The Advanced Radio System Research (RARS) group undertakes research and development in advanced technologies for next generation of multi-role radio systems. Its main objective is the development of a multi-media enhanced multi-band, multi-protocol radio for operation in both terrestrial and satellite wireless environments. This versatile radio platform is to adapt to different communications environments and systems by selecting the most appropriate protocol and frequency band needed for a link. For example, one device could work with a wireless local area network protocol in the city, and then be reconfigured to work with terrestrial and satellite protocols to deliver broadband applications to rural and remote areas. This project is to lead to the development of cognitive radio technology.

The Research Program is divided into four main areas covering the Physical, Link, Network and Transport layers of the OSI radio model:

Software Defined Radio

Centre to RARS's activities is the development of the software environment necessary to implement software defined radios (SDR). The environment includes the radio architecture and peripheral development tools. The SDR is responsible for the execution of the signal processing functions of the radio, i.e. the Link layer and part of the Physical layer of the OSI model.

Network Protocol Enhancers

In this project, enhancements to network protocols, mainly at the transport and link layers are made to improve the performance of multi-media applications over satellite links. The protocols developed in this project therefore will reside above the protocols developed in the SDR project.

Microwave-Photonics

While SDR technology enables a single radio platform to operate with any waveforms, and the network enhancement optimizes the traffic exchange, the Microwave-Photonics project enables the multi-band requirements of the SDR. This activity therefore addresses the Physical layer of the OSI model. Photonics technologies are applied to enable the radio unit to operate over an extremely wide frequency range, from the low MHz to tens of GHz. Photonics is also used for the distribution of microwave signals to distant and distributed antennas.

Distributed Antennas

This research activity is is centred on the development of low profile steerable antenna for communications on the move. A distributed arrangement of flat antenna reflectors, mounted on a patented gimbal structure, are used to provide the high gain but yet low profile requirements. digital signal processing techniques are used to provide signal combination.

The group has a large client base including the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Space Agency, Canadian and International companies. Associations with other government organizations, universities and industry are often formed to expand our capability and to facilitate technology transfer.

Further Information:

Claude Bélisle
Research Manager
Advanced Radio Systems
Tel: (613) 998-2605
Fax: (613) 990-0316
Email: claude.belisle@crc.gc.ca