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Plextek spins out Telensa street lighting venture

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:10:49 GMT

Issued 20/01/2010

Incubating wireless technology concept capable of significant energy efficiency improvements

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy today announced a new spin out venture - Telensa Ltd. - focused on the commercialisation of a new cost effective wireless system for actively controlling, monitoring and metering large populations of outdoor street lights, so they can be managed with maximum energy and operational efficiency.

Led by Tim Jackson and Will Gibson, Telensa develops and markets its economical PLANet system, actively targeting local authorities and electrical/construction sub contractors who manage street lighting for councils. Colin Smithers, Managing Director, Plextek comments: "Plextek has a proven track record of incubating entrepreneurial ideas into successful businesses. For the last few years the Telensa team has benefited from our financial backing, advice and resources, and is now in a position to move forward as an independent company. The increasing focus on energy efficiency means that the market for Telensa's PLANet system is growing rapidly. As a result of its great technology I firmly believe Telensa is well placed to achieve major success, both in the UK and internationally."

Telensa's PLANet system is the first of its kind, providing flexible control, monitoring and full energy measurement, suitable for a wide range of existing and new street lighting. Telensa's system makes innovative use of Plextek's proven Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) wireless telemetry technology, which has been very successfully deployed, in applications such as stolen vehicle recovery and smart metering, with several million UNB based units in operation around the world.

"Telensa is addressing the needs of the street lighting industry in terms of functionality, reliability and cost-effectiveness," said Will Gibson, co-founder of Telensa. "The PLANet system offers local authorities a cost effective solution helping to protect against the rising and increasingly uncertain costs in street lighting provision. It enables the effective management of operations, maintenance and energy consumption across a whole street lighting population."

Website: www.telensa.com

About Telensa

Telensa was established in 2005 as part of Plextek Ltd, to develop the PLANet system based on Plextek's technology.

Telensa's emphasis has been on addressing the needs of the street lighting industry, particularly in terms of functionality, reliability and cost-effectiveness. The company supplies a complete system for remote control and monitoring of outdoor lighting, or telemanagement, called PLANet - Public Lighting Active Network.

PLANet is the first solution of its kind that provides a full range of control, monitoring and energy measurement suitable for a wide range of existing and new street lighting, at a price that makes adoption on all lights economically viable.

Telensa's system was conceived, implemented and introduced to the market by founding directors Tim Jackson and Will Gibson, both experienced in the development of new wireless systems and bringing them to market. It is supported by a Carbon Trust Applied Research grant to develop commercially viable low carbon technology with the potential to cut UK carbon emissions.

The Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, presents Plextek with their two Queen's Awards

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:16:31 GMT

Issued 16/12/2009

Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre (far left) presents Plextek co-founders Dr. Colin Smithers, Mr. Ian Murphy and Mr. Tim Jackson with the official Grant of Appointment and Emblem during yesterday's formal ceremony to mark Plextek's double Queen's Award for Enterprise win early this year, for Innovation and International Trade. The presentation, which took place at The Nucleus on the Chesterford Research Park, was watched by an audience of local dignitaries and Plextek staff.

Plextek has shown superb growth in its international sales, having nearly trebled exports over the last three years to an aggregate of £48m. The company has also been a constant innovator, particularly in the field of wireless technologies, as illustrated by the success of its Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) radio devices and its Blighter electronic scanning radar technology.

Plextek to develop light aircraft for Malaysian Aviation Industry

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:22:45 GMT

Issued 02/12/2009

Partnering with Aremeca and UniKL MIAT to develop a new aircraft

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, today announced a technical agreement with Aremeca Sendirian Berhad and Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT). The agreement signals commencement of the first phase of a USD 14 million programme to develop a Malaysian light aircraft in line with the Third Malaysian Industrial Master Plan (IMP3). The agreement was signed today at Lima 09, Malaysia's biggest trade show for the aerospace industry, witnessed by Dato' Zulkifli Abdul, Chairman of UniKL.

Plextek will be responsible for the technological development of the light aircraft architecture, from the communications system and flight controls through to the engine and sensor integration, to enable the entire supply chain to be established in the country. The company is vastly experienced in aeronautical engineering and the design of defence and aerospace electronics. Plextek's team of consultants combine extensive expertise in software and hardware design, research and development of unmanned air systems, air vehicle propulsion, system integration, simulation and modeling and prototype trials and demonstrations. At the Paris Air Show in June 2009, Plextek launched its own advanced, lightweight Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV engine utilising an innovative supercharger design to help maintain engine power at higher altitudes.

The aircraft will be tested and built at UniKL MIAT's impressive facilities that include wind tunnels and hangars. Aremeca will play the major role in the new aircraft commercialisation.

Aremeca Sendirian Berhad, a company in the Aeronautical Resources and Engineering Development sectors, is currently registered under the UniKL Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT) Technology Incubator.

Universiti Teknikal MARA Sendirian Berhad is a company incorporated for the purpose of managing Universiti Kuala Lumpur. UniKL is a private institution offering Engineering Technology programmes covering such industries as aviation, aerospace, marine, medical electronics and many others.

