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Plextek demos innovative convoy communication concept for MoD

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:09:48 GMT

First "Competition of Ideas" study delivers robust, low power, low cost RF based ad-hoc network prototype with benefits in situational awareness and asset tracking

Issued 01/05/2008

Plextek Limited, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy has successfully demonstrated an innovative low power, low cost wireless convoy communications prototype to key decision makers at the UK Ministry of Defence. The prototype is the culmination of an 8-month research effort following the £295,000 contract Plextek won in July 2007 - the first in the MoD's "Competition of Ideas" (CoI) scheme. The robust prototype has been designed to bridge the current gap between electronic technology available to commercial vehicle operators and the technology used by military convoy operators. It enables real time situational awareness including vehicle position data, route planning and vehicle/cargo status and allows military users to evaluate the benefits of low cost, rapid insertion of commercial technologies into their existing vehicle fleets.

In developing the prototype Plextek has drawn on the company's extensive RF networking expertise by using Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) technology to create a low power, low cost RF based ad-hoc network operation. The system's inherent low probability of intercept and detection is extremely desirable in the military context. Whilst offering each driver useful navigational and situational data as well as inter-vehicle communications at a very low cost, it also enables headquarters to receive important data on vehicle position and cargo status in real time.

Commenting on the demonstration, an MoD spokesman said: "It would be safe to say that the system could offer a step change in current capability in terms of situational awareness, asset tracking and non voice communication. While aimed currently at Logistic vehicles, it could have utility to other platforms, and even personnel."

Bob Tonkins, Defence and Security Consultant at Plextek comments: "We're delighted with how well the demonstration has been received by the MoD and are confident of being able to move this prototype out of research and into full development. Even outside of the military convoy application, we believe this technology has the wider potential to be used in many other commercial applications."

Plextek develops embedded processing and communications platform for defence and homeland security applications

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:13:15 GMT

Design utilises Plextek's extensive experience of software integration with Microsoft Windows Embedded CE operating systems

Issued 16/04/2008

Plextek Limited, the Cambridge-based electronics design consultancy, announces EPAC, a Windows CE based commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) embedded processing and communications platform targeted at defence and homeland security applications. EPAC offers embedded designers a fast, flexible, cost effective and low risk alternative to fully bespoke designs. The design can be licensed in full or in part, and can also be customised to specific requirements. Developed from Plextek's extensive IP portfolio EPAC also utilises the company's extensive Windows Embedded CE software integration experience.

EPAC is a compact embedded processing and communications platform with power consumption typically less than 4W. The modular system integrates a common processing platform, 802.11a/b/g WLAN radio and an optional personality module to allow standard or bespoke interfaces to be added including JPEG2000 video encoding, analogue sampling and GPRS/GSM quad band communication.

The platform is ideal for defence applications and is already being used as the core component in next generation remote sensor network solutions being shipped by a major European Defence Prime Contractor. In this application, the capability of EPAC allows a distributed network of nodes to manage local video, audio, PIR and seismic sensors and perform complex processing of incoming data. The distributed nodes form an adhoc 802.11 network to allow sharing and relaying of processed data. The whole system provides a compact, highly powerful and adaptable tool for data collection and management in the field.

The flexibility of Plextek's EPAC platform means hardware and software features can be adapted to meet the specific needs of users. For example allowing the rapid implementation of changes including; functional enhancements, change of physical form factor, porting a different OS, combining functions on a single PCB or developing a limited function/lower cost/lower power system. This customisation comes with lower NRE costs and risk than embarking on a new design.

EPAC's processing module is supplied with a preloaded Windows® CE 5.0 BSP, allowing users to quickly develop and run application code on the platform. A Windows Embedded CE operating system was chosen to form the core of the platform's communications system because it is ideal for deeply embedded devices with high connectivity requirements. By using Windows CE, Plextek can easily integrate conventional Ethernet, Wireless LAN and GPRS modems with the capability to reliably deliver video, audio and sensor data back to a command and control centre. As a Microsoft® Windows® Embedded Silver Partner Plextek can also offer software design services for OS customisation or application code development.

Tim Phipps, Sales & Marketing Director, Plextek comments: "The powerful combination of integrated functionality, processing capability, expandability and low-power consumption means EPAC lends itself to a huge range of usage applications in defence and homeland security."

For further information on the EPAC platform visit http://www.plextek.co.uk/epac.htm

Plextek promoted to Microsoft Windows® Embedded Silver Partner

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:50:57 GMT

Issued 20/02/2008

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has been promoted to a Silver Partner in Microsoft's Windows® Embedded Partner (MSWEP) Program. This premium level status recognises Plextek's best-in-class Windows embedded design expertise and is part of a strategic EMEA initiative that provides partners with increased business opportunities, fast track support and training advantages.

