The design of power distribution systems for modern tanks and fighting vehicles involves a number of challenges, including demands for increasing amounts of electrical power. In response to these needs, Solid State Power Controllers (SSPCs) provide a number of advantages over electromechanical circuit breakers and relays. These include increased reliability, higher volume and weight power densities, lower power dissipation, reduced EMI emissions, very rapid short circuit protection, and precise I2t overload protection. The latter protects wiring, loads and the SSPCs themselves against overheating, while reliably avoiding “nuisance trips” when switching into capacitive or incandescent lamp loads. Further, SSPCs provide capabilities in the area of real time feedback, enabling system-level diagnostics and prognostics, and predictive, condition-based maintenance, thereby providing increased availability and continued mission readiness.