"This is going to be a very exciting project and one which we're delighted to be involved in. It is a great platform to showcase Plextek's experience in managing products through the entire cycle from conception and detailed design to manufacture and supply, and will draw heavily on our broad expertise in electronics, communications and aeronautical engineering," said Ian Murphy, Technical Director, Plextek. "Ultimately, the aircraft we develop will provide an invaluable asset to Malaysia where it will be used in a wide range of applications from border security, through to monitoring coastal erosion and countering piracy."

"This collaboration will enhance UniKL's capability in research and development through having access to Plextek's expertise," said Professor Dato' Dr. Abdul Hakim Juri, President / CEO of UniKL. "We also look forward to the possibility of Post Graduate programmes in the Aerospace Engineering with the support of Adjunct Faculty from Plextek."

"The signing of this Technical Agreement will mark the beginning of Aremeca's journey towards becoming a leading contender in the global aerospace supply chain in line with the objectives of the IMP3," said General Dato' Seri Panglima Mohd Azumi (rtd), Chairman of Aremeca Sendirian Berhad. "We are confident that with our two partners, UniKL and Plextek, this collaboration will be successful."

Location Based Services are being driven by application developers concludes Plextek sponsored event

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:30:32 GMT

Issued 01/12/2009

The Location Based Services (LBS) market is now being driven by application developers rather than the technologies. This was one of the conclusions from the Cambridge Wireless event, 'How do we make location a desirable experience?' that was hosted and sponsored by design consultancy Plextek Ltd.

Opened by Plextek's MD, Colin Smithers, the event looked at LBS and how they are moving from delivering purely location information to the range of applications and options that can be enhanced with location data. As part of this, the move towards indoor location data was a major talking point and how many new applications need to be able to provide consumers with location information without the clear line of sight that GPS-only systems rely upon.

The discussions also looked at the growing dominance of Google in the location market and how this could impact the incumbent satellite navigation companies.

"This event was a great success and raised a lot of interesting points and concerns," said Graham Maile, Strategic Consulting Director, Plextek: "The technology we use for LBS hasn't changed that much in the last few years whereas with other wireless technologies it's always evolving to the next major technology or standard. The LBS industry is now being driven more by the application developers who are looking to do more and more with existing technology rather than waiting for new technology to work with. These novel applications are targeted primarily at consumers so it will be interesting to see how they fit in with the professional users who value location integrity and hardware/application reliability above all else."

The initial discussions focussed on three separate areas; Technology, context and privacy, with a final panel discussion and summary chaired by Graham Maile. The event was attended by over 40 people including representatives from Huawei, Nokia, Philips, Qualcomm, TRACKER and Satsis.

Plextek ranked in Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:28:14 GMT

Issued 25/11/2009

Five years solid growth sees Cambridge based design consultancy make its mark as one of EMEA's fastest growing technology companies

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has been listed in Deloitte Touche's 2009 'Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA' - a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over a five-year period, in which Plextek grew an impressive 411%, which saw it ranked 440th.

Now in its ninth year, Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA is one of Europe's most objective rankings for the technology, media and telecommunications industries. It recognises both public and private companies from all areas of technology from electronics and biotechnology, to scientific and communications.

Given the very tough market conditions over the last 12 months, this year's ranking is being heralded by the organisers as a tribute to those that continue to thrive, even during times of economic slowdown and who will likely be key forces behind economic growth in Europe for years to come.

Plextek's strategic decision to broaden its business model from core design consultancy work to include product design and contract manufacturing means the firm can now manage a product through its entire life cycle from initial design to manufacture and supply. This move has been integral to helping the company to secure a number of long-term, multi-million pound contracts both in the UK and internationally. The launch of Plextek's branded products, the Blighter range of surveillance radars, which address a broad range of security requirements in defence, homeland security and civil/commercial markets, have also contributed to the company's continued revenue growth.

Colin Smithers, Managing Director and founder of Plextek commented: "Last year we made the Tech Track 100 ranking of Britain's fastest growing, unquoted technology companies. To now be regarded as one of EMEA's fastest growing public or privately owned technology companies is an even bigger achievement for us. It not only validates our ability to deliver challenging electronics design and supply projects within competitive time and cost constraints, but also our ability to win and retain a wide range of global customers, from technology start-ups to multi-national engineering conglomerates and government bodies. We constantly strive to deliver innovative design of complex electronics and communication systems and devices to an ever evolving market and this accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and commitment from each member of our team. Coming hard on the heels of our two Queen's Awards for Continued Innovation and International Trade, this has been an exceptional year for public recognition of our efforts."

About Deloitte
"Deloitte" is the brand under which tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in independent firms throughout the world collaborate to provide audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management and tax services to selected clients. These firms are members of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein ("DTT"). Each member firm provides services in a particular geographic area and is subject to the laws and professional regulations of the particular country or countries in which it operates. DTT helps coordinate the activities of the member firms but does not itself provide services to clients. DTT and the member firms are separate and distinct legal entities, which cannot obligate the other entities. DTT and each DTT member firm are only liable for their own acts or omissions, and not those of each other. Each DTT Member Firm is structured differently in accordance with national laws, regulations, customary practice and other factors, and may secure the provision of professional services in their territories through subsidiaries, affiliates and/or other entities.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its Member Firms.

Plextek wins 'Consultancy of the Year' accolade

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:30:23 GMT

Issued 07/10/2009

Celebrating Plextek as one of the best examples of British engineering

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy has been named 'Consultancy of the Year' at the 2009 British Engineering Excellence Awards (BEEAs).