Microsoft promoted Plextek from a registered member to a Silver Partner as a result of its breadth of embedded software design expertise and its ongoing commitment to using Microsoft's embedded solutions in the complete product designs it undertakes on behalf of its customers.

Manoj Rami, Senior Marketing Manager, Windows Embedded Business Group, Microsoft EMEA comments: "The Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner Program is a strategic world-wide program focused on providing partners with increased business opportunities, market awareness and technology advice. Being recognized as a Windows Embedded Partner helps give added strength in the marketplace to support your next customer".

Plextek's strength is in designing electronics products for defence, security, medical and wireless communication applications which require functional complexity and aggressive development time scales. Plextek's embedded software development process covers all phases of the design life cycle, from the creation of ideas right through to the manufacture of products. This process has the flexibility to be adapted for rapid prototyping or rigorous enough to provide a confident path through to volume production, either way helping clients to shorten product development cycles and reduce the total time-to-market.

Tim Phipps, Sales & Marketing Director at Plextek comments: "Our promotion to Silver status in this exclusive program demonstrates the value and expertise we bring to the market through our electronic product designs using Microsoft's software. As the UK's only Silver Partner, this enhanced acknowledgement and recognition by Microsoft will play a big part in helping us capture new opportunities and offer our customers better solutions."

Plextek organises IET Seminar on the latest advances in RF and microwave IC design

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:57:27 GMT

Issued 9/01/2008

Liam Devlin, director of RF integration at Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy Plextek, is organising and hosting an IET seminar to discuss the latest developments in RF and microwave IC design. Taking place at Savoy Place, London, on 28th February 2008, the seminar is aimed at designers, engineers, IC marketing engineers and academics and researchers in the RF and microwave design field.

The seminar will cover topics including highly integrated transceivers, RFID technology, broadband frequency converters and high-speed data acquisition ICs, to name a few. Organisations presenting their latest developments include Analog Devices, Tyco and QinetiQ. The event also includes a presentation describing the exciting development of GaAs MOSFET technology at Glasgow University.

"This is an incredibly fast moving area," said Devlin. "Just look at the ever increasing levels of integration and the continued push to higher operating frequencies for examples of this. Attendees of this seminar will have the opportunity to learn new techniques and gain a technical and commercial insight into the latest developments in this area."

For a full list of papers, programme and further details of the seminar please visit http://www.theiet.org/rficdesign or contact Liam through Plextek on +44 (0)1799 533200.

Plextek's strategic consulting activities set for further growth

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:25:15 GMT

Issued 5/12/2007

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, today announced the appointment of Colin Forster to its Strategic Consulting group. Colin brings to the role 25 years of business and technology experience gained at Gartner Consulting, NEC Semiconductor, IDATE Consulting & Research and PA Consulting Group. His extensive expertise covers new technology/product development, digital video and communications, digital TV/broadcast, industrial imaging, consumer electronics, mobile communications and IT.

Colin will contribute across Plextek's full spectrum of services, with a particular focus on the Strategic Consulting group where he will help clients faced with making key technology-related strategic decisions within their businesses. Working with Plextek's technical specialists, the Strategic Consulting group studies the impact of new technologies, identifies and analyses new product opportunities, audits projects, assesses IPR portfolios and undertakes technical due diligence as part of making an investment.

Colin Smithers, Managing Director, Plextek comments: "With his distinguished background in engineering, strategic marketing and consulting, and his breadth of client experience, Colin is very well qualified to assist Plextek's customers with the broader set of issues which impact successful businesses including core technology, intellectual property, development resourcing & planning, market analysis, and product strategy and positioning. We're very pleased to have Colin on board and expect him to make a significant impact in our Strategic Consulting group moving forward."

"Plextek has built an enviable reputation in the wireless and communications sector and has a wealth of expertise in product and systems development as well as real-world applications," said Colin Forster. "I believe this provides a strong foundation to advise clients on key strategic technology, market and commercial issues. As communication technologies continue to evolve, and their markets become increasingly dynamic and competitive, providing such strategic insight and support becomes ever more important. I look forward to working with Plextek's engineers and specialists to contribute to the company's continued growth and bring value to our clients".

Plextek appoints experienced radar sales engineer to showcase the potential of its Blighter Surveillance Products

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:24:58 GMT

Issued 5/12/2007

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has announced the appointment of Nick Booth to the newly created position of Blighter Field Sales Engineer.

The new role will see Nick travel the world to visit potential customers and give them practical demonstrations of Plextek's innovative electronic-scan radar system. Nick's role will be highly consultative and will involve working with customers in situ to establish their needs and demonstrate how the Blighter radar can best meet their intruder detection challenges.

Prior to taking up this role at Plextek, Nick spent the last eight years at Primagraphics. He has also worked at Datacube, Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems (Basildon) and BAE Systems (Rochester).

