Communications

Plextek designs communications systems for security and defence applications. We design specialised equipment for government end users and provide design services that enable equipment manufacturers to utilise advanced wireless technologies in new products.

Communications Design for Security & Defence

Plextek enables a wide range of clients to utilise the latest communications technologies. Our services cover highly specialised technology exploiting software defined radio and cognitive radio techniques through to commercial technology such as cellular and short range wireless links.

We enable clients to develop secure communications systems that operate in hostile environments and are resistant to jamming and interception. We have successfully exploited commercial off-the-shelf components for specialised tasks outside the scope of their intended use, significantly improving reliability and reducing costs.

Our clients in this area include Selex Galileo, Ultra Electronics, BAE Systems, Thales and several government departments.

Example Projects

• Plextek won the UK Ministry of Defence's inaugural "Competition of Ideas" with a novel communications system aimed at vehicle convoys. The system integrated VHF and cellular wireless transceivers to provide both voice and secure data communications. A user interface with touch screen display provided situational awareness by showing the location and status of all the convoy members.

• Plextek developed a secure communications system for networking a number of ground surveillance radars. This enabled the integration of information from a number of sensors enabling remote operators to view a large area. The system was based on ruggedised wireless LAN technology with directional antennas used to provide long-range point to point links.