In winning the award Plextek beat off stiff competition from other nominees including Lotus Engineering, Shearline, ARRK R&D and Aardvark Engineering. The BEEA judging panel was impressed with Plextek's range of design capabilities and its market reach within the communications sector - from leading edge chip design to supply chain management - and made particular note of the recent growth in the company's business. The judges described Plextek as, "An excellent capability, high growth consultancy with a low, commercially inspired cost base that has used its communications technology to crash into the military and paramilitary markets as well as achieving civil expansion."

Colin Smithers, Managing Director, Plextek comments: "We're extremely proud to be recognised as a shining example of British engineering, especially given the esteemed competition. Following the two Queen's Awards we received earlier in the year, this accolade is further reward and recognition for our team's exceptional talent, dedication and hard work over the last 20 years which has seen us continually developing the best and most effective new technologies for our diverse clients."

Bill Garland, Plextek's Software Group Director accepted the winner's trophy on behalf of the company at a recent presentation ceremony at The Globe in London. The BEEAs drew over 100 entries and highlighted the best examples of British engineering from start-up companies to design consultancies and established multi-nationals.

The Awards aim to demonstrate and promote the quality of engineering design within the UK; to emphasise innovation and effectiveness in order to allow smaller companies to compete on an equal footing with larger ones; to act as an incentive to the design engineering industry to create world-class businesses; to provide a benchmark of excellence from which the industry can learn and from which it can build; and to demonstrate the power of engineering design innovation within the UK to the world.

Blighter radar helps secure American border

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:06:08 GMT

Issued 14/09/2009

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy today announced that its Blighter radar is helping to detect and track illegal immigrants trying to enter the USA across the hills on the Mexican Border. Frustrated by the current intruder interception rate in their local area, a group of ranch owners have developed their own state-of-the-art multi-sensor surveillance systems, utilising the Blighter radar, to protect their land and help the enforcement organisations intercept and apprehend the immigrants.

The Blighter radar system detects humans walking over the rocky, hilly landscape that defines a substantial part of the USA/Mexico border. The Blighter electronic-scanning Doppler Ground Surveillance Radar is uniquely able to detect humans in this complex landscape. The combination of advanced Doppler movement filtering combined with fast electronic-scanning allows the Blighter radar to ignore the rocky landscape yet still detect humans walking slowly through the hills at ranges up to 4km.

The Blighter radar's tall beam allows it to be sited on the hill tops, surveying the whole area with an eagle-eye view. In a single sweep both the hill crests as well as the valleys/canyons are simultaneously scanned whilst still being able to see objects as close as 20 metres away. Any movement detected by the Blighter radar is clearly displayed by coloured markers on a map of the local area. The display can provide additional information about each target including its precise location, size and speed. Zones can be easily defined within the map, which generate audible alerts when an intruder enters or crosses the zone. Zones can also be defined to exclude or ignore areas of known traffic. An optional target tracker called BlighterTrack allows the operators to see the path travelled by the intruders and at the same time filters out unwanted radar detections from wildlife and wind-blown vegetation.

One of the ranch owners commented: "Of all the surveillance equipment we use here the Blighter radar has proven itself to be the most solid, reliable performer of all. It simply never falters. We regularly experience early morning coastal fog that renders our IR cameras useless. The radar then becomes the primary asset at our disposal. In conjunction with the recently added BlighterTrack software, the targets presented are nearly always verifiable illegals. We have reported many groups of aliens based on Blighter's alarms alone with which the Border Patrol has made apprehensions. With the radar's feature set we can also apply settings which pretty much rule out all false targets."

The complete surveillance system is comprised of the Blighter radar, high performance day/night cameras, acoustic listening and warning system, unattended Ground Sensors and an advanced wireless communication system. All this equipment is remote from a mains power supply and is therefore totally reliant on solar power. The Blighter radar features advanced power saving technology so that maximum operational time is achieved even during the winter months.

The complete Radar system including all power monitoring and control can be remotely accessed over the Internet allowing the operators to control and monitor the system from the comfort and safety of their homes. So far this year the system, operating on an 'as required' basis over several kilometres of the border line, has been responsible for detecting hundreds of illegal immigrants attempting to cross the ranchers' properties.

Plextek will be demonstrating its Blighter radars at ASIS 2009, September 21-24, Anaheim, CA, US on stand 963.

Plextek launches environmental consultancy services

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:05:21 GMT

Issued 08/09/2009

Helping companies address environmental impacts of products, systems and services

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy has launched a range of strategic consulting activities to cover environmental advice and evaluation.

Plextek is now able to help clients in communications equipment and services markets to evaluate technology options that both benefit the environment and make sense economically. The current dynamic regulatory environment means that commercial advantage can also be generated.

Organisations are faced with many demands and choices arising from the growing awareness of the linkage between human activity and climate change. Governments have adopted ambitious carbon reduction and other environmental targets and are in turn placing obligations on manufacturers to comply with product energy consumption limits and reduce the use of hazardous materials. Network operators would also like to minimise energy use in order to bring down running costs and behave in an environmentally responsible manner. All organisations can therefore benefit from having a coherent environmental policy across the board.