The Blighter radar is just one of Plextek's Blighter Surveillance Products. It has an unmatched combination of high reliability, accuracy and performance with a low cost of ownership and is able to deliver best value area and asset protection. Its design makes it ideal for rapid detection of potential security threats in areas such as airports and other secure areas, in harbours and ports, and for asset protection and perimeter monitoring such as national borders.

"The Blighter radar is an exciting product with enormous potential," says Nick. "Plextek already has established relationships with many government organisations as well as large prime defence contractors and systems integrators around the world. I'm relishing the challenge of further developing these relationships and working closely with other potential customers to ensure they understand the real benefits the Blighter radar offers compared to both stand alone camera and thermal image systems as well as against mechanically rotating radar solutions."

"Nick comes to us with a wealth of experience of selling these types of products into the same markets" said Mark Radford, Director of Security Products, Plextek. "His appointment shows our commitment to driving Blighter forwards on a large scale."

Plextek developed SDR transceiver offers a powerful and customisable platform for defence and civil applications

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:24:34 GMT

Issued 29/11/2007

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has developed a unique broadband digital transceiver platform covering a wide frequency range and incorporating a powerful and customisable baseband processor section.

Key specifications include a frequency range of 400MHz to 4GHz (including fine frequency and gain adjustment of instrumentation quality), 20 MHz bandwidth, high linearity with excellent EVM (Error Vector Magnitude), including substantial baseband signal processing capability implemented in multiple dual core processors and FPGAs.

This Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform will be useful in both civil and defence applications, providing reduced time to market and the ability to customise its capabilities depending on the user's requirements. The platform is capable of rapid reconfiguration and is able to support all modern comms standards including WLAN, GSM, 3G, LTE, WiFi, Sat Comms, TETRA and Digital or Video Audio Broadcast.

Typical defence applications include high spectral purity broadband waveform synthesis, adaptive jamming, advanced ECM and ESM and complex broadband channel simulation.

The platform is ideally suited for system development and customisation either by Plextek or directly by users themselves.

WIN Semiconductor appoints Plextek as approved third party design house

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 08:23:34 GMT

Issued 27/09/2007

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy has recently been appointed as approved third party design house by WIN Semiconductor. The move follows successful engagements by Plextek with a number of clients using WIN's high performance GaAs IC processes.

WIN offers a range of leading-edge processes, including 0.15µm gate length PHEMT and InGaP HBT, and was the world's first 6-inch pure-play GaAs foundry. Robert Donahue, VP of Sales and Marketing with WIN, commented, "We needed an independent design house with extensive experience of GaAs MMIC design on a wide range of processes, as well as proven capability with using WIN's processes. Plextek meet all of these requirements and have impressed us with their professionalism in dealing with WIN foundry customers."

To date Plextek has designed over 30 full custom GaAs ICs, all of which were first-pass design successes. Liam Devlin, Director of RF Integration with Plextek commented, "The fact that WIN's processes use 6" diameter wafers, combined with the ability to run a 4-shift system, allows WIN to offer a truly mass production capability for GaAs MMICs, which is very attractive to many of our existing and prospective clients. We're very pleased that WIN has selected Plextek and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship."

Plextek awarded the first MoD “Competition of Ideas” contract

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:23:22 GMT

SME given approx. £300k to research innovative convoy communications

Issued 30/07/2007

Plextek Limited, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy has been awarded approximately £300,000 by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in the first contract awarded by its “Competition of Ideas” initiative. The contract permits Plextek to research an MoD proposal for innovative technology which will allow improved communications between military vehicles and convoys.

Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, announced the Plextek contract at last week’s “Engaging the Supply Network in DIS” conference. He commented: “The Competition of Ideas aims to encourage innovation in defence technology, and to help SMEs engage with the MoD. I look forward to seeing the results of Plextek’s research, which I hope will bring innovative solutions to the MoD as the customer. This technology could allow vehicles to share information on their position and cargo status with other vehicles in the convoy as well as transmitting the data back to base, all using very low cost, low power technology with little chance of intercept. This would make a real difference to the military and civilian drivers that provide logistical support to UK forces.”

Ian Murphy, Technical Director, at Plextek comments: “The Competition of Ideas initiative set out to tap the great talent in the UK SME sector and Plextek is delighted to have been awarded this contract. Being the first contract to have been selected by the MoD is a great achievement and validation of our experience and expertise in developing innovative technologies.”

The Competition of Ideas, launched as part of the Defence Technology Strategy in October 2006, challenged the entire UK Science and Technology community to offer their innovative ideas to solve some of today’s most pressing defence issues. The MoD is funding the best ideas as part of its broad research programme.

The Defence Technology Strategy aims to open up defence research to new suppliers and the Competition of Ideas attracted over 450 proposals from a diverse range of UK suppliers. These covered the complete spectrum of the UK technology base, with over half of the proposals submitted by universities and SMEs.

