NationStates Jolt Archive

This is intended to be a series of posts outlining Daistallia 2104 technology. The timeframe is intended to be 2050-2100.

Comments and constructive criticism are welcome.

Power

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Systems (OTECs)
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Systems (OTECs) generate electricity using the temperature difference of seawater at different depths, utilizing the temperature difference that exists between the surface waters heated by the sun and the colder deep waters to run a heat engine. OTECS are only utilized in the Southern waters of Daistallia. A typical OTEC generaters 100 megawatts of net power. As side benefits, the typical OTEC also produces 32 million gallons of fresh water per day and up to 40 million kilograms of fish per year

Magnetic Fusion Reactors (MFRs)
Magnetic Fusion Reactors (MFRs) use nuclear fusion to generate power. Standard MFRs use a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) magnetic plasma confinement device. The typical MFR generating station produces 500 gigawatts of net power.

Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium Polymer Batteries use a polymer electrolyte. This electrolyte resembles a plastic-like film that does not conduct electricity, but allows the exchange of ions (electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms). The polymer electrolyte replaces the traditional porous separator of most batteries, which is soaked with electrolytes. The dry polymer design offers simplifications with respect to fabrication, ruggedness, safety and thin-profile. There is no danger of flammability because no liquid or gelled electrolyte is used. ith a cell thickness measuring as little as 1mm (0.039in), design engineers are left to their own imagination in terms of form, shape and size. Some designs even form part of a protective housing, are in the shape of a mat that can be rolled up, or are even embedded into a carrying case or a piece of clothing. Typical batteries weigh .5kg per kW generated .

Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Proton Exchange Membrane hydrogen fuel cells can be found in many applications. Both heavy duty and personal fuel canisters are in plentiful supply. Typical fuel cells weigh 1kg per kW generated and consume 50 milligrams of hydrogen per hour per watt generated; thus, a typical 20W generator consumes 1 gram per hour, while a 120W generator consumes 6 grams per hour. Most fuel cells use an advanced alkali-modified fullerene nanotube lattice to store hydrogen. These canisters hold six times as much hydrogen as a metal hydride canister of the same size, but weigh half as much and has virtually no loss in efficiency with repeated refills.

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES)
Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) uses a large coil of superconducting wire buried underground, with power conditioning equipment, to store electrical power.

Other
A few fission power plants are still in use. BioDiesel and alcohol pwered engines are also common alternatives to HFCs.

Computer Technology
A Note On Terminology: Gigabytes GB Terabytes (thousands of gigabytes) TB Petabytes (millions of gigabytes) PB Gigahertz Terahertz THz Petahertz. PHz
Processors
Computing devices are still based either on optical integrated circuits and data transmission is primarily via fiber optic cables and photonic crystal plates, which are stronger, cooler and have higher data transmission speeds. Photonic processor speeds range from 400 THz to 10 PHz. A powered photonic processor shines with light radiating in scintillating patterns through the plate's optical circuitry, while the crystal board itself is usually clear, translucent blue or translucent green in color. Circuit boards are made of sheets of photonic crystal. Circuitplates have processor plates fused to them. If a computer system uses multiple circuitplates, then the primary plate is the mainplate and the others are referred to as subplates. Circuitplates vary widely in size, dependent mostly on the various processors required by the computer. Photonic crystal processor plates require 1 cubic centimeter of volume per 100 THz. Photonic crystal circuitplates are typically 5mm thick, and 10 THz of processing power requires one square centimeter of plate area, meaning a 500THz board would require 10 square centimeters (10cm x 10cm) of plate area.
In addition to the main processor, most computers require a video processor, an audio processor, an interface processor, and may include other specialized processors for specific types of calculations.
For smaller and/or slower applications, GaAs IC chips are used. These operate at speeds of speeds 10 to 300 THz . GaAs chips require 10 cubic milimeters of volume per THz. They are typically .5mm thick, and 1 THz of processing power requires one square milimeter of chip area, meaning a 10 THz chip would require 100 square milimeters (10mm x 10mm).

