Plextek demos innovative convoy communication concept for MoD

Plextek's electronics design services include:FPGA design, ESCAN Radar, MMIC design, GPRS design, Communications product design, Microwave design Defence electronics, Electronic product design, RF design, DSP design, Telemetry system, System Integration,Communications system design, Due diligence

Press Release

Plextek demos innovative convoy communication concept for MoD

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."