Further contracts from the Competition of Ideas will be announced by the MoD by the end of July.

Plextek’s radar design expertise to take centre stage at DSEI

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:22:03 GMT

Issued 23/07/2007

Plextek Ltd, the Cambridge-based electronics design consultancy will be highlighting its extensive expertise in the field of military radar module design for defence applications on stand 498 at this year’s DSEI exhibition.

The company offers radar design in a wide variety of radar technologies including FMCW radar (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave), pulse doppler radar, phased array radar, avionics radar and monopulse systems. This expertise includes both radar subsystem design and the design and development of complete radar systems.

Plextek’s skill set covers microwave and mm-wave engineering, full-custom GaAs MMIC design, signal processing algorithm development, design of electronic equipment for defence applications and design for manufacture, making them ideally suited to the development of radar systems and subsystems.

Plextek has previously undertaken numerous projects on behalf of its defence clients, including design and supply of flight qualified frequency synthesiser subsystems for avionics radar, architecture development of wide band gain/phase control modules for a range of active phased array radars, real time signal processing for a monopulse application and development of microwave subsystems for transmit/receive functions.

In addition to the many design and development projects undertaken in this area for its clients, Plextek has designed its very own COTS, low cost, low power, lightweight, e-scan radar – Blighter. The radar provides surveillance in all kinds of applications from 20m out to 15km.

To discuss Plextek’s ability to meet specific radar system or subsystem development requirements, please visit stand 498 at ExCeL, London between 11th-14th September 2007.

The future of wireless includes fibre' concludes Plextek's Ofcom-funded study

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:00:28 GMT

Issued 05/03/2007

Next generation broadband solutions for the last mile must be based on fibre

A Plextek-led consortium has completed a 6-month research study on behalf of the communication industries regulator Ofcom to investigate the use of wireless technology as an alternative for the provision of last mile communications to the home, as part of Ofcom's Wireless Last Mile Investigation. It asked Plextek to consider whether there is a way forward to offering economic, ubiquitous broadband wireless access, given that previous solutions have had marginal business cases. The study found that wireless cannot realistically compete with fibre for the provision of future broadband requirements over the whole of the last mile.

Steve Methley, Senior Consultant, Plextek comments: "This study is one of a number that Plextek has carried out for Ofcom. It considers the transition, over the next 10-20 years, from today's ADSL broadband to the future requirement which we term 'Broadband 2.0'. The last mile requirement will increasingly be one in which there is convergence of the services and platforms providing communications and entertainment to the home. Future high definition (HD) TV services are likely to demand undiluted access to streaming content at 10-15Mb/s, per channel, which is massively in excess of what today's ADSL systems can support. Not enough people understand that today's ADSL is a contended service - delivered rates may fall to only hundreds of kb/s"

Having ruled out ADSL, the study suggests that upcoming wireless standards show a bias towards small screen mobile content delivery and are not attempting to address the challenge of Broadband 2.0 requirements. It investigates three fresh approaches to the physical technology - mesh and multihopping systems, UHF/TV band working and hybrid schemes with fibre or Gb/s 'wireless fibre'. It also considers fresh approaches for licensing including the licence mix, creating a nationally tetherless last mile and ubiquitous access, based on peering approaches.

Plextek concludes that the Broadband 2.0 solution must be based on fibre which must in future reach further into the access network, and potentially all the way to the customer premises. Fibre can solve the contention issues by increasing back haul capacity and can solve the last mile issue by acting as a point to point solution alone, or as a feeder to DSL distribution technologies - thus effectively reducing the length of DSL lines required.

The study further concludes that wireless has application as a last mile feeder element, using Gb/s wireless as a fibre replacement and within the home e.g. 802.11n. As national coverage of fibre may be below 100%, this also leaves some scope for wireless based broadband systems on today's ADSL specification, most likely in rural areas.

Fixed access, i.e. the local loop was the focus for the report; mobile access was specifically excluded from the scope.

Plextek to increase staff numbers by 10% to meet growing international customer demand

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 11:58:59 GMT

Issued 28/02/2007

On going business success creates requirement for new personnel in 2007

Plextek Limited, the Cambridge-based electronics design consultancy, announces that it will be increasing its staff numbers by more than 10% during Q1 2007 as part of an extensive business expansion. At least 10 new engineering, product design and project management positions have been created, with the company particularly focussed on individuals with strong radio experience. The recruitment drive will help Plextek to cope with increasing global demand for its services.

In the last two years Plextek has been increasing business outside its core design consultancy work to increase its global competitiveness. This has included a range of product design services and the launch of its first branded product, the Blighter portable radar for the security market. Most recently Plextek has been providing contract manufacturing services for its design customers, meaning the firm can now manage a product through its entire cycle from design to manufacture and supply.