Memory/Data Storage
Memory technology is based on atomic holographic memory crystals, holding an average of 64 petabits (Pb) or 8 petabytes (PB) of data per cubic centimeter (a storage capacity of 8 million gigabytes of memory per cubic centimeter!) Memory technology is found in two forms: datacards and datachips.
Datacards are 2.5mm x 5cm x 8cm. Even though their total volume is 10cm3, only half of it is actually used, giving them a 40PB capacity. Datacards can be rewritten an unlimited amount of times and do not suffer any data degradation over time. Datachips are 2.5mm x 1cm x 1cm a nd have a 2 PB capacity. Datachips are usually used for small devices such as wristcomps or subdermacomps. Other than their size, they function the same as datacards. Standard datacard readers (datacard read/write devices) consist of a 2.5mm x 5cm slot which the datacard is inserted into completely. Datachip readers are simply a tiny 2.5mm x 1cm slot.
Onboard Dataplates: computer systems almost always have a built-in block of onboard dataplates. Onboard dataplates (usually in 4cm x 10cm x 2.5mm sticks, but this can vary) are arranged in banks that plug into the main circuitplate and can only be removed by opening up the computer casing. A typical workstation has between 8PB and 256PB of onboard dataplates, though this can easily be upgraded or modified. This data storage is solid state and does not differentiate between volatile (RAM) and non-volatile memory. Rather than loading a program into volatile memory, computers run them directly from their current dataspace and write/modify any additional datafiles in any adjacent or available dataspace as necessary.
Software Sizes: Program sizes have growna grewat deal. Operating systems require several PB of disk space and hundreds of megabytes of RAM, and most programs use no less than a tenth of that per program (and some use a lot more). As computing power has grown, so has the software run on it, taking advantage of that computing power as much as possible. Programs are not simple text datafiles or simple databases; they may include artificial intelligence, voice recognition, video-recorded visual display imagery, and image recognition, at resolutions where pixels cannot be distinguished and sounds do not sound processed, all of this takes a lot of data capacity.

Displays
Display technology has advanced considerably as well. Modern computer displays are based on advanced OLED technology. Most displays are simple 2-D or very basic 3-D. The most advanced (and expensive) displays are Holographic Panstereoscopic Displays (HPDs) which generate a three-dimensional image inside the display area, with an unrestricted POV angle. Both types are touchscreen, Most displays are durable enough that everyday contact and even the occasional abuse leaves little or no wear on them.
Most computer workstations have two OLED (or HPD) touchscreens: a smaller one for data entry and a larger one for data display (though they are usually functionally interchangeable). Smaller portable computers (such as tablets and datapads) use a single vertical display to handle both data entry and display, dividing the screen between the two as the user sees fit.)

Interfaces
Nearly all computers have two modes of interface: touchscreen displays and voice/face command (VFC) recognition. Most computers utilize both (allowing flexibility from one user to the next), though a few use only one method or the other (usually tailored to the specific application of the computer). Since most programs have built-in VFC recognition routines and 2-D display routines, they take up a lot more memory. Programs using VFC recognition are usually driven by a robust AI.
Occassionally computers require other interface devices depending on their particular use. Keyboards and keypads are still used in certain applications. Nueural interfaces are in experimental stages, but are still considered dangerous and are very expensive.

Cables & Power
There are two types of cables in a computer system: power cables and data cables. Power cables are still your old tried-and-true sheathed copper wire bundles. Data cables are almost always fiber optic cables. Fiber optic data cables are connected via standardized dataports which are 5mm in diameter. With large computer systems, eight cables are sometimes bundled together in one large datacable which plugs into a uniform 2x4 dataport array (such as the one found on standard professional workstations). Dataports in a 2x4 array can still be used individually as well.
Computers require very small amounts of power. The two most power-intensive devices are datacard readers and HPD screens. Some computers have MFC (micro fuel cell) battery slots. MFC batteries can power a workstation for 72 hours, a portacomp for 14 days, or a wristcomp for 5 years. Subdermacomps are powered via bioelectric or hemapneumatic energy from the user's body, or micro glucose fuel cells. Workstations also typically have an external power port; they are only run off of MFC batteries when necessary.

