Are there really any benefits to 5G?

Discover the challenges and solutions for accurately modelling RF propagation in urban settings. Explore the innovative neural network model revolutionising urban RF systems.

Discover our advanced mmWave radar platform for safer and more efficient space missions.

We explore the role of custom RF system design in communication and safety within the mining industry, ensuring robust data handling and operational efficiency in challenging conditions.

We continue to advance radar technology for the CLEAR mission, reinforcing the partnership with ClearSpace and the UK Space Agency for sustainable space safety and debris removal.

Fusing mmWave technology and healthcare innovation to devise a ground-breaking, non-invasive pain management solution, demonstrating our commitment to advancing healthtech.

Pioneering a ground-breaking collaboration in advanced in-orbit servicing, setting new benchmarks for space debris removal and satellite maintenance.

Exploring the cutting-edge possibilities of Self-Supervised Learning (SSL) in machine learning architectures, revealing new potential for automatic feature learning without labelled datasets in niche and under-represented domains.

Looking deeper into the cutting edge of imaging radar data processing, where innovative techniques and practical applications combine to drive forward solutions.

How do you choose? We explore the complexities and evolution of processing silicon choices in the AI era, from CPUs and GPUs to the rise of TPUs and NPUs for efficient artificial intelligence model implementation.

At the forefront of space technology innovation, we address complex engineering challenges in the sector, delivering low size, weight, and power solutions tailored for the harsh environment of space.

A practical guide for programmers on processing imaging radar data, featuring example Python code and a detailed exploration of a millimetre-wave radar's data processing pipeline.

Questioning the real-world benefits of 5G technology, offering a candid examination of its impact on connectivity and the disparity between expectations and user experiences.

Space holds vast promise. Orbiting satellites have already enabled global communications and allowed us to learn about our planet's climate. This paper will explain radar, how it works, and why it is suited to space applications. It will also discuss considerations for space companies when deploying any sensing technology. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sensing. Our team works with space missions to assess if mmWave radar is right, and where it is, identify optimal configurations, software, and security to deliver against the performance and SWaP-C goals.

Camera systems are in widespread use as sensors that provide information about the surrounding environment. But this can struggle with image interpretation in complex scenarios. In contrast, mmWave radar technology offers a more straightforward view of the geometry and motion of objects, making it valuable for applications like autonomous vehicles, where radar aids in mapping surroundings and detecting obstacles. Radar’s ability to provide direct 3D location data and motion detection through Doppler effects is advantageous, though traditionally expensive and bulky. Advances in SiGe device integration are producing more compact and cost-effective radar solutions. Plextek aims to develop mm-wave radar prototypes that balance cost, size, weight, power, and real-time data processing for diverse applications, including autonomous vehicles, human-computer interfaces, transport systems, and building security.

This paper presents a range of novel low-cost millimeter-wave radio-frequency sensors that have been developed using the latest advances in commercially available electronic chip-sets. The recent emergence of low-cost, single chip silicon germanium transceiver modules combined with license exempt usage bands is creating a new area in which sensors can be developed. Three example systems using this technology are discussed, including: gas spectroscopy at stand off distances, non-invasive dielectric material characterization and high performance micro radar.

This paper presents a comparison of Chilton ionosonde critical frequency measurements against vertical-incidence HF propagation predictions using ASAPS (Advanced Stand Alone Prediction System) and VOACAP (Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program). This analysis covers the time period from 1996 to 2010 (thereby covering solar cycle 23) and was carried out in the context of UK-centric near-vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) frequency predictions. Measured and predicted monthly median frequencies are compared, as are the upper and lower decile frequencies (10% and 90% respectively). The ASAPS basic MUF predictions generally agree with fxI (in lieu of fxF2) measurements, whereas those for VOACAP appear to be conservative for the Chilton ionosonde, particularly around solar maximum. Below ~4 MHz during winter nights around solar minimum, both ASAPS and VOACAP MUF predictions tend towards foF2, which is contrary to their underlying theory and requires further investigation. While VOACAP has greater errors at solar maximum, those for ASAPS increase at low or negative T-index values. Finally, VOACAP errors might be large when T-SSN exceeds ~15.

This paper describes the design and characterization of a frequency-scanning meanderline antenna for operation at 60 GHz. The design incorporates SIW techniques and slot radiating elements. The amplitude profile across the antenna aperture has been weighted to reduce sidelobe levels, which makes the design attractive for radar applications. Measured performance agrees with simulations, and the achieved beam profile and sidelobe levels are better than previously documented frequency-scanning designs at V and W bands.

The design of a 16-element waveguide array employing radiating T-junctions that operates in the Ku band is described. Amplitude weighting results in low elevation sidelobe levels, while impedance matching provides a satisfactory VSWR, that are both achieved over a wide bandwidth (15.7-17.2 GHz). Simulation and measurement results, that agree very well, are presented. The design forms part of a 16 x 40 element waveguide array that achieves high gain and narrow beamwidths for use in an electronic-scanning radar system.

A lightweight, wideband tapered-slot antenna that uses an antipodal Vivaldi design and provides useable gain from ~5 GHz to in excess of 50 GHz is described. Simulations and measurements are presented that show excellent agreement. This antenna design is currently deployed in handheld test equipment.

This paper presents an initial empirical path-loss propagation model for communication links operating at street light/roof-top heights over the ranges of 100 m to 10 km in urban and suburban environments. The statistical path-loss model presented uses data taken from a significant number of deployed street-light telemetry systems transmitting in the licence exempt/ISM bands at 868 and 915 MHz. This propagation model provides a valuable tool for network planning where typical cellular propagation models might not be appropriate.