Colin Smithers, Managing Director of Plextek, commented: "Our decision to adapt the business model over the last few years has proved very successful. We're performing very well as a business and have many exciting projects in the pipeline. The contribution from Plextek's product design and supply projects, and from sales of our Blighter radar units, will soon exceed consultancy revenues. To keep up with this demand we're looking to hire a number of personnel to fill new engineering, design and project management positions within the company and are particularly interested in radio and RF IC engineers. It's great to be in a position to be on the hunt for talented individuals who can make a valuable contribution to the future growth and success of the company."

Plextek completes pragmatic evaluation of mobile mesh networks for Ofcom

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 07:48:51 GMT

Issued 18/09/2006

Study concludes mesh networks should be integral to any future wireless communications vision

A Plextek-led consortium has completed a research study on behalf of the communications industries regulator Ofcom to investigate the technical reality of mobile mesh networks1 as part of Ofcom's Spectrum Efficiency Scheme. It is the first known joint evaluation of the real world constraints and idealised theory concerning the potential uses of mobile mesh networks. Plextek's findings dispel much of the 'mythology' made about mesh networks in recent academic literature and conclude that mobile mesh networks are not a panacea, but should be integral to any 4G or 'beyond 3G' wireless communications vision.

Steve Methley, Senior Consultant, Plextek comments: "Historically there has been a lot of folklore perpetuated in the academic press regarding mobile mesh networks. Ofcom looked to us as independent experts who could take a step back, assess the real situation and then drill down into the key issues. Plextek has a long history of working with Ofcom and we were able to bring our vast experience in the communications industry and in wireless system design to the project."

Plextek's brief was to identify the capacity constraints of mesh networks, the key problems in mobile mesh system delivery and how to resolve them, and what the timescales for widespread adoption of mesh might be. The study was focussed on mobile mesh networks at relatively low frequencies (below 3.5 GHz) and made assumptions of challenging future traffic patterns and the applicability of present transport methods to mesh systems.

The study found mobile mesh networks to be strong for extending network coverage when deployed with existing infrastructure, for WiFi hotspots or cellular multi-hopping, and for coverage extension in a city or urban areas, for example to transmit a signal around obstacles. Using a mesh network to extend coverage costs less than building new infrastructure and reduces the need for large cell sites and consequentially EM radiation. However, large mobile mesh networks will not be practical for real-time voice or video without additional infrastructure, because currently long, variable delays can occur as a result of the way in which a mesh network operates. The quality of service or network availability via a mesh network will not be as good as existing services, unless specific steps are taken to reduce the dependence of performance on user behaviour.

Following the success of the study, Ofcom has also commissioned Plextek for a further project as part of its 'Wireless Last Mile Investigation' which is looking into the use of wireless technology as an alternative for the provision of the last mile communications to the home. Plextek will be analysing the feasibility of mesh networks, amongst others, for this type of application. The report is expected to be published at the end of this year.

Notes

1. A mobile mesh network consists of a number of devices that automatically configure an efficient wireless network between them. Each device receives and transmits its own traffic, while acting as a router and relay for other devices, and is able to adjust if, for example, a node becomes overloaded or unavailable.

Plextek wins $50 million order from LoJack Corporation

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 07:49:27 GMT

Issued 30/08/2006

Contract for stolen vehicle recovery units is Plextek's largest to date

Plextek has won a $50 million order from US company LoJack Corporation (NASDAQ NMS: "LOJN"), its largest contract to date. The deal, covering two years, is for production of the next generation LoJack stolen vehicle recovery unit that police can track directly. The first part of the order has already been shipped.

The LoJack contract represents the extension of Plextek's activities from pure design house to niche contract manufacturer of volume communications products. Plextek's manufacturing partner is Clarion (Malaysia), part of the Clarion automotive electronics group. Other supply relationships are expected to follow.

Colin Smithers, Managing Director of Plextek, commented: "This contract is a landmark win for us. Not only is it a significant boost for the company to be selected for this sizeable contract, it's also a great example of our ability to provide a complete design through to manufacture service. It highlights how we've adapted to meet the changing demands on the design services industry."

Plextek's Blighter radar helps BAE Systems in successful NATO Harbour Protection Trials 2006

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 09:42:35 GMT

Harbour Protection System uses Blighter for integral above water surveillance

Plextek's Blighter Radar has been used by BAE Systems as part of its Harbour Protection System (HPS) which successfully participated in the recent NATO biennial Harbour Protection Trials 2006 in La Spezia, Italy. The Blighter radar is an integral part of the HPS's unique above water surveillance capability. By successfully passing the trials BAE Systems' HPS has achieved NATO verification of its potential to counter the growing threat posed by terrorists in harbour waters.

