Research

Many companies choose not to incur the costs of having their own permanent research facility but on occasion find that their product or technology development plans necessitate that research be undertaken. Plextek is able to provide contract electronics research and development services on behalf of such organisations. This research can take the form of implementing new technologies, investigating the achievable performance or characteristics of existing technologies or developing innovative solutions to technical problems at a product or system level.

In addition to sub-contract research programmes, Plextek has also undertaken internally funded research work. This has resulted in the development of innovative products, such as our Blighter E-scan radar, and patented solutions to practical problems as in the case of our Lost-It proximity detection system. Examples of some of the research work that Plextek has undertaken include:

• The development an ultra-narrow band telemetry technology to allow long distance, low data rate communications at much lower power levels than is practical with conventional techniques. The technology is aimed specifically at machine to machine (M2M) applications such as industrial sensors, alarms and process control.
• Research into novel circuit architectures for high power, low loss microwave switch MMICs. This work was funded by the MOD’s D efence Technology Centre ( DTC ) focused on Electro Magnetic Remote Sensing ( EMRS ).
• Development of a novel Mesh network architecture for broadband wireless access. The system initially targeted operation in the 28GHz and 42GHz mm-wave bands and used an ATM transport platform. Our R&D activities included developing techniques for realising low cost mm-wave electronics, modelling the Mesh radio network and developing high-speed configurable modems.
• Internally funded innovation that resulted in the development of Plextek’s Lost-It short-range proximity detection system. This patented technology allows accurate range measurement with substantial immunity to obstruction by objects such as filing cabinets and walls, which can significantly affect other range measurement systems.
• Research to determine the physical properties of several tape systems under consideration by a manufacturer of LTCC components. The resulting characterisation data was used to develop various components including LTCC filters and components for GSM font-end modules.
• The design and development of Blighter a low cost, low power electronically scanning radar. The goal of the development was to implement a short range, man portable radar making extensive use of COTS components to minimise costs.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss how Plextek could help you with your research and development activities.