Defense Electronics R&D (research and development), also known as Defense Technology R&D, is a term used primarily within the defense, intelligence, and government services communities referring to the exploratory development of electronic components and systems that are specifically designed to establish or continue technological superiority in national defense. These configurations often consist of multiple Electronic Warfare (EW) devices and the components they are made of, including many that house multiple devices in a self-contained unit. Systems built from defense electronics provide robust, high performance electronic detection, electronic protection, and electronic attack capabilities to support mission success and minimize casualties. To achieve cutting edge capabilities, defense electronics developers design higher capability microprocessors, transceivers, power management, photonics, and other component functions. Many of these components are specialized for military environments with challenging thermal and vibration requirements. These advanced systems can be deployed on a range of military platforms, including large and small aircraft, ships, submarines, satellites, hand-held devices and land vehicles.