BAE Systems' HPS is a mobile and flexible surveillance solution and was the only system at the trials to integrate above and below water surveillance capability. At the core of the HPS is a highly flexible Command and Control system (Spider) allowing for the interchange of sensors to match customers operational requirements. The configuration taken to HPT 06 consisted of Spider which integrated - QinetiQ's Cerberus Swimmer Detection System, Selex SAS Mobile Surveillance Unit with integrated EO/IR cameras and Unattended Ground Sensors and the Plextek Blighter Radar.

Blighter is a low cost portable FMCW e-scan radar system for short range, ground-based border and area protection. It uses an electronic beam-scanning antenna to simultaneously detect moving targets and can detect a single person out to 2km and vehicles from between 3-5km without physically having to rotate. The Blighter radar is portable and remotely deployable using low power technology to operate off batteries or other power sources including solar power. Blighter may be used stand-alone for fixed area protection or observation, or may be linked together with other sensors to provide large-area protection and monitoring. Blighter can also be used to detect moving targets and automatically point a surveillance camera at the target.

Jon Wills, Market Development and Sales Director for BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies (Insyte) said: "In an acoustically challenging environment the Harbour Protection System performed well, detecting divers outside the designated exclusion zone. Plextek's Blighter radar system played an integral part in providing a reliable above water surveillance cordon around the jetty and surrounding area. The trials proved that this system would give the user a highly-effective surveillance capability, helping ensure the safety of all traffic in and out of the harbour. "

Mark Radford, Blighter Product Manager, Plextek comments: "Since we first came up with the Blighter radar concept we knew we had a great product with the potential to make a real difference in security applications around the world. We're delighted that BAE Systems has recognised the qualities Blighter could bring to its Harbour Protection System and are extremely proud of the systems excellent performance in the NATO trials."

NATO and Partnership for Peace observers (including the Royal Navy) witnessed the trials throughout the week. There were several VIP visitors including NATO Headquarters and NATO Underwater Research Centre (NURC) at the event.

Issued 06/07/2006

Plextek launches production standard version of its Blighter radar

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 09:31:47 GMT

Blighter 202 series with enhanced networking capability to be showcased at Farnborough International Airshow

Plextek has launched the Blighter 202 series, a new production standard version of its unique man-portable radar system ideal for numerous 'homeland security' applications including area intrusion monitoring and airport, pipeline and utility services protection. The Blighter 202 series has been enhanced with a new state of the art electronic design and an improved networking capability which allows multiple Blighter 202 units to be easily linked together, along with camera systems and other devices, for fixed wide area surveillance such as border security. A number of other feature enhancements to improve detection performance, power consumption and portability have also been made.

Plexek will be showcasing the Blighter 202 series radar for the first time on stand C25 at the Farnborough International Airshow. A live demonstration of the Blighter radar can also be seen at the BAE Systems Pavilion (stand OE14) where Blighter features as part of BAE Systems' Deployable Surveillance Unit (DSU) vehicle.

Mark Radford, Blighter Product Manager, Plextek comments: "We've been evolving the Blighter radar system for the last three years and with the 202 series now have a genuine production standard version on which we can take orders. Blighter is still the only product of its kind, in its price range, in the marketplace, offering an affordable, man-portable solution to high performance security systems that have traditionally relied on cameras and thermal imagers."

Blighter 202 uses electronic beam-scanning, with multiple scan modes, to detect moving people and vehicles without having to physically rotate. It is suitable for use in most weather conditions and can detect a single person out to 2km and vehicles out to 5km.

Colin Smithers, Managing Director, Plextek comments: "The market asked for a low-cost, covert, movement detection system that can be networked with other sensors, and we responded. We've pulled on our extensive defence electronics experience and been able to cleverly engineer classic technology into a truly innovative solution which we fully expect to transform the use of radar in diverse defense and security applications across the world."

The entire Blighter 202 system, including integrated electronics, e-scan antennas and built in GPS and digital compass is combined into a single self-contained unit weighing just 15kg making it extremely easy for one person to carry, set-up and use. An external 12V-battery pack and wireless enabled laptop or PDA allow the radar to be operated in almost any land-based location. Blighter 202 is an extremely power efficient system, drawing only 40W from a 12/24V power supply, while various power saving modes extend battery life even further by allowing it to 'sleep' between scans. The Blighter 202 specification includes compliance with FCC and CE type approvals.

Plextek have designed an interactive user interface to work with the radars which indicates when movement has been detected by placing a distinct marker at the target co-ordinates superimposed on a map of the area. The radar can provide additional assistance with identification by providing the target Doppler signature as an audio output. Plextek has also offers a software development kit to allow the radars to be integrated into third part display systems.

For more information please visit www.plextek.co.uk/blighter.

Issued 28/06/2006

Plextek developed processing and communications unit offers low power consumption and fast operation

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:23:59 GMT

Module built for advanced unattended ground sensors and other security applications

Plextek has developed a processing and communications module for use in advanced unattended ground sensors (UGS), These are small electronics devices used for perimeter security, surveillance, tracking and intrusion detection etc and typically attach to acoustic, seismic, magnetic and optical sensors. The module was purpose designed for SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems, one of Europe’s leading defence electronics companies, and offers low power consumption and fast operation. This also makes it suitable for a number of other communications and security applications.