Dr Graham Maile, Director of Strategic Consulting at Plextek comments: "Plextek's consultancy services help clients to evaluate the many specific issues that arise within the context of their business such as: How do I choose between technologies in order to save costs and minimise the carbon footprint of my products and services? What is the best architecture for my network, taking costs and the environment into account? What should my technology migration strategy be from an optimum whole-lifecycle perspective? Are there business opportunities for my company arising from the application of communications systems and services to actively mitigate negative environmental impacts? Armed with answers to these questions, our clients are better placed to make well informed decisions."

Working closely with the organisation on individual topics or on an overarching strategy, Plextek brings to every assignment its understanding of environmental impacts, along with its wide experience of the communications industry, technologies and innovation. This includes experience of energy saving communications solutions successfully brought to market such as smart utility metering and street light control / monitoring systems using Plextek's proprietary "UNB" low power, long range radio technology.

For more information visit click here

Plextek's Blighter ground surveillance radars given key performance boost

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:41:01 GMT

Issued 02/09/2009

DSEi 09, ExCeL, London, UK, 8th - 11th September 2009.
Stand number 498

Longer detection ranges, faster scanning and wider scan angles extend Blighter's class-leading intruder detection capability

Plextek, the Cambridge-based specialists in electronics design and supply of surveillance products has announced a number of important performance enhancements to its range of Blighter ground surveillance radar, including significantly extended detection ranges and support for wider scan angles as well as introducing its new 'Vortex Fast-Scan' technology. These new features further enhance the radars capability to deliver class-leading 'Persistent Surveillance', offering unrivalled protection against both conventional and asymmetric threats.

The radar's scanning speed has been dramatically improved using Blighter's 'Vortex Fast-Scan' technology across the whole Blighter Surveillance range. These modes employ Plextek's new multi-beam electronic-scanning technology, and maintain Blighter's ability to detect ultra-slow movement, something which mechanically scanned radars cannot achieve.

In addition, the Blighter B400 Series radars now feature new range modes that extend detection ranges out to either 16 or 32 km. These radars, which are ideal for fixed or mobile applications, can also be configured to detect a walking person in excess of 10 km.

Plextek is also releasing the Blighter B202 Mk 2, Plextek's new lightweight and compact radar, suited to man-portable and mobile applications. The B202 Mk 2 incorporates new features including an 8 km capability, enhanced antennas enabling an impressive 90 degree electronic-scan angle as well as incorporating the new 'Vortex Fast-Scan' technology.

Mark Radford, Plextek's Director of Security Products comments: "Blighter radars have been proven to greatly increase the response capability and effectiveness of military and/or security personnel. These impressive new enhancements perfectly meet our customers' needs for high performance, accurate and reliable intruder detection."

Blighter e-scan radars use modern solid-state electronics and have no moving parts, thereby removing the requirement for routine maintenance as well as offering dramatic improvements in reliability over traditional mechanically rotating radars. The radars also offer exceptional target detection performance in rocky, mountainous terrain. Blighter surveillance products address a broad range of security requirements in the defence, homeland security and civil/commercial markets. Blighter radars are part of a range of advanced Plextek technologies that provide class-leading protection against both conventional and asymmetric terrorist threats. Blighter is currently being used by the UK MoD to meet an urgent operational requirement.

To see a Blighter demonstration, please visit Plextek's stand No. 498 at DSEi.

Plextek's Liam Devlin to present at the IEEE SoC Conference

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:32:36 GMT

Issued 03/08/2009

Liam Devlin, director of RF integration at Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy Plextek, will be hosting a workshop at the 22nd IEEE System on Chip Conference, 9-11 September, Belfast, Northern Ireland. The workshop takes place on the Thursday, is titled 'Microwave IC Design for Broadband Receivers' and will showcase Plextek's expertise in Microwave IC design and consultancy.

"This is the first time that the IEEE SoC conference has been held in Europe and showcases the international stature of the event," said Devlin. "Plextek boasts an impressive level of expertise with a wide range of microwave design technologies, and hopefully we can share some of this information through the workshop."

The workshop will focus on broadband ICs used in application such as defence, instrumentation and communications. It will look at the design, realisation and measured performance of five different MMICs developed for broadband receiver applications. The five MMICs described are: A 0.5 to 20GHz dual channel limiter; a 2 to 18GHz dual channel Low Noise Amplifier (LNA); a DC to 20GHz dual channel Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch; a 2 to 18GHz upconverter and a companion downconverter. The MMICs can be used to implement a compact, dual channel 2-18GHz receiver.

Devlin is also a member of the Technical Programme Committee for the event, which provides a forum for sharing advances in SoC technologies and applications in the areas of digital systems, circuit architectures, design methods, tools and automation, manufacturing and test, and emerging MEMS and nano technologies.

For more information on the IEEE SoC conference visit www.ieee-socc.org/SOCC2009/Program/Tutorials/t2tutorials.html

Plextek targets situational awareness for ISTAR at DSEi 2009

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:26:54 GMT

Issued 20/07/2009

DSEi 09, ExCel, London, UK, 8th - 11th September 2009.
Stand number 498

Plextek, the Cambridge-based specialists in electronics design and supply of surveillance products, will be showcasing its expertise in situational awareness for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) at this year's DSEi 2009 exhibition. In addition to announcing a series of performance enhancements to its Blighter surveillance radars, Plextek will also be showcasing the company's product design capabilities for defence and homeland security surveillance. The company is a leading expert in radar and UAV propulsion product design right through to fully customisable systems in EW, ESM and situational awareness.

