Strategic Research Centre for Microwave Antenna Systems
- Reference number
- A3 05:199
- Start and end dates
- 060101-121231
- Amount granted
- 53 000 000 SEK
- Administrative organization
- Chalmers University of Technology
- Research area
- Information, Communication and Systems Technology
Summary
Wireless systems (and hence antennas) find increasing use in the modern society. A typical sign is the growing number of antennas and antenna masts in urban areas. Antennas are used for mobile communication systems, but also more and more for other applications such as navigation, security, surveillance, identification, and various medical sensor systems. All these antennas in cars, offices, and homes are likely to cause technical conflicts regarding installation, interference and performance degradation. We have therefore to find new ways to optimize the systems and in many cases develop innovative solutions that combine several antenna functions in one unit and/or integrate the antenna shapes with existing structures. The CHARMANT Centre will focus on ways to optimize these new systems; the perspective covers wave propagation models, antenna radiators and structures, amplifiers, filters, circuits and signal processing algorithms. New and existing subsystems and components will be studied and improved as motivated by their behaviour in the total antenna system. Thus, interfaces, system simulation tools and measurement techniques must be developed. The goal is to enable balanced and not sub-optimal system designs. Such modelling tools are much sought after by industry; the tools will help industry remain competitive in their development of new systems based on wireless technology. Increased competence, in particular on a higher systems level, can give Swedish industry the competitive edge to remain profitable. The CHARMANT Centre is located at Chalmers, where also a major part of the work will be done. The institutes SP and FOI will contribute with their expertise in selected areas, as well as researchers from KTH, LTH, and UU.