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Plextek design helps Landis+Gyr secure multi million dollar advanced metering contract with US power utility

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:52:08 GMT

Issued 03/12/2008

UNB radio telemetry solution is a key technology in L+G AMPY Pay-Smart™ meters

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy today announced that its Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) radio telemetry technology is being utilised in AMPY Pay-Smart™ metering solutions from Landis+Gyr. Based on the AMPY meter's performance in initial trials, Landis+Gyr has recently won a $52m contract from Arizona utility 'Salt River Project', the third largest public power utility in America, for the provision of a further 300,000 units.

Plextek is responsible for the development of the UNB communications system modules featured within the AMPY Pay-Smart™ meters and the associated base stations.

The AMPY Pay-Smart™ metering system allows customers to view real-time costs and charges on their account, as well as reducing costs for the supplier by allowing them to take meter readings from a central hub.

"We have been working with Plextek for several years on the development of this innovative two-way communications technology. The UNB system performance meets the unit cost and radio coverage that the customer needs", said Jonathan Elmer, CEO of Landis+Gyr AMPY Solutions. "The resulting network-wide economies of scale were a significant factor in securing the contract extension with the Salt River Project."

"We are delighted that Plextek's UNB technology components have helped pave the way for Landis+Gyr's recent contract win and this very significant deployment", said Mark Hunter, Programme Manager at Plextek. "Plextek's UNB technology is optimised for long distance, low power applications where the data transmission rate is low which makes it perfect for two-way meter communications. With more emphasis being placed on energy efficiency, wireless meter systems such as AMPY Pay-Smart will start to become a key part of people's homes."

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is the leading provider of integrated energy management solutions tailored to energy company needs. With a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation, Landis+Gyr is unique in its ability to deliver true end-to-end advanced metering solutions. Today, the Company offers the broadest portfolio of products and services in the electricity metering industry, and is paving the way for the next generation of smart grid. With annualized sales of more than US$1.25 billion, Landis+Gyr operates in 30 countries across five continents, and employs over 5,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better.

Plextek's Blighter surveillance products take centre stage at MILIPOL Qatar

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:52:08 GMT

Issued 20/10/2008

Stand: D012
MILIPOL Qatar 2008
Qatar International Exhibition Center, Doha, Qatar
17-19 November 2008

Plextek's Blighter Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR) family, a versatile system well suited to a wide range of applications such as homeland security, border surveillance, perimeter monitoring, secure area protection and asset tracking, will be on show at MILIPOL Qatar 2008.

Blighter addresses a broad range of security requirements in the defence, homeland security and civil/commercial markets, providing class-leading protection against conventional and asymmetric terrorist threats. The radar is currently being used by the UK MoD (via Ultra Electronics SML Technologies) to meet an urgent operational requirement.

Blighter 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 rotating radars. The radars can detect people and vehicles over an instrumented range of 20 metres up to 16km, with reliable detection of moving persons at up to 6km and crawlers up to 2.7km. Blighter radars also offer exceptional target detection performance in rocky, mountainous terrain. These features enable very sophisticated intruder tracking, greatly increasing the response capability and effectiveness of military or security personnel.

The radars are the only product of their kind, in their price range. They offer an affordable solution to high performance security systems that have traditionally relied on the limited effectiveness of cameras and thermal imagers. The radar can be easily integrated into large networks of sensors, including thermal imagers, long range day/night cameras and other remote sensors, providing a complete 24-hour automatic surveillance system.

To discuss Blighter's ability to meet your intruder detection requirements, please visit stand D012 at MILIPOL Qatar between 17-19 November 2008.

Plextek breaks into the 2008 Sunday Times Tech Track 100

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:52:08 GMT

Three successful years of solid growth see Cambridge based design consultancy make its mark as one of Britain's fastest growing, unquoted technology companies

Issued 29/09/2008

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has made its first appearance in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 - a nationwide ranking of Britain's fasted growing, unquoted technology companies. Based on impressive 56% average sales growth between 2005 and 2008, Plextek achieved a ranking of 56th in yesterday's report.

In recent years Plextek has been actively 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. Plextek now also provides 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. This transition has helped Plextek secure a number of big multi-million pound contracts including supplying its innovative Blighter radar systems to the UK MoD and long term, high value design and supply contracts with TRACKER Network UK and US company LoJack Corporation for production of stolen vehicle recovery units.