Plextek's extensive expertise in the field of military radar subsystem design includes a wide variety of radar technologies such as FMCW, pulse doppler, phased array and monopulse systems. The company also offers design of fast switching, low noise synthesisers for defence and surveillance applications.

For heightened vehicle situational awareness, convoy navigation, messaging and consignment tracking, Plextek will be showcasing its ruggedised military equivalent of a commercial navigation system.

Plextek will also highlight its EW and ESM capabilities offering the ability to detect and intercept communication traffic for high performance, wide band signal intelligence such as adaptive jamming and the ability to communicate in the presence of aggressive jamming signals.

Finally, the company's Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV engine, launched at the recent Paris Air Show, will also be on display. The innovative engine weighs up to 30% less than current solutions in its class and is unique in using a supercharger, traditionally found on manned aircraft, to maintain engine power at higher altitude.

Plextek will be on stand 498 at DSEi 09, ExCeL, London, UK, 8th - 11th September 2009.

Plextek launches lightweight, supercharged MALE UAV engine

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:15 GMT

Issued 09/06/2009

Paris Air Show 09, Parc des Expositions, Le Bourget, Paris, 15th - 21st June 2009.
Stand number C34, Hall 6

Innovative supercharger design helps maintain engine power at higher altitudes

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy has launched an advanced Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV engine that weighs up to 30% less than current solutions in its class. Traditionally UAVs have required a larger engine to cope with power loss at higher altitude. Plextek's innovative solution uses a supercharger, traditionally found on manned aircraft, to maintain engine power at higher altitude.

As part of the project Plextek liaised with Giles Cardozo, the engineer who invented and piloted one of two Para-motor aircraft that flew over Mt. Everest, smashing the existing world altitude record by more than 10,000 ft. They looked at existing UAV engines and the problem of losing power at higher altitude, noting how larger aircraft use forced induction to compensate. The resulting Plextek solution produces the same performance at 20,000 ft as it does at sea level.

Plextek's 'off the shelf' solution weighs just 13kg, a considerable improvement over current normally aspirated engines of equivalent high altitude performance. The engine is also designed to fit in a streamlined fuselage of a 10" (254mm) diameter tube which is ideal for MALE UAVs.

"As you go higher the air gets thinner and there is less oxygen, resulting in some engines losing up to 50% of their power. Our supercharger compensates for this," said Dr. Mike Roberts, Senior Project Consultant, Defence Group, Plextek. "The supercharger is part of a fully automatic altitude compensation system that maintains the same air pressure at 20,000 ft and hence performance as at sea level. No other engine in this class can boast the same level of performance with such a low weight."

The UAV engine was designed by Plextek's Defence Group, which is experienced in aeronautical engineering and the design of defence and aerospace electronics. Plextek's team of consultants combine extensive expertise in software and hardware design, research and development of unmanned air systems, air vehicle propulsion, system integration, simulation and modeling and prototype trials and demonstrations.

To see a demo visit Plextek's stand C34 in Hall 6.

Plextek's Liam Devlin joins International Microwave Symposium's Exhibitor Advisory Committee

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:49:27 GMT

Issued 19/05/2009

Plextek showcases innovative microwave solutions and expertise at IMS

Liam Devlin, Director of RF Integration at Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy Plextek, has become an invited member of the IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium's Exhibitor Advisory Committee (EAC) in recognition of his experience and expertise in the field of microwave and RF design. The IMS EAC was formed to create a structured dialog between the exhibitors and the IMS organisers. During his three-year tenure, Devlin will work closely with EAC to provide expert direction on how IMS can continue to grow and best serve the needs of exhibitors and attendees in light of ongoing shifts in technology, industry and media.

Liam Devlin commented: "I'm delighted to have been invited to join this group of leading industry professionals and be able to play a part in the ongoing success of IMS. The symposium is a great event and one that is very valuable to Plextek. As an exhibitor I have a vested interest in making sure IMS continues to evolve and address the industry issues that really matter and am really relishing the challenge ahead."

Plextek along with Devlin will be exhibiting at the 2009 Symposium in Boston, USA (7-12th June) where the company will showcase its innovative microwave solutions and expertise. In particular, Plextek will focus on demonstrating its design expertise in GaAs MMICs, high power solid state microwave amplifiers, low noise, fast switching microwave synthesizers and custom microwave and mm-wave subsystems. Plextek's engineers have years of experience in the design of microwave components, modules and systems and have an in-depth understanding of the techniques that must be adopted. A range of interesting demos will be available on Plextek's booth 2431 throughout the show.

Plextek becomes FATS 3 supplier to UK MoD

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:44:11 GMT

Issued 19/05/2009

Making Plextek's services faster, easier and more cost efficient to procure

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has become a supplier within the 3rd iteration of the UK MoD's Framework Agreement for Technical Support (FATS 3). Plextek's broad range of services can now be easily accessed by the MoD and other government departments and organizations including the Home Office, Metropolitan Police Service, Forensic Science Laboratory, Meteorological Office and HM Revenue and Customs.

FATS 3 provides a more efficient contractual route for the MoD and other departments to procure technical support through pre-agreed contract terms and rates. The framework will make it faster for government departments to draw on Plextek's expertise in broad capability areas including computing technologies and mathematical techniques; information and signal processing technology; electronic warfare systems and DEW technologies; integrated systems technology; communications and CIS related technologies; manufacturing processes/design tools and techniques; and business processes.

