1957 |
A | 16 September 1960 |
B | 7 April 1965 |
C | 22 April 1971 |
D | 19 January 1985 |
E | 17 February 1998 |
F | 11 September 2013 |
G | 30 May 2018 |
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