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New software allows for smart antennas 
Thursday, April 05 2001
by Rory Kelleher


A new software simulator developed by the University of Ulster will allow smart
antennas to be incorporated into new wireless devices.

"Using the modelling software we've produced in Northern Ireland will enable
manufacturers to incorporate smart antennas in next generation mobile
communications equipment," said William Scanlon, the director of the centre for
communications and engineering at the university.



"Undoubtedly, this will lead to the development of sophisticated digital
communications devices that will be much more reliable than at present," he
said.



The team examined the factors that can affect the signals sent to and from
wireless devices indoors which includes the position of windows and doors, the
location and movement of people and other objects that create obstructions.



Researchers at the university claim they have developed the world's first
simulator to help mobile device manufacturers understand and overcome UHF
signalling problems indoors.



When a signal is sent indoors it is very difficult for it to travel in a straight
line without hitting an object or person as opposed to more direct paths
outdoors.



The simulator evaluates the impact on a signal of shadowing like that found on a
TV and reflections caused by the movement of people within a building. 



It also enables manufacturers to assess the interaction of electromagnetic
antennas with body tissue, which is a particularly important in the case of
communications equipment worn on the body.



The simulator was launched and is on display at the Northern Ireland Technology
stand at CeBIT 2001.



A Web-based version of the simulation software is available on the centre's
Web-site, www.ether.ulst.ac.uk. The centre's main activities include the
mathematical modelling of ultra-low power communication links for intelligent
miniaturised devices and propagation modelling for in-room, urban and rural
applications.



Research programs are aimed at a range of key technologies such as Bluetooth,
Wireless-ATM, Hiperlan and W-CDMA.

The centre which was opened in November of 1999 was established with support from
Nortel Networks which has a nearby facility.