Colin Smithers, Managing Director and founder of Plextek commented: "We're delighted to have made it on to the Tech Track ranking and be regarded as one of Britain's fastest growing technology companies. For a company of our maturity to achieve this level of sustained growth is a fantastic achievement. Despite the current tough industry climate, we're performing well and are on track to post another year of solid growth."

The Sunday Times TechTrack 2008

Plextek wins $3.5 million Blighter radar contract for UK Armed Forces

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:45:34 GMT

Issued 15/07/2008

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, announced today that it has been awarded a contract worth around $3.5 million (£1.75 million) for the supply of its innovative Blighter radar systems. The electronic-scan (e-scan) ground surveillance radars are for a UK MoD urgent operational requirement (UOR). Plextek will be working alongside Ultra Electronics SML Technologies, who are lead systems integrator for the radars. Delivery of the initial units is scheduled for Q4 2008.

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 rotating radars. Blighter 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.

Colin Smithers, MD of Plextek stated "We are delighted that the UK MoD has recognised the numerous technical merits of the Blighter radar and has chosen to use it for such a critical application".

For further information on Blighter Surveillance Products visit http://www.blighter.com/

Future transport communications are 'waiting to happen' concludes Plextek report for Ofcom

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:40:54 GMT

Existing networks are ready and waiting for new developments

Issued 14/07/2008

A Plextek-led consortium has completed a ground-breaking, year long study for communications industry regulator Ofcom on the future of communications in the transport industry over the next 20 years. Ofcom commissioned the study as part of its R&D programme for 2007/08, an annual review into the future of communications technology. Ofcom's major aim was to examine particular sectors of society to accurately predict the likely evolution of communications technology and whether any regulatory actions are required to assist and stimulate development. Plextek's study concluded that whilst a good deal of the technology needed to deliver future transport applications has already been invented and is thus not a barrier to progress, demand for spectrum in transport will increase and a few applications will need new spectrum.

The transport sector features many future applications that can be deployed over existing types of network, such as wireless wide area or local area networks. These might include the provision of congestion and tolling information, automatic braking when the car in front stops unexpectedly or route planning across multiple types of public transport, including ticketing and real-time updates. The combination of these services will provide the consumer with the means to ensure their journey, however executed, meets their requirements in terms of cost, speed, safety and environmental impact. There is a significant challenge in collecting and bringing together information from the various transport systems in order to provide the citizen with an integrated, intermodal journey.

In terms of spectrum, the study concluded that transport applications will increase the use of RFID and Wi-Fi, in the UHF and 2.4/5GHz bands, and will also increase the use of machine to machine communications over public wide area networks, such as cellular or new networks at 2.6GHz in the years ahead. But in all these areas it is likely that other applications (e.g. multimedia entertainment) will provide greater spectrum demands, especially over the study's 20 year horizon.
But transport will need new spectrum in some specific cases:

"Plextek has a long history of working with Ofcom and we were delighted to have been chosen to lead this study," said Steve Methley, a senior consultant at Plextek. "Unlike previous studies this one did not look at a specific technology or product, but at the industry as a whole which posed a new challenge for us. We are pleased that our conclusions have gained wide agreement within the UK's transport industry".

Plextek worked on the study with Cambridge based Quotient Associates, an international strategy, technology and economics consultancy specialising in all aspects of wireless communications. As part of the study Plextek spoke with the Department for Transport, Transport for London and numerous product manufacturers.

A link to the report can be found at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/technology/overview/randd0708/

Plextek forms new Software Systems group

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:33:52 GMT

Driving growth of software development projects using Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Embedded

Issued 01/07/2008

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has formed a specialist Software Systems Group to focus on software development projects using Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Embedded. Gerard Smith, formerly a Principal Consultant within Plextek's automotive team, has been promoted to head up the group.

The group has been tasked with developing software for a wide range of Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Embedded projects that require complex connected functionality and rapid time to market. 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.

Heading up the group is Gerard Smith, previously a Principal Consultant with Plextek's automotive tracking team responsible for the highly successful LoJack and Tracker devices. Gerard has a strong background in software development and brings a proven track record of helping build a group from the ground up.