The processing unit incorporates a common core featuring an 802.11a/b/g WLAN radio, 10/100Mbit Ethernet, USB2 host, RS422, serial ports and GPIO, including power switching for external peripherals. Internally, the 256 Mbytes of mobile SDRAM, 64 Mbytes of Flash and 333 MHz (industrial grade) CPU are ample for most embedded applications.

The addition of a personality module adds further capabilities to the processing board. Personality modules currently under development include video compression, audio data capture and quad band GPRS communications. The whole design utilises low power techniques to allow the equipment to operate from batteries when necessary, and is packaged within a 102mm (W) x 63mm (H) x 66mm (D) case. The WinCE OS and onboard PCI bus assists rapid development of further personality modules and application software.

Issued 14/06/2006

Plextek designs wireless LAN adaptive antenna for Ofcom's SES

Mon, 08 May 2006 09:29:08 GMT

Demonstrator built to research the benefits of a smart antenna approach at 5GHz

Plextek has designed and built a 5GHz wireless LAN adaptive antenna demonstrator for the communications industries regulator Ofcom, as part of a consortium led by Vector Fields Ltd. The project was funded under Ofcom’s Spectrum Efficiency Scheme (SES), which is targeted towards supporting Ofcom's regulatory function to ensure the optimal use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Plextek’s antenna is being used to research the benefits of a smart antenna approach to wireless communication applications operating at 5GHz, within the constraints of limited antenna size and cost. The antenna is aimed at providing improved range and selective nulling of interference, for greater capacity in the desk/mobile PC environment.

The demonstrator employs an array of four elements, each followed by a downconverter and I/Q detection stage. The type of element and array geometry can be chosen to suit the installation, but at present a square array of dipole elements is used, providing full 360° coverage.

Adaptation is performed by applying phase and amplitude weighting to each element using an LMS (Least Mean Squares) algorithm. This reduces signal error and allows interfering signals and potentially destructive multipath to be nulled. The resulting beam shape provides the best available performance given the constraints of the antenna configuration chosen and propagation path characteristics. This approach complements other techniques, such as simple diversity and full Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO), by offering potential gain in both line of sight and multipath environments.

The antenna was presented and discussed as part of the Ofcom R&D Symposium in November 2005 and was then demonstrated at Ofcom’s SES Workshop on Smart Antennas, which was hosted by Plextek in December 2005.

Issued 08/05/2006

Plextek secures £3m design and supply contract with TRACKER Network

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 15:48:19 GMT

GPS and vehicle tracking devices to be used in Stolen Vehicle Recovery service

Cambridge, 18 April 2006: Plextek has secured a £3m contract with TRACKER, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, for the design and supply of GPS and vehicle tracking devices. These will be used in the latest generation of the TRACKER Stolen Vehicle Recovery service, which uses a dedicated network of land-based radio transmitters to pin-point the exact location of a vehicle. The new devices are smaller and lower cost than the previous solution.

Colin Smithers, Managing Director of Plextek, commented, "We have been working with TRACKER for 14 years now, supplying system and product design skills. This order represents a significant step in our growth from a design house to a niche supplier of communications devices and increases our involvement in our clients' success."

"TRACKER is always looking to improve its products and has found Plextek to be a constant and capable source of new designs and improved technology, helping us to significantly enhance the capability of our network," said Mark Bellwood, Managing Director of TRACKER. "Plextek's move into volume supply makes them an obvious contender as a telematics supplier and we are delighted to award the company this contract."

About TRACKER

TRACKER Network (UK) is a company of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, one of the world's leading financial services groups. TRACKER began trading in September 1993 and is the UK's leader in stolen vehicle tracking as well as an award-winning supplier of fleet management solutions to the telematics industry. The company has retrieved more than 14,000 stolen vehicles since 1993, a figure valued at more than £279 million and has led the police to the arrest of over 1,650 vehicle thieves. Some 36 vehicle manufacturers currently approve the TRACKER system.

Further information:

Johanna Hughes, Plextek Ltd, London Road, Great Chesterford, Essex CB10 1NY.

Tel: +44 (0)1799 533200. Fax: +44 (0)1799 533201. Email: jlh@plextek.co.uk

Website: www.plextek.com

Press information:

Plextek

Chris King, EML, The Albany Boathouse, Lower Ham Road, Kingston, KT2 5BB.

Tel: +44 (0)20 8408 8000. Email: plextek@eml.com

TRACKER:

Mark Richards/Simon Nash, Wyndham-Leigh Ltd.

