RRAC(01)01
Update on Radiocommunications research in the UK
1. Introduction
The RRAC has requested a brief update on some of the areas of radiocommunications research
activities in the UK. Some examples of University departments and Organisations that carry out
radio research and propagation studies in the UK are listed below but this is not an exhaustive list.
2. University Departments:
University of Bath, Dept. of Electronics & Electrical Eng., Claverton Down, Bath
[Expertise in Radio communications (Propagation, Data services and Satellite Broadcast, EMC,
HAPS) and Radio Remote sensing.]
University of Bristol, Dept. of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Queen's Building, Woodland
Road, Bristol BS8 1TR [Radio Systems Engineering,]
University of Bradford, Dept. of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications
Research Centre, Bradford. [Antennas & Electromagnetics, Mobile and Personal Communications.,
Cryptography/Security, Networks, Satellite Communications.]
University of Cardiff, Dept. of Computer Science, (University of Wales), Cardiff, PO Box 916,
Cardiff CF2 3XF, [Mathematical Modelling]
University of Essex, Department of Mathematics, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ
[Within the Dept. of Mathematics there is a Propagation research Group, scattering theory,
scattering from microwaves, SAR, visualisation of weather radar data. Also a "Computational
Combinatorics" group - probability and graph theory.]
University of Glamorgan, Division of Mathematics Computing, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
[Mathematical Modelling]
University of Glamorgan, Department of Electronics, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF37 1DL
University of Hertfordshire, Dept. of Electronic Communication & Electrical Eng., College Lane,
Hafted Herts AL10 9AB [EMC research]
University of Portsmouth, Microwave Telecom-System Research Group, Dept. of Electrical &
Electronic Engineering, Anglesea Road, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ [Propagation studies]
University of Plymouth, Dept. of Electrical & Communication Eng., Drake Circus, Plymouth ,
Devon PL4 8AA, [RF, CDMA Mobile Communications Research]
University of Southampton, Department of Electronics, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ
[Communications Research Group covering Rural telecommunications, Mobile Multimedia, and
Mobile Communication, UMTS, OFDM Access, VCE in Mobile communications, Wireless
broadband picocellular communications, Multimedia, Wireless video.]
University of Southampton, Department of Mechanical Eng., Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ
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University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5XH [Mobile, Satellite] CCSR- Centre for
Communication System Research, SSC- Surrey Space Centre, Microwave & Systems Research
Group.
University of York, Department of Electronics (York Electromagnetics, York EMC Services Ltd)
Heslington York, YO1 5DD [Propagation, EMC, HAPS, "BLAST",MIMO(Adaptive Space-Time
Signal Processing and Coding)]
Cranfield - (RMCS) Shrivenham, Communications and Wireless Networks Group, of the Dept. of
Aerospace Power and Sensors (DAPS); [The groups research interests lie in the development of
broadband radio systems for civilian and military radio services and data links. Facilities;
Microwave lab, anechoic chamber, and networks simulation lab. The labs are available as a
resource to other research groups.]
Kings College London, (University of London), Centre for Telecommunications Research
[Modulation schemes, Mobile,]
Nottingham Trent University, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1
4BU [EMC research]
UMIST, Dept. of Electrical Engineering & Electronics, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester, M60
1QD [Microwave Engineering, Communication Engineering]
Queen Mary and Westfield College (University of London) [Antenna characteristics]
3. Companies with R&D activities in the UK:
BTexact (Wireless Technologies), Adastral Park, Ipswich IP5 3RE
[Mobile, Wireless]
BAE Systems – [radar, (military) communications networks, satellite systems, navigation]
EEV Ltd, Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2QU [commercial radar magnetrons]
Ericsson Ltd. & Ericsson Mobile Communications(UK) Ltd.
