University Of Bradford's Electronics Department Develops Radio Frequency Tracking Systems For Seven Technologies.

Seven Technologies Group Ltd worked with the department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the University of Bradford on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to develop a novel antenna array system.

“The KTP exceeded our expectations in terms of quality and quantity of output as well as creating strong links with our academic partners. It has delivered significant value for money and laid the foundations for the revolution of our core technology to meet the challenges of the future.” Simon Marker, Research and Development Director at Seven Technologies.

The company received great support from the University, enhancing their knowledge base throughout the development cycle of these research areas, but also practically, including use of the University’s measurement facility for evaluating operation performance of the proposed diversity antenna system. There were many important and insightful discussions and suggestions to the technical difficulties encountered, with a relaxed yet focussed atmosphere prevailing throughout. The design of a novel antenna array system to include a compact small antenna transmitter has helped Seven Technologies realise their future antenna design transceivers, improving their position with a competitive market. New software to introduce narrow band and wideband signal processing methods has enabled them to identify the ‘angle of arrival’ (AOA) of radio signals to support radio-location and tracking needs. The company has improved their engineers’ knowledge of how their existing systems function. Design and implementation decisions are now more informed and with a sound technical base, placing the company in a better position to develop the next generation of RF based tracking systems.