Colin Smithers, Managing Director at Plextek commented: "Plextek has vast defence experience spanning numerous successful projects, and 12 months ago we set up a specialist Defence Group to help raise our visibility in the supply chain and help strengthen relationships with the MoD. Becoming a FATS 3 supplier is a great step forward for the Group. The simplified contracting mechanism cuts out lot of laborious paperwork and will help us generate more business and build initial projects into bigger follow-up work quickly, simply and efficiently."

Plextek in double Queen's Awards win

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:57:22 GMT

Issued 21/04/2009

Sustained growth in export sales and the continued development of breakthrough technologies secures awards for Innovation and International Trade

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy today announced that it has won two coveted Queen's Awards for Innovation and International Trade. Plextek has shown superb growth in its international sales, nearly trebling exports over the last three years to an aggregate of £48m. The company has also been recognised for its continued innovation, particularly in the field of wireless technologies, as illustrated by the success of its Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) radio devices and its "Blighter" electronic scanning radar technology.

Colin Smithers, co-founder and managing director of Plextek comments: "Plextek, by its very nature, sells innovation and for the last 20 years has been continually developing the best and most effective new technologies for our diverse clients. This innovative culture and advanced technology has helped fuel impressive international sales growth, particularly in the US, Far East and Middle East. It's a proud feeling knowing that our talented team's hard work has been recognised and rewarded with, not one, but two prestigious Queen's Awards."

Plextek wins the Innovation award for continued innovation in all facets of its business of communications system and product design, in particular the wide commercial application of its proprietary UNB technology and various radar based projects.

Plextek's Blighter family of portable and fixed electronic scanning radar systems were selected and purchased last year by the UK Ministry of Defence for an 'urgent operational requirement' (UOR) and continue to outperform rivals in intruder detection and target identification. Blighter radars have been sold into Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the US.

The UNB technology has formed the core of a low power transmitter system designed for the UK Ministry of Defence enabling communications between military vehicles in convoys, with minimum risk of enemy detection. UNB-based wireless meter readers, with a battery life of ten years, have also been developed for domestic gas and electricity suppliers. Similar systems based on UNB have been developed to monitor hospital cardiac patients, for controlling street lighting and for covertly monitoring stolen vehicles. Plextek continues to design and supply stolen vehicle recovery systems for TRACKER Network in the UK and LoJack Corporation in the US. To date, TRACKER has recovered 17,800 stolen vehicles in the UK resulting in 1700 arrests.

Plextek originated as a pure design consultancy but, after the 2001 tech recession, also turned its hand to product manufacturing and supply. Consequently Plextek displaced a major multinational supplier to become LoJack's sole supplier to all the licensees for its proprietary in-car stolen vehicle recovery devices. Plextek designed tracking units have been fitted in over 5 million vehicles across 28 countries. The success of this technology has been a key factor in winning the International award for Trade.

For more information on the prestigious Queens Awards for Enterprise please visit The Queens Awards Website

Plextek celebrates 20 years at the forefront of technology innovation

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:29:18 GMT

Issued 03/04/2009

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, is this week celebrating its 20th birthday. Since 1989 the company has earned an enviable international reputation for innovation and quality service, based on the calibre of its personnel and a wealth of highly successful projects spanning communications, defence, automotive, industrial and medical markets.

Dr Colin Smithers, Plextek's co-founder and managing director commented: "When we started trading back in 1989 the world was a very different place. Technology has moved on leaps and bounds since then but we've always prided ourselves on keeping one-step-ahead, helping customers overcome complex design challenges with our innovative and cost effective custom electronic product and system designs.

Over the years we've needed to evolve and adapt our business model to remain competitive and tackle global markets. From our origins as a pure design consultancy, we've gone on to develop wider product design, contract manufacturing and strategic consulting services and are now managing products through the entire cycle from conception to detailed design to manufacture and supply. These positive changes have put us in a very strong position to continue our success for the next 20 years."

Fellow Plextek co-founder, Ian Murphy added: "In 20 years we've developed some truly great technology. Products like our Blighter family of portable and fixed radar systems, our Ultra Narrow Band technology for telemetry have made an enormous impact on the world we live in, from helping the armed forces to helping us consume our electricity and gas more efficiently to quickly recovering our car if it is stolen and to helping heart patients in hospital during the first crucial hours after a cardiac event . We're all extremely proud of what Plextek has achieved and would like to thank everyone involved, past and present, for their contribution towards getting us to where we are today."

Plextek launches customisable core processor module for automotive and consumer electronics environments

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:24:34 GMT

Issued 02/03/2009

Global OEM optimising Plextek's platform for its latest in-car infotainment system

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy today launched its customisable core processor module. The module, combining a robust hardware platform, Microsoft WinCE 6.0 R2 operating system and comprehensive board support package (BSP), is designed to provide the processing power and interfacing capability to support rapid integration into a range of automotive and consumer applications. Plextek is also able to customise the module's form factor and connectivity for other target solutions.

Plextek already has one global in-vehicle equipment OEM customer which is currently designing the core processor module into its latest infotainment system, where it will support audio and video playback, analogue radio reception, GPS navigation and hands-free telephone calls.

