Packet Digital Company Profile

Background

Overview

Packet Digital LLC, established in 2003 and headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced power management solutions for autonomous systems, with a primary focus on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The company offers a comprehensive range of products, including smart batteries, chargers, battery management systems, and maximum power point trackers, all engineered to enhance the performance and endurance of UAS platforms.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To improve lives by creating cutting-edge hardware, software, and implementation solutions for autonomous systems.

Vision: To be the trusted, industry-recognized platform for autonomous systems products, design, and implementation services.

Industry Significance

Packet Digital plays a pivotal role in the aerospace and defense sectors by addressing the critical need for reliable and efficient power systems in UAS. Their innovations contribute to extended flight times and enhanced operational capabilities, thereby advancing the strategic applications of unmanned systems.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Packet Digital aims to revolutionize power management in autonomous systems by developing high-performance, smart battery solutions that extend operational endurance and reliability.

Areas of Specialization

UAS Power Systems: Designing and manufacturing batteries and power management systems tailored for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Space Power Solutions: Developing efficient and reliable power components for space missions.

Key Technologies Utilized

Smart Batteries: Integrating real-time monitoring and reporting of critical performance data to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): Employing advanced algorithms to optimize energy extraction from photovoltaic cells.

Primary Markets Targeted

Defense and Aerospace: Supplying power solutions for military and defense applications.

Commercial UAS: Providing battery systems for various commercial unmanned aerial systems.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Packet Digital has secured multiple funding rounds, including grants from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity and the National Science Foundation. The total funding raised is not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Grant from U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity: Specific details regarding the amount and date are not publicly disclosed.

Grant from National Science Foundation: Specific details regarding the amount and date are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity: Provided a grant to support the development of advanced power management solutions.

National Science Foundation: Invested in Packet Digital's innovative technologies for autonomous systems.

Utilization of Capital

The funds have been allocated towards research and development of smart batteries, expansion of manufacturing capabilities, and enhancement of power management technologies for UAS and space applications.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Smart Batteries for UAS: Developing high-energy density lithium-ion batteries to extend flight times and improve reliability.

Space Power Components: Creating efficient power systems for future U.S. space missions.

Stages of Development

Smart Batteries for UAS: In the final stages of development, with production slated to begin in 2026.

Space Power Components: Under development, with work expected to be completed in 2024.

Target Conditions

Smart Batteries for UAS: Designed to meet the power requirements of various unmanned aerial systems, including military and commercial applications.

Space Power Components: Aimed at providing reliable power solutions for spacecraft operating in diverse space environments.

Anticipated Milestones

Smart Batteries for UAS: Initiation of production in 2026, with deployment in defense and commercial UAS platforms.

Space Power Components: Completion of development in 2024, followed by integration into upcoming space missions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

On-Demand Power®: A patented technology that monitors system loads to ensure efficient power delivery, enhancing battery life and system performance.

PowerSage® Integrated Circuits: A line of intelligent voltage regulators designed to optimize power management in electronic devices.

Significant Scientific Methods

Advanced Photovoltaic Integration: Collaborating with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to develop solar-powered UAS with extended flight times.

Autonomous Soaring Algorithms: Implementing algorithms to enable UAS to autonomously adjust flight patterns for optimal energy efficiency.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Utilizing artificial intelligence for electrochemical modeling and data analytics to guide design optimization and improve battery performance.

Leadership Team

Terri Zimmerman, CEO

Professional Background: Over 20 years of experience in developing and commercializing new technologies, with a history of raising over $500 million in capital for various ventures.

Key Contributions: Leading Packet Digital since 2013, overseeing strategic direction and growth.

Andrew Paulsen, CTO

Professional Background: Joined Packet Digital in 2005, bringing extensive expertise in power management technologies and embedded software development.

Key Contributions: Spearheading the development of power electronics and embedded systems for UAS applications.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for UAS power systems is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for longer flight times and enhanced operational capabilities in both defense and commercial sectors. Advancements in battery technology and power management solutions are critical to meeting these demands.

Competitor Analysis

Zitara: Focuses on battery management systems for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Dukosi: Specializes in battery management solutions for electric vehicles, providing real-time monitoring and control.

Element Energy: Offers battery management systems and energy storage solutions for various applications.

Brill Power: Develops battery management systems aimed at improving the performance and lifespan of lithium-ion batteries.

Qnovo: Provides adaptive charging technology to extend battery life and improve performance.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory: Collaborating to develop solar-powered UAS with extended flight times.

Lockheed Martin: Supplying high-energy density lithium batteries for the Indago 4 drone.

U.S. Navy: Awarded contracts to develop smart batteries, chargers, and power systems for UAS applications.

Operational Insights

Packet Digital differentiates itself through its vertically integrated approach, designing, manufacturing, assembling, and testing all battery systems in-house within the United States. This strategy ensures quality control, rapid prototyping, and responsiveness to customer needs.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Packet Digital is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced power solutions in autonomous systems. The upcoming production of U.S.-made battery cells in 2026 will strengthen its market position and address the critical need for a domestic supply chain in the defense sector. Continued innovation in battery technology and strategic partnerships will drive future growth and expansion.