Connectivity is also commonly used synonymously for conveying information through air using electromagnetic signals (including light), but it can also represent a wireless link carrying information through other types of media such as water using acoustic signals. A major driver for wireless applications is the rapidly maturing field of Internet of things (IoT). IoT refers to the billions of physical devices/objects around the world being connected to the Internet. By adding sensors and enabling physical objects to communicate with each other without involving any human beings, the IoT has become a valuable source for data and ultimately new insights and innovations through cloud/edge data analysis services. IoT contributes to make the world around us look smarter and more responsive by merging the digital and physical universes.
Research and activities
Our research on connectivity is focused on physical layer and/or signal processing/machine learning aspects of wireless applications designed for communications, localization, sensing and actuation. We apply our know-how in R&D projects targeting new applications and/or services involving any of following communication technology systems
- cellular/mobile communications
- subsea communications
- satellite communications
- sensor networks communications
In addition, we conduct research on specialized topics for wireless communications such as
- signal processing and machine learning algorithms
- signal/waveform design, modulation, coding, equalization and synchronization
- electromagnetic and acoustic wave propagation
- channel modelling, characterization and estimation
- antenna design and analysis
- electromagnetic sensing
- direction finding and positioning techniques
- cognitive radio, scheduling, spectrum sensing and radio spectrum management
- data protocols, flow and congestion control
- multimedia QoS and traffic management
- embedded systems design and integration
We are currently using our know-how in wireless communications in R&D projects in these technology and/or market domains:
- intelligent transport systems (ITS)
- industrial communications using 5G
- IoT/industrial IoT/autonomous systems
- wireless positioning
- embedded systems prototyping
Typical projects for us are:
We conduct contract R&D as a partner for private industries and/or the public sector, and we deliver innovation by developing knowledge and technologies that are brought into practical use. We are usually involved in projects where R&D is used to increase the maturity level of a specific technology or a specific application of a technology from basic research to a more applicative solution. The maturity is commonly represented by a number from one to nine on a scale called the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), where one is used to represent pure basic research projects and nine is used to represent an actual system proven and ready for the market. We are mostly involved in projects trying to bridge the gap between TRL 2 – 6 on this scale. As a result, typical projects for us are the ones where we contribute with our know-how in activities such as:
- discuss and formulate technology concepts
- design electronic components or embedded systems for experimental proof of concepts
- validate a technology or an application in a controlled environment (laboratory testing)
- validate a technology or an application in a relevant environment (field testing)
- demonstrate a technology or an application in a relevant environment (field demonstration)
- being a trusted and independent technology advisor for future technology investments