At the heart of the Plextek module's robust hardware platform is Freescale's popular iMX31 processor incorporating an ARM11 core, 3D graphics engine and Atlas power management IC. The hardware platform also features 128MB Mobile DDR RAM; 64MB NAND FLASH memory; UART, SD, USB 2.0 and 18-bit RGB LCD interfaces; two I2S audio outputs; Video In/Video Out; keypad, touch screen rotary encoder inputs and iPod authentication.

Drawing on Plextek's extensive Microsoft Windows Embedded software development expertise, the module utilises the WinCE 6.0 R2 operating system to the full. A robust Board Support package is also available including power management support. The module also supports 16-bit PCM, AAC, MP3, WMA audio CODECS and a wide range of video CODECS including: MPEG-1 Part 2, MPEG-2 Part 2, H.263, MPEG-4 Part 2, MPEG-4 Part 10 (H.264, AVC), DivX and WMV.

"Our customisable core processor module is a flexible, yet robust and proven solution for the automotive and consumer electronics environment. In today's tough economic climate it represents a cost effective and low risk approach for new product development," said Gerard Smith, Director, Software Systems Group, Plextek. "The module has great potential to fulfil the needs of many diverse potential customers, especially those looking to achieve shorter development cycles for products requiring complex connected functionality and ultimately, rapid time to market."

Plextek's module complies with tough automotive standards including JASO D001-94 environmental testing methods for automotive electronic equipment, automotive standard 2004/104/EC, EN 60950 and EMC Standard EN 301 489-1.

Plextek duo achieve Microsoft Certified Professional status

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:21:06 GMT

Issued 23/02/2009

Demonstrating Plextek's best-in-class Windows® Embedded design expertise

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, announces that two of its senior consultants, Alan Levy and Andrew Scholan, have achieved coveted Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. The pair have successfully demonstrated their technical capability and passed formal exams to become a 'Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist Windows® Embedded CE 6.0 Developer'. Alan and Andrew's qualification is part of Plextek's ongoing commitment to cutting edge embedded design using Microsoft Windows® Embedded.

Last year Plextek became the UK's only Microsoft Windows® Embedded Silver Partner and formed a specialist Software Systems Group to develop software for a wide range of Microsoft Windows® Embedded projects requiring complex connected functionality and rapid time to market. The group is a key part of Plextek's comprehensive development package for all aspects of a client's needs, helping them achieve shorter development cycles and a quicker time to market.

"Alan and Andrew have done themselves and Plextek proud by becoming Microsoft Certified Professionals", comments Tim Phipps, Sales & Marketing Director at Plextek. "As the UK's only Microsoft Windows® Embedded Silver Partner, we've made an ongoing commitment to using Microsoft's software and maintaining up to the minute skills. Supporting our engineers in equipping themselves with the highest professional Windows® Embedded qualifications helps us to demonstrate the value and expertise we bring to the market and will play a big part in helping us capture new opportunities and offer our customers better solutions."

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 has the flexibility to be adapted for quick prototyping or rigorous enough to provide a confident path through to volume production.

For more information of Plextek's Windows® Embedded capability and experience please visit http://www.plextek.com/winembed.htm

Plextek equipped for RF on Wafer testing to 50GHz

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:15:25 GMT

Issued 16/02/2009

Clean room investment enhances Plextek's custom IC design services

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy has recently invested in a new clean room, which has been fully equipped to undertake RF On Wafer (RFOW) test to 50GHz. Having designed over 40 different ICs for a wide range of clients and applications Plextek is one of the world's leading full-custom GaAs IC design houses. This new RFOW capability is a valuable addition to the services Plextek is able to offer clients moving forward.

The construction of the test facility includes a Cascade wafer probe station and a 50GHz Agilent PNA vector network analyser. The equipment allows accurate on wafer characterisation of circuits and devices from 10MHz to 50GHz. Two large flat screen monitors are used to display an image of the circuit under test and its measured performance side by side.

Liam Devlin, Director of RF Integration at Plextek commented, "The test area is now fully commissioned and in use to perform on wafer analyse of circuit blocks that we're developing. Through the capability we've been able to increase the effectiveness of Plextek's custom IC design and development team."

Plextek's narrow band radio telemetry solution offers European metering companies a route to achieving tough carbon emission targets

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:17:05 GMT

Issued 02/02/2009

Proven technology now enables efficient automatic remote reading and smart metering functionality

Plextek Limited, the Cambridge-based electronics design consultancy, has developed a new radio telemetry system targeted at efficient automatic remote reading and smart metering applications. Plextek's innovative solution, based on its Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) telemetry platform, enables meter manufacturers and meter reading companies to implement a proven and efficient radio technology without a SIM or the network uncertainties associated with mesh radio. This will also help make a significant contribution towards meeting the ambitious targets set out by European Governments for reducing carbon emissions from homes.

Plextek's UNB technology is optimised for long distance, low power applications where the data transmission rate is low. The remote metering offering comprises a cost-optimised base station and a small low cost telemetry module for integration into the client's meter or other equipment. It is available in licence free 868MHz or 915MHz frequency hopping variants and can be modified to operate in other bands. Plextek is also able to offer design services to optimise the form factor and interface of the telemetry module to the client's requirements.

