An electronics design company has been awarded £200,000 by the Department of Trade and Industry to develop a radar system for civilian security applications.
BLightER (British Light E-scan Radar) will be a man-portable, lightweight, battery-powered radar security device that can detect moving targets from 20m to 5km within an 80degree sector range.
Plextek says it will look at the development of products and specialised systems to develop technology that hitherto has only been used in a military environment. The project aims to take an existing proof of concept demonstrator and deliver a range of products for use in what the firm calls various high-end civilian security applications.
"We are extremely pleased to have been awarded this grant to develop BLightER," said Colin Smithers, managing director at Plextek. "The funds will be used to assist with developing the product into a cost-effective device by applying the latest commercial design techniques and devices to this specialist military technology."
"We awarded the grant to Plextek because the team presented a convincing case that the project was realistic and economically viable," said a spokesman on behalf of the DTI. "Plextek has vast experience in developing electronic and wireless products and the management team have a strong market understanding."
About Plextek Limited
Plextek is 10 miles south of Cambridge, established in 1989 and now with 100 staff.
Plextek reports that its design capabilities span the range from design and technology studies through to complete product and system design, making use of skills which cover DSP, radio, hardware, software, optoelectronics, FPGAs, ASIC and RFIC. It has developed optical telecom and datacom systems, GSM, GPRS, 3G PMR, Bluetooth and data/telemetry systems, wireless local-loop system and vehicle location systems. Plextek also offers consultancy in strategic advice and studies. Plextek also offers virtual contract manufacturing through its established relationships with overseas manufacturing plants.
The company’s client list ranges from individual entrepreneurs to multinationals, including Clarion, Bookham Technology, Smiths Group, Datascope, BAE Systems, AMS, Marconi, Sony, Denso, National Semiconductor, QinetiQ, TRACKER Network and LoJack. Plextek is an approved supplier to a range of government departments and utilities including the DTI, MOD and the Home Office.