Standard Computer Systems
Professional workstation are all-in-one units, consisting of a vertical display panel and a horizontal interface panel set into a stylish alloy case with various ports and slots on the sides and back of the case. Professional workstations tend to be the largest (and most stylish) kind of workstation, able to handle any high-end professional project with ease (anything from full interactive VR processing to complex AI computing to 256 kilobit encryption/decryption... you get the picture). Professional workstations come standard with a 800THz main processor, an array of high-end subprocessors, 512PB of onboard dataspace, eight dataports, eight datacard slots and four datachip slots, a 30x45cm OLED display panel and a 15x45cm OLED interface panel. These weigh around 5 kg.
Standard workstations are the standard "home computer", enough for the typical person to play full VR simulations or movies, run advanced home office applications, and manage all of the household digital appliances and security. Standard workstations come standard with a 600THz main processor, an array of mid-range subprocessors, 256PB of onboard dataspace, two dataports, four datacard slots and two datachip slots, a 20x30cm OLED display panel and a 15x45cm OLED interface panel. These weigh around 4.5 kg
Business workstations are standard low-end computing systems designed with economy in mind; they have just enough power to handle most routine office computing tasks. Business workstations come standard with a 600 THz main processor, an array of low-end subprocessors, 64PB of onboard dataspace, fwo dataports, one datacard slot and one datachip slot, a 20x30cm OLED display panel and a 10x30cm OLED interface panel. These weigh around 4 kg
A professional tablet looks much like a tablet PC from 2000, though much thinner and lighter. Most vehicles come with a professional portacomp either standard or as an option, installed into the center console of the dashboard; these "Navcomps" are usually semi-dedicated navigational computers, though they can still run other programs. Professional portacomps come standard with a 400 THz main processor, several mid-range subprocessors, 40PB of onboard dataspace, two dataports, two datacard slots, two datachip slots, and a 30x20cm HPD display/interface panel. These weigh around 1 kg
Standard handicomps look a lot like a typical PDA from 2000. Standard handicomps come standard with a 400THz main processor, several low-end subprocessors, 16PB of onboard dataspace, one dataport, one datacard slot and one datachip slot, and a 8x12cm OLED display/interface panel. These weigh around 0.2 kg
Wristcomps are basically tiny computers (about 3cm x 3cm x 1cm) secured to a wristwatch band. Wristcomps come standard with a 5 THz GaAs main processor, several compact subprocessors, 2PB of onboard dataspace, one dataport, one datachip slot, and a 3x3cm OLED display/interface panel.

Printers
People still like to print things out on paper. Most people use paper made out of synthetic materials. Printers themselves are just as advanced as their computer counterparts. Three typical kinds of printers exist: Professional Printers, Standard Printers and Portable Printers. The image quality is the same on all three types; the only difference is their size, speed and cost. All print on standard pages: 20cm by 30cm. Specialized printers that can print on larger paper cost proportionally more (and decrease the printing speed proportionally as well).
Professional Printer: consists of a 20cm by 25cm by 35cm case, and holds up to 1000 sheets (6cm) of paper at a time (but can be fitted with an external pagefeeder that can hold thousands of pages). Speed: 1200 pg/min Weight: 5 kg
Standard Printer: consists of a 10cm by 25cm by 35cm case, and holds up to 500 sheets (3cm) of paper at a time (but can be fitted with an external pagefeeder that can hold thousands of pages). Speed: 240 pg/min Weight: 3 kg
Portable Printer: consists of a 3cm by 5cm by 25cm bar, which draws pages from an external tray that can hold up to 100 sheets at a time. Speed: 120 pg/min Weight: 1 kg

AIs
AIs are still not truly self-aware; though advanced AI programs can seem very self-aware, true self-awareness and living intelligence has yet to be achieved. AIs come in a variety of complexities and personalities, so that people who dislike chatting with their computers can get simple AIs, while others often have a tailored AI personality managing their computers and as an interface assistant. Basic AI programs come standard in all computer systems and programs.

Security
Most computers come with biometric analysis subprocessors, using voiceprints, retinal scans, handprints and even facial scans. However, these measures are becoming easier to defeat. The cutting edge of security technology is geneprints and genelocks. While still a relatively new technology, geneprinting technology has matured enough that it is proved to be 100% reliable. Geneprinting involves a small scanner that someone can place any part of their skin on (a finger, for example). The genescanner reads numerous skin cells touching the scanning surface at the molecular level, analyzing their genetic code and comparing it to a genetic database. If the person's geneprint is in the database and marked as "authorized", the genescanner can activate whatever device it is hooked up to. Genescanners used as locks - called genelocks - can be installed into computers, doors, vehicles, and even guns in order to prevent unauthorized access. Genescanners can be fooled by using dead tissue (such as a dead person's finger) or even several layers of epidermis glued to someone's thumb. But the latest genescanners use several different methods to detect these kinds of tricks, and are now over 99% foolproof. Genelocks are used in various high-security places (large corporations, government installations, etc.) but they're not common and they're fairly rare in the public marketplace. The only detriment some see to genelocks is the idea of building genetic databases of people.

The Battle Command Network (BCN)
The Battle Command Network (BCN) is an integrated distributed smart network for command and control. It includes the BCTS, MTRN, DIN, and SPNS.

The Battle Command Tracking System (BCTS)
The Battle Command Tracking System (BCTS) tracks all friendly troops (via a transmitter that sends locational information to a SNPS satellite, which distribute the information down to other BCTS equipped troops.) This gives commanders important information on troop locations. In addition, instant messaging is built into the system, for the quick exchange of information on the enemy with nearby friendly units. To limit the workload on the communications satellites, BCTS updates it's position about once every minutes, also sending and receiving email messages as it does so. The BCTS also includes automated data and status reporting of fuel status, weapons availability, weather conditions, and other information.
BCTS units come in three types:
The Fighting Vehicle Tracker (FVT) unit weighs 2kg and costs $5,000. The vehicle mounted system includes a 400 THz main processor, with 40PB of onboard dataspace, a 8x12cm OLED display/interface panel, and SNPS and satellite communications gear.
The Vehicle Movement Track (VMT), is issued to non combat units. Each VMT unit weighs 2kg and costs $2,000. The VMT includes a 400 THz main processor with 30PB of onboard dataspace, a 8x12cm OLED display/interface panel, and SNPS and satellite communications gear.
The Battle Infantry Tracker (BIT) weighs 500 gm and costs $1,000. It includes a 400 THz main processor with 16PB of onboard dataspace, a 8x12cm OLED display/interface panel, and SNPS and satellite communications gear.

The Military Tactical Radio Network (MTRN)
The Military Tactical Radio Network (MTRN) is a family of common, software-reprogrammable, multi-band/multi-mode radios that form the foundation of a wireless, flexible, and seamless real-time communications network - through voice, data, and video -- through software programmable radio technology. MTRN works in conjunction with the SNPS satellite network. The MTRN family consists of the Airborne, Maritime/Fixed Station, and Ground (vehicle, manpack, and handheld) domains. To reduce overlapping efforts, MTRNs are grouped into common “Clusters” based on similarity of requirements.

The Satellite Network Positionion System (SNPS)
The Satellite Network Positionion System (SNPS) is a satellite-based positioning system using a constellation of 36 satellites which provides navigation data to both military and civilian users. The system provides reliable and accurate passive worldwide positioning, navigation, and timing information in all weather conditions, in real time, using a common grid reference system. The Space Segment is an earth-orbiting constellation of 36 satellites in six planes. The satellites are radiation hardened to improve reliability and survivability.
The control ground segment consists of ten unmanned monitor stations located around the world; a master ground station; and four large ground antenna stations that broadcast signals to the satellites. The stations also track and monitor the SNPS satellites. SNPS provides an all-weather, global, protected/encrypted navigation signal. The signal provides positioning accuracy's to about 7m 50 percentile spherical error probable and a timing signal for communications and command and control systems to a precision of <100ns dual root mean square.
SNPS locator units come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and end functions. They are light weight, waterproof, and built to withstand high impacts.