A typical system includes a network of base stations, each communicating with many thousands of meters, and backhaul by ADSL or other fixed IP network to the control and billing centre. The technology is bi-directional, allowing smart metering so that the meter can receive information from the network such as billing, credit or control data.

"No-one would think to drive a car without the information provided by the dashboard instruments. Yet we operate our homes without such understanding and control," comments Colin Smithers, Managing Director, Plextek. "As power usage in homes increases through an ever-growing number of electrical and entertainment devices, we are blissfully unaware of the resulting increase in kWh usage. With prices soaring, consumers are now beginning to demand the ability to have more control over their usage and operators are keen to reduce consumption and better manage supplies."

He continues: "Through remote monitoring and a two-way communication between consumers' utility meters and the operators, real time pricing, load switching and pre-pay credits can be communicated to the consumer allowing specific use management. Plextek's UNB technology facilitates this exchange of information efficiently and at a low cost."

For more information please email unb@plextek.co.uk

Plextek technology used in MoD Grand Challenge winning SATURN urban warfare reconnaissance solution

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:00:31 GMT

Issued 26/01/2009

SELEX Galileo incorporates Plextek's EPAC module within its CISP comms technology

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy today announced that SELEX Galileo is using Plextek's EPAC embedded processing and communications platform in its CISP communications technology. CISP technology was a key element in the SATURN (Sensing & Autonomous Tactical Urban Reconnaissance Network) solution which recently won the MoD Grand Challenge* after successfully identifying threats planted at the MoD's Urban warfare training facility at Copehill Down on Salisbury Plain.

SATURN employs unmanned aerial and ground vehicles each fitted with sensors to report findings back to a remote processing station using novel algorithms to process data and direct the vehicles' behaviour. SELEX Galileo was responsible for the unique self forming communications network and single user interface allowing an operator to monitor the multiple vehicle system. The CISP communications technology, incorporating Plextek's EPAC platform, was used to seamlessly network all the system elements together. CISP is also used within SELEX Galileo's HYDRA family of sensor products which are in service with the Finnish Armed Forces.

Plextek's 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 flexibility of the EPAC platform means hardware and software features can be adapted to meet the specific needs of users.

Tim Phipps, Sales & Marketing Director, Plextek comments: "We originally developed an EPAC module for SELEX Galileo back in 2006 as a versatile battery powered electronics pack with combined data gathering, analysis and communications capability, for use in its advanced unattended ground sensors (UGS). EPAC allowed a distributed network of nodes to manage local video, audio, PIR and seismic sensors and perform complex processing of incoming data, with the distributed nodes forming an ad hoc 802.11 network to allow sharing and relaying of processed data."

He continues: "We're delighted that SELEX Galileo has seen the value and flexibility of our technology and re-applied it in other areas of its business, as demonstrated by its CISP technology and the innovative SATURN solution. 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 more information on EPAC please visit: http://www.plextek.com/epac.htm

Notes to editors:

* The MoD Grand Challenge was a competition open to the defence industry and academia to develop an autonomous system to detect, identify and locate a range of threats in an urban environment. SELEX Galileo was part of the wining Stellar Team which also comprised of Stellar Research Services, Cranfield University, Bluebear Systems Research, Marshall SDG and TRW Conekt.

Plextek and Resource Engineering Projects in safety critical design partnership for defence and aerospace industries

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:32:33 GMT

Issued 06/01/2009

Integrated hardware and software solutions supporting customer requirements

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy today announced a partnership with Resource Engineering Projects (REP), a division of Resource Group, to offer the Aerospace and Defence markets integrated solutions combining safety critical hardware and high integrity software.

Together REP and Plextek will work to the highest internationally recognised safety standards required by these markets providing customers with a true end-to-end product solution incorporating all design areas within one process. This also allows provision of rapid, efficient and cost effective support.

Worcester based REP specialise in software development services for safety and mission critical high-integrity embedded applications. REP provides a range of services from independent verification and validation activities through to complete lifecycle delivery within the Aerospace, Rail, Automotive & Defence markets.

"REP has a reputation for highly reliable software solutions working with leading blue-chip companies in the Aerospace market. This sits well alongside our own long history of working with Defence prime contractors such as MBDA Missile Systems, Ultra Electronics, SELEX Galileo, Thales and BAE Systems to develop highly reliable equipment and reinforces our commitment to this market", said Colin Smithers, Managing Director, Plextek.

"Plextek is already a well established name within Defence & Aerospace markets, and as such is a great partner for REP. Together we can provide end-to-end solutions, covering safety, systems, software and electronics. This strengthens our service offering, enabling us to offer a stronger value proposition to both new & existing clients. This partnership provides clients with a seamless service and a single interface throughout the duration of their project. We look forward to working with Plextek to deliver innovative client solutions." John Minihan, Engineering Manager, Resource Engineering Projects.

Plextek is well known and respected in the Defence market, having designed hardware and created complete products for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and those overseas. Earlier this year it set up a specialist Defence Group dedicated to working in the Defence market, and also won the first MoD Competition of Ideas in July 2007.

About REP
Resource Engineering Projects (REP), the software development division of Resource Group, has an 18 year track record of developing high integrity software for some of the world's leading companies.

REP offers software development services ranging from a single phase, to the entire software development life cycle, providing a fully managed service that meets the needs of the project and client.

REP specialise in:

REP provide: