Multipurpose ships equipped for combat usually have less severe power management issues and thus the capability to use a Prismatic Shield Generator in combat, although other modules may have to be downgraded to accommodate it depending on the ship. However, the Prismatic Shield Generator comes with twice the mass, significantly more power-draw, a higher price, and loyalty unlock requirements through Powerplay, which makes it less convenient to purchase as well as more difficult to use efficiently on most combat ships.
This represents a 15-20% difference in shield strength between a Prismatic Shield Generator and a standard Shield Generator of the same class and rating. The Prismatic Shield Generator's shield strength is almost equal to the shield strength of a standard Shield Generator that is one class higher.
