Why Micro Power Joined the EDGE

By Jeffrey VanZwol, Micro Power Electronics, Inc.

Jeffrey VanZwol Micro Power Electronics, Inc.

Micro Power designs and manufactures custom battery packs and chargers for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of portable/handheld electronic devices, such as handheld radios, ruggedized laptops and ruggedized Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). It also produces battery systems for unmanned sensors, missiles, missile targets and satellites. The Micro Power business model advocates collaboration – one of the core competencies of the EDGE and its members.

Micro Power collaboratively designs a product with an OEM, integrates on the product within a portable device, and manufactures the power system for the OEM. The OEM supplies both the portable device and portable power accessories to customer.

The EDGE Innovation Network gives Micro Power access to Soldiers that operate our equipment in the field, and allows us to collect feedback on our products directly from our customer base – the dismounted solider. This immediate feedback drives our design changes and product improvements, allowing us to better serve our OEM customers, as well as troops deployed in the field. The EDGE also provides Micro Power with access to OEMs that are building portable/handheld products for dismounted soldier applications.

At the annual EDGE EIPT, Micro Power met with several existing and prospective customers. The EIPT Forum provided Micro Power with a venue to gather direct guidance and feedback from the field operators of our products. Many tracks within the EDGE EIPT - such as roundtable discussions, the technology demonstrations, and briefings with military staff - highlighted challenges facing today’s tactical warfighters and provided insight into the usage model of our products. The experience was invaluable! The EIPT also provided direct access to guidance about current and future issues with portable power in field operations.

In the future, feedback from the EDGE community and its customers will guide us in making possible modifications to commercial power conversion products so they meet military specifications and can be offered to OEMs in the defense market.