Tel: +44 (0)1827 875 700. Email: mrichards@wyndham-leigh.co.uk

Issued 18/04/2006

Plextek designs Bluetooth module for Eleksen fabric keyboard

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 09:26:35 GMT

1.8V Class 2 module prolongs battery life

Cambridge, 6 February 2006: Plextek has designed one of the first 1.8V Class 2 Bluetooth modules for Eleksen for use in its ElekTex™ fabric keyboard for smart phones and handheld computers. The module consumes less than half the power of the previous generation of Bluetooth modules, therefore prolonging battery life. 1.8V operation enables the Bluetooth module to be powered by two AA or AAA batteries without the need for a switch mode power supply. The cost-efficient module design uses a printed antenna and CSR ROM BC3 device.

The module is designed to be reflowed directly onto the PCB of the host product, which removes the need for a connector. The CSR device incorporates all the necessary software for the module therefore a separate memory device isn't needed to store these programs, saving cost. The design constitutes another step in the progression of Plextek Bluetooth modules, the first of which was designed almost five years ago for Psion.

The ElekTex fabric keyboard is a full laptop-size keyboard that weighs less than 68 g. It rolls up to 126 mm long x 44 mm wide and 32 mm thick and has a battery life of 10 hours constant typing.

About Eleksen:

Eleksen Ltd. is the world leader in touch sensitive interactive textiles for electronics interface design. The company's core technology, ElekTex®, is a unique electro-conductive fabric touch pad optimized for the creation of flexible, durable and rugged fabric touch screen interfaces. ElekTex® is used in applications ranging from wearable electronic controls for consumer electronics and industrial wear to lightweight, low-power touch interfaces for CE accessories, telematics, military, transportation and space suits. It replaces the hard touch pads, flexi-circuits and polymer switches which have limited the growth of the wearable electronics markets. Eleksen licenses ElekTex® and reference design to manufacturers for use in custom electronics design and also markets a range of ready-to-integrate solutions for garment, bags and accessories manufacturers.

The company is backed by an impressive list of investors: 3i, MTI, MVI, Siemens Venture Capital, Vesta Capital Partners and Wireless Frontiers. Eleksen is headquartered in Pinewood Studios near London, England and in Waltham, Massachusetts near Boston.

Further information:
Johanna Hughes, Plextek Ltd, London Road, Great Chesterford, Essex CB10 1NY.
Tel: +44 (0)1799 533200. Fax: +44 (0)1799 533201. Email: jlh@plextek.co.uk
Website: www.plextek.com

Press information:
Gerald Cross, EML, The Albany Boathouse, Lower Ham Road, Kingston, KT2 5BB.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8408 8000. Email: plextek@eml.com

Issued 06/02/2006

BAE Systems purchases Blighter portable radar for trials

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 13:59:42 GMT

Plextek radar to be used in ground-based sensor systems

Cambridge, 30 January 2006: Plextek has announced that BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies (Insyte) has purchased a Blighter radar for evaluation and trial purposes. The radar will be integrated with Insyte's Command and Control system. Blighter is a man-portable system that makes radar an affordable option for security systems. It is designed for numerous 'homeland security' applications including area intrusion monitoring and border surveillance.

Insyte, which focuses on meeting the demands of the rapidly evolving market in defence, homeland security and complex, mission critical solutions, has evaluated the radar in a series of trials and experiments, with extremely encouraging results. During the trials, simultaneous operation of multiple Blighter units was also successfully demonstrated, showing no mutual interference. Blighter is now being put through a series of evaluation tests, including a coastal surveillance trial.

The Blighter 200 series was developed following extensive market research that identified the need for a low-cost, covert, movement detection system that could be networked with other sensors including cameras and Asset Management systems. It is the only product of its kind in its price range in the marketplace, offering an affordable solution to high performance security systems that have traditionally relied on cameras and thermal imagers.

Blighter uses an electronic beam-scanning antenna to simultaneously detect moving targets at ranges between 20 m and 8 km without physically having to rotate. Consisting of a single unit containing the integrated electronics and e-scan antennas, the entire radar with in-built GPS and compass can be carried and set up by one person. Any external 12V or 24V power source and wireless enabled laptop or PDA can be used to operate the radar in almost any land-based location, as well as in situations where rapid re-deployment is critical. Various power saving modes allow it to 'sleep' between scans, thus extending battery life. For fixed installations, such as airfield perimeter monitoring, the radar can be networked with other radars and camera systems, providing a 24-hour automatic surveillance system. A novel user-display screen indicates when movement has been detected by placing a distinct marker at the target co-ordinates superimposed on a map of the area. The radar can provide additional assistance with identification by providing the target Doppler signature as an audio output.

Press information:
Gerald Cross, EML, The Albany Boathouse, Lower Ham Road, Kingston, KT2 5BB.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8408 8000. Email: plextek@eml.com

Issued 30/01/2006