Marconi Communications (Central Marketing) Technology Drive, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1LA
Marconi Applied Technologies: [RF power, power switching, microwave devices]
IFR Ltd (Formerly Marconi Instruments)
Lucent Technologies Ltd
Motorola (GSM Products Division), 16 Euroway, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 8YQ
Motorola European Cellular Infrastructure Division (ECID) [UMTS and mobile cellular research]
NEC Technologies (UK) Ltd
Nokia (Research Centre, Camberley, UK) [Mobile & cellular technology]
Nortel Networks (Europe) Wireless Solutions, (Maidenhead, Paignton) [Radio Networks, Wireless
interface]
Nortel Technology, (Advanced Technology Centre) London Road, Harlow, Essex CM17 9NA
[Access and Network Technology, Switching,]
NTL
One2One, Imperial Place, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 1EA [Mobile,]
Orange Personal Communications
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Racal Research Ltd, Worton Drive, Worton Grange, Reading, Berks RG2 0SB [Satellite
communication expertise, High data rate Aerosatcom, Sat. Nav. Terminals]
Roke Manor Research Ltd., Roke Manor, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 OZN
[Contract research and development facility specialising in communications, surveillance and
management systems. Research areas include, Array Technology, RF ASICs, Broadcast
Technology, Mobile Radio Access, Fixed Radio Access, CDMA systems, Satcom Systems, UMTS,
US Telecoms, Civil and Defence systems.]
Vodafone Ltd., The CourtYard, 2-4 London Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JX [Mobile]
Consultancies/ Organisations:
Aegis Systems, Balfour House, Churchfield Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 2TD
[Independent consultancy providing specialist advice to users and regulators of the radio spectrum.
Radio services (Aero, Fixed, Mobile), Convergence & Multimedia]
Aerial Group Ltd
Agilent Technologies
Albera Networks, St John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 OWS,
[(Telecommunications consultancy)]
Andrew Ltd, Lochgelly, Fife, KY5 9HG [RF Design for antenna products]
ERA Technology, Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7SA, [provides independent services in
the areas of test, monitoring and control, EMC, radar, Test facilities,]
Barkley Associates Ltd, Chelmsford. [Radiocommunications studies, ITU-R expertise]
JWD Ltd, julian@jwdltd.demon.co.uk, [A UK based RF Consultancy operating in both military and
commercial sectors; low-power radio frequency equipment, Antenna's and propagation, EMC
mutual interference and compatibility.]
University of Manchester - Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories, Jodrell Bank [low temperature
receivers]
Quotient Communications Ltd, 1 Langford Arch, London Road, Pampisford, Cambridge, CB2 4EE
[Strategic consultancy, Network planning & planning tools, Mobile cellular and Fixed
telecommunications area, 3G Mobile, Fixed Radio Access, Fixed Networks.]
RCRU- Radio Communications Research Unit, Rutherford Appleton Lab. [Propagation and radio
communication research.] http://www.rcru.rl.ac.uk/projects.htm
Smith System Engineering Ltd, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 5YP
Transfinite Systems Ltd. (Software) Enterprise House, 17-21 George Street, Croydon CR0 1LA
VETR - Vehicle Engineering Transport Research Laboratory, Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne,
Berkshire RG45 6AU
Other organisations with radiocommunication interests:
BNSC (DTI) (British National Space Centre)
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BBC Research and Development, Kingswood Warren, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 6NP
CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)
DERA Malvern, St Andrews Road, Gt. Malvern, Worcs. WR14 3PS [Radar, Radio
communication, RF, etc]
DERA Farnborough, Space and SAS Dept., [space systems, EMC, Avionics]
MOD
NATS (National Air Traffic Services Ltd), Spectrum Ho., Gatwick Road, Gatwick Airport South,
W. Sussex RH6 0LG
NPL, (National Physical Laboratory) [Metrology, Time & Frequency standards]
Health issues (radiation)
The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), Chilton, Didcot, coordinates a number of
radiation related research projects.
Companies such as Nokia are involved in their industry forum, Mobile Manufacturer Forum (MMF)
(9 Manufacturers), which examines health aspects and radiation related to mobile phones.
http://www.mmfai.org
The Department of Health has announced a UK research programme (Stewart commission report).
http://www.doh.gov.uk/newsdesk/latest/4-naa-08122000.html
The DTI was involved in the IBHRET programme (research into handset radiation emissions).
Training
The Radio Frequency Engineering Education Initiative (RFEEI) was established in response to the
shortage of radio engineers identified by manufacturers and organisations in need of skilled people
in this engineering sector. Further details are given at: www.rfeei.org.uk
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