Plextek was recently promoted to a Silver Partner in the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Embedded Partner Programme, the only silver partner within the UK. Microsoft(R) chose to promote Plextek to a Silver Partner as a result of its software design expertise across a number of projects, and its ongoing commitment to using Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Embedded solutions in product designs. Plextek have developed a number of projects with Windows(R) Embedded in a variety of markets, ranging from defence and security, to consumer and business products.

"I am looking forward to getting back to software and embedded system development," said Gerard. "Having recently received Microsoft(R)'s Windows(R) Embedded Silver Status, Plextek is in a fantastic position to move forward with embedded software development for our customers."

Tim Phipps, Sales and Marketing Director at Plextek said, "The formation of the Software Systems group will help Plextek provide an even better service to our clients. It forms a key part of our comprehensive development package for all aspects of a clients needs, helping them achieve shorter development cycles and a quicker time to market. Plextek's experience with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Embedded is impressive and the Software Systems group will help us develop new opportunities in this area moving forward."

Wireless sensor networks growing but lacking 'killer application' concludes Plextek led report

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:53:57 GMT

Traditional sensing markets lead in adopting wireless networking technologies

Issued 18/06/2008

Wireless sensor networks are lacking a 'killer application' to drive widespread commercial take-up, a Plextek-led study for communications industry regulator Ofcom has concluded. The 10-month study was commissioned to examine technology developments in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), along with likely market growth scenarios and what the spectrum implications would be.

Currently there is much industry enthusiasm and a wide range of potentially innovative uses for WSNs. However the study found that it is the traditional sensing applications that are currently commercially exploiting the advantages of wirelessly networked sensors. These include industrial and environmental monitoring, building automation and remote sensing. Usage will continue to evolve in these areas as experience grows and the benefits of reduced installation costs and improved operational efficiency are increasingly understood.

"Our research produced some very interesting conclusions," said Steve Methley, Senior Consultant at Plextek. "The lack of a killer application may be due to limiting factors such as the current cost of wireless nodes and a lack of understanding/experience by end users, especially regarding 'real-world' reliability. There is also a need for further improvements in batteries and energy scavenging technologies - the requirement for scheduled battery replacement is an issue for many potential users. One likely sign of a movement towards a killer application would be the involvement of major systems integrators. Such players will increasingly come on board when there is need to take a professional approach to defining, installing and maintaining substantial wireless sensor networks".

Plextek's study found that whilst existing unlicensed spectrum can adequately support WSNs, a dramatic increase in use could prove problematic. Typical radio protocols such as the popular 802.15.4 standard are designed to be polite and to check for clear channels before transmitting. This may become a problem when bands become crowded. 802.15.4 suffers due to its politeness in the face of increasing Wi-Fi usage, particularly Wi-Fi streaming applications. This may lead to the appearance that WSNs are unreliable, an especially important issue as the perception of unreliability is one of the key barriers identified for WSN adoption.

The report concluded that WSNs may begin to become more widely deployed over the next three to five years with systems continuing to adopt existing licence-free bands including 13.56MHz, 433MHz, 868MHz and 2.4GHz. The main issue for WSNs will be the crowding of bands, especially 2.4GHz with the increasing use of Wi-Fi.

Ofcom commissioned the study as part of 'Tomorrow's Wireless World' , Ofcom's R&D programme for 2007/08, an annual review into the future of communications technology. For this report Plextek worked with The University of St Andrews and TWI, a Cambridge based independent research and technology organisation.

Plextek designs X-band Power Amplifier MMICs for radio and radar applications

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:18 GMT

ITAR free solutions on show at IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium

Issued 04/06/2008

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has completed the design of 2W and 4W X-band Power Amplifier (PA) MMICs for a UK electronics component supplier. Both MMICs cover the entire X-band (8 to 12GHz) and are available as bare die, packaged components or connectorised modules for use in applications such as point-to-point and point-to-multi-point radios and radars. A significant advantage of the PAs is that they will not be subject to ITAR restrictions as fabrication, design and supply is all undertaken by non US companies.

The X-band PAs are 50W matched and require no external components. An on-chip active biasing network allows the use of a fixed gate bias potential and helps compensate for performance variation with temperature and process spread. The amplifiers are fabricated on a robust 0.5mm gate length power PHEMT process that is well suited to high volume production.