Distributed Intelligence Network (DIN): This is a sectuion of the BCN distributed smart network connecting wireless cameras, UAVs and miniature ground sensors to broadcast to a real time intelligence collection and distribution node. Sensors are designed to report data back to a control station over long range using non-line of sight communications. Ground control stations then classify and identify targets based on highly complex algorithms.
The Basic Ground Sensor/Transmitter (BGST) is the backnone of the DIN. It is a small, cheap and disposable sensor box. It includes a 30km MTRN transmitter, using multiple frequencies, frequency hopping, and encryption. The unit includes a digital camera and , as well as, acoustic and seismic motion detectors. It weigh 750 gm and cost $500. It is designed to operate for over a year on a single battery. BGST transmitters can placed anywhere. They are easily concealed in the field.
The Ground Sensor/Transmitter (GST) is a more advanced version of the BGST. It includes passive infrared, magnetic, seismic and piezoelectric (pressure), chemical , and biological sensors. It weigh 1.2kg and cost $2500.
The Airdropped Ground Sensor/Transmitter (BGST) is a heavy duty version of the BGST. It is designed to be dropped from 10,000m .It weigh 1.3kg and cost $1000. It is designed to operate for over a year on a single battery.

Integrated Satellite Imaging Network (ISIN): This section of the DIN incorporates data from national, military and commercial satellites.
Initial Targeting Network (ITN): This section of the DIN incorporates information and intelligence from non-DIN or ISIN sources.

Individual Combat Gear

All military personnel have a medical chip implanted under their skin, on the left shoulder. This is a a standard miniaturized, implantable radio frequency identification encrypted chip containing medical records. It can be read by medical scanners and updated by qualified personnel.


The

Combat Environment Suit

The Combat Environment Suit is a head to toe air-tight loose fitting suit. It is generally worn open at the neck and wrists. The suit has hard pads at the knees and elbows. It fits tightly around the feet, so standard combat boots can be worn. The hands are covered by gauntlets and a standard issue helmet also has an attachment that can completly seal the whole body.

The undergarment layer is a set of hollow artificial silk mesh long underwear. There are special pads under the arm pits and crotch to draw perspiration away from the wearer. The hollow mesh incorporates a capillary microclimate conditioning system designed to circulate the fresh cooled or heated air over the body.

The undergarment also incorporates physiological sensors that monitor the soldier's monitors respiration, blood pressure, heart rate, internal and external body temperature, and caloric consumption rate. It has a sensor over the wearer’s medical chip. All of this data is transmitted to thesuit computer, and is available on the BCN. Commanders and medics can access the information through the BCN system. If a soldier is injured, the system reports damage, including locations, sizes of the entry and exit wounds, and vital functions and places a distress call to the nearest medical personnel. Medics can start making an assessment before they even get to the injured soldier.

The actual suit is made of multiple layers of material. The innermost layer is an artificial silk liner. This layer also incorporates a capillary microclimate conditioning system, like the undergarment. Following the liner is an insulating layer of a carbon filled aerogel, protecting against temperature extremes and electrical shock. This layer is also anti-microbial and helps to absorb odor. It alsoaids in thermal signature suppression. The next layer is fiber optic and electrical connections. This allows the undergarment to connect to the suit computer. The next layer is a mixteure of charcoal and other chemicals, providing protection against chemical and biological agents. The fifth layer is a 3 sheet thickness of Bioweave. The following layer is closely woven multi-polymer coated fabric, resistant to chemical and biological warfare agents. Next is a layer of fire retardant, infrared, thermal, and radar absorbant material. The outermost layer is simply a thick strong layer of artificial silk. This outer layer is designed to provide visible camouflage. It is designed to be exchanged or replaced in different patterns.

The suit is powered by a 20-watt PEM hydrogen fuel cell which is fueled with two 175 gram hydrogen fuel canisters and a 50 gram reserve canister. With a consumption rate 1 gram of hydrogen fuel per hour, all theee canisters provide the suit with just over two weeks of continuous operation (the main canisters last 7 days, 7 hours and the reserve canister lasts 2 days 2 hours). The 12kg mass includes a full fuel canister load of 3kg.

Suit computer: The stanadrd suit computer has a 16THz main processor, several low-end subprocessors, 16PB of onboard dataspace, two dataports, two datacard slots, and two datachip slot, and a 8x12cm OLED display/interface panel.
The suit responds to voice commands, a wrist-mounted datapad, and a shoulder mounted controller.

The helmet is a clamshell design with overhanging neck protection.
A single voice activated radio enables communication on the MTRN. A small (100 square mm) bone conduction sensor attached to an inner band inside the helmet replaces outdated microphone and earphone technology.
The helmet is also equipped with advanced video and vision technology. Several small cameras (Low light, IR, LI, and the the like) are mounted on the sides of the helmet allows the sending of real-time video via the MTRN radio. Video images can be recievered and viewed through the HUD overlay provided by a pair of tiny OLED over the wearer's eyes. The HUD displays friends, enemies, unknowns and other battlefield features highlighted, tracked and identified (via BCN systems). The HUD can also be adjusted to provide night and thermal imaging vision via the helmet's various cameras. With a BCN connection, soldiers can call up maps, documents or SNPS data on the. Also attached to the helmets are laser signature and rangefinding sensors. These are designed to distinguish enemies from friends when viewing the battlefield through theHUD. (It can also be programmed for a sophisticated version of laser tag for training.) The wearer can spot enemy positions, calculate coordinates, send the data to artillery targeting computers, and display targeting data. The retractable ballistic/laser protective visor protects the face from shrapnel (NIJ level IIA) and integrates a polarizing polycarbonate coating that protacets against laser and othe extreme glare.

The helmet can be sealed with the suit collar, creating a fully-sealed environment that provides protection against biological, chemical, and radiological weapons and dangers. Sensors located on the suit's chest and helmet can detect radiation, chemical and biological agents in the enviroment.

The base armor level of the suit is equivilant to NIJ Level IIIA. With the addition of a standard overvest with boro-carbon ceramic plate inserts plate inserts, vambraces, and greaves, this goes up to the equivalent of NIJ Level III protection. The boro-carbon ceramic plate inserts heavy rigid overvest provides NIJ level IVA protection.


The Camouflage Combat Smock:

The smock is a simple, lightweight, loose pullover camouflage overgarment made of cloth. It's primary function is camouflage, with secndary protective characteristics. It is designed to be worn over the uniform with the webbing and equipement over the smock. It fits something "like a potato sack", allowing for air circulation, items worn underneath, and breaking up the sillouette.

It is made of five layers of material. The first layer is a 1 sheet thickness of Bioweave. The second layer is closely woven multi-polymer coated fabric, resistant to chemical and biological warfare agents. Next is a layer of fire retardant, infrared, thermal, and radar absorbant material. The outermost layer is simply a thick strong layer of artificial silk.

The neck opening is secured with a lace strung through ten eyelets. It has an elasticated waist and adjustable wrists. It is hooded with
raglan sleeves. There are vertical slits in the sides to gain access to the uniform worn undeneath. Chest and pit vents help with air circulation. There are six pockets: 2 on the shoulders (with loops for pens and other items), 2 on the chest, and 2 large lower cargo pockets. The chest pockets have vertical zippers, for ease of access when web gear is are worn. The hood rolls up in the collar and is secured with velcro. There are epaulettes for rank insignia on the shoulders.

It is commonly worn with the waist and cuffs tucked in the elastic giving slightly more freedom of movement.
The smock can be rolled up into a small package. This allows a spare smock to be carried, especially one in an alternate camoflauge pattern.

The smock is reversible, with a different camoflauge pattern on each side: dark pattern on one side and a lighter pattern on the other.
The patterns are theater and season specific. In addition, there are loops of elastic sewn onto the shoulders and upper arms to hold foliage, pieces of netting, and frayed cloth, improveing the effectiveness of the smock's camouflage cover in the field.


Garrison: Field grey

Standard Summer pattern: A six colour digital "pea pattern" scheme, including yellow ochre, pink,
field grey, khaki, olive drab, and dark brown, with greens as the
predominant colour.

Standard Autumn pattern: A six colour digital "pea pattern" scheme, including yellow ochre, field grey, khaki,
dark, light, and pinkish brown.
Both provide good to excellent camouflage in most field conditions.

Desert: A 6 color day pattern on one side and a night pattern on reverse side. Commonly the "night pattern" smock is worn over a day smock to provide extra warmth as well as camouflage.

Winter: White, with a snowless pattern on the reverse.