| ERA Technology Ltd, located in Leatherhead, Surrey, has started a major product development to apply its next generation low-profile 'on-the-move' satellite communications broadband technology to rail applications. The programme is backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) under its ARTES-4 initiative.
The key component in the development is the antenna, known as G2, which follows on from the highly successful development of ERA's first low-profile product, focussed on the automotive market in the US. The first generation product attracted considerable attention when it was recently demonstrated at the Advanced Satellite Communications Mobile Systems Conference in September 2004 at ESA in the Netherlands (see image).
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G2 is initially aimed at providing broadband for rail passengers, offering data rates of up to several Mbps; far higher than those available using 3G. A key benefit is that ERA's system will be compatible with the existing European Ku-band satellites and DVB standards. Even at this early stage, the antenna has attracted great interest and as a result ERA has concluded supply agreements with a number of systems integrators in the rail industry.
t The vehicle-mounted ERA low-profile satellite antenna (circled) as recently demonstrated at ESA. The antenna is pictured in front of a model of the Envisat earth resources satellite, which although unrelated, is a 'not so low-profile' platform which ERA also helped to develop!
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Initial deployments of Ku-band satellite communications on trains have used conventional antennas, which are typically 300-700mm tall. In many cases, structural modifications to the train roof are required to meet the tight gauging requirements imposed by bridges and overhead cables on rail lines across Europe. This has substantial implications in terms of installation cost and train certification. ERA's low-profile technology adds less than 100mm to the height of the train, which means it can be fitted without modifying the roof. It is projected that 50% of trains in Europe will require low-profile antennas to meet gauging requirements and many others will opt for this solution simply because of its aesthetic appeal.
Dr Robert Pearson, Head of Antenna Systems, at ERA explained: "We have seen significant success with our first generation product and the G2 project will build upon this. Our progress to date has been extremely rapid and I believe we have come up with the right technology at the right time. We look forward to working with our partners to take products to market in the rail sector over the next 18 months."
ERA is also actively pursuing the commercial airline market, where maximising fuel efficiency by minimising the drag of a fuselage-mounted antenna is the key driver. Here, ERA's DTI-sponsored SPITFIRE programme has attracted considerable interest from major aircraft manufacturers and systems integrators.
For further information about ERA's low-profile antenna programmes, please contact Martin Shelley at ERA Technology: martin.shelley@era.co.uk
About
ERA Technology Ltd
ERA Technology works at the leading edge of many advanced
technologies. The business was founded in 1920 and today provides specialist,
high value-added, technology-based services including design and development,
testing, assessment and expert advice.
The company has built an international
reputation for technical expertise through constant innovation at the leading
edge of technology. ERA provides technology-based services across industries such
as communications, aerospace, defence, IT, manufacturing, transport, electronics
and energy.
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