Liam Devlin, Director. RF Integration at Plextek comments: "Plextek has offered MMIC design services to its clients for over 10 years and carried out the design of over 30 MMICs. We're incredibly proud of these new X-band solutions and are already in discussions with the same client about future MMIC developments including broadband (6 to 18GHz) digitally controlled phase-shifters, digitally controlled attenuators and power amplifiers."

Plextek will be promoting its innovative MMIC solutions and expertise at the prestigious IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia between 17-19th June 2008 (booth 2016).

Preliminary data sheets for both the 2W and 4W X-band PA parts are now available and samples will follow shortly. For more information contact mmic@plextek.co.uk

Plextek and picoChip partner on wireless communications solutions for military forces

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:54:49 GMT

Delivering network enabled capability through innovate use of commercial technologies

Issued 02/06/2008

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, is partnering with Bath-based picoChip to work on innovative wireless solutions for military communications. These smaller, cheaper and more flexible standards-based communications solutions will offer clear benefits to field deployed military personnel tasked with setting up a secure communications infrastructure. Plextek's proven expertise is in developing cost effective defence solutions based on commercial off the shelf (COTS) technologies. picoChip's flexible picoArray architecture can support all major air-interfaces, and was explicitly designed for Software Defined Radio (SDR) applications. As such, it is well suited to military requirements such as Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). Together Plextek and picoChip are able to achieve significant benefits supporting the delivery of Network Enabled Capability (NEC).

Communication is an essential function for military personnel. However, existing military infrastructure systems are often very large and power hungry making them slow to deploy and necessitating the transportation of large power sources. Plextek and picoChip's expertise will enable a much smaller, lightweight, flexible and more efficient infrastructure which is quicker and easier to deploy, possibly even ahead of the arrival of mobile forces. The solutions will be just as effective in both urban and rural environments.

Tim Phipps, Sales & Marketing Director, Plextek comments: "The defence industry is currently striving to achieve NEC as it enables effective decision making and action through the timely provision and exploitation of information and intelligence. The wireless communications technologies we're developing with picoChip have so many diverse and widespread usage scenarios in support of NEC. These could allow mobile phone communications in remote mountain areas, or the transfer of data, images and video or even the control of unmanned aerial vehicles."

Plextek will be promoting these innovative solutions at two prestigious defence exhibitions this summer:

Plextek targets growth in military projects with formation of specialist Defence Group

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:48:03 GMT

Promoting Plextek's ability to innovate military solutions based on commercial technologies

Issued 14/05/2008

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy, has formed a specialist Defence Group focussed specifically on defence contracts and MoD liaison. The Defence Group was set up as part of a strategic initiative to help raise Plextek's visibility in the supply chain and strengthen the company's existing relationships with the MoD and the wider defence industry. The group will play a key role in communicating the potential application of Plextek's commercial expertise in the MoD environment.

Central to the set up of the Defence Group is Plextek's recent acquisition of Cambridge Unmanned, whose expertise includes research and development of unmanned air systems, air vehicle propulsion, system integration, simulation and modelling, and prototype trials and demonstrations. Plextek has retained Cambridge Unmanned's core team of vastly experienced defence specialists - Mike Roberts, Gavin Deane, John Rogers, Andy Jude and Gavin Goudie.

British Army veteran Bob Tonkins has also joined Plextek's Defence Group. His service in the Royal Engineers included time spent as a Bomb Disposal Officer as well as commanding the National Search Centre at Chatham.

The new team combines vast experience of government, defence and commercial projects with skill sets in software and hardware design, mathematical modelling and simulation, aeronautical engineering, rapid prototyping/manufacture and systems engineering.

"Over the years Plextek has built up solid experience in the design of defence electronics working with many of the main defence primes and to a limited extent the MoD," explains Ian Murphy, Technical Director at Plextek. "Last year the defence sector accounted for about 25% of Plextek's business, but we've always felt that we were skimming the surface in terms of the potential opportunities that existed. As an SME with limited resource it has historically been a struggle to penetrate many of these organisations, so we've not always been able to see what we can provide, and where we can help."

Murphy continues: "The new Defence Group will help Plextek get itself known higher up the defence supply chain so we're closer to the right people and are more aware of opportunities. This will help us to turn more ideas and leads into actual business and hopefully build initial projects into bigger follow up work. The team's vast experience in the defence industry means they talk the right language and provide customers with a focused interface which will service their needs to the best of our ability."

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."