Flann and University of Exeter research project aims to pave way for 5G communications revolution

Microwave engineering company Flann Microwave is teaming up with the University of Exeter as part of ground-breaking research which could help pave the way for the next generation of 5G mobile communications.

Flann is working with PhD researcher Julia De Pineda-Gutiérrez from the Department of Physics and Astronomy on a four-year project which aims to use metamaterials to revolutionise antenna design for point to point radio networks – such as mobile phone networks – with the aim of making these smaller, lighter and cheaper to manufacture and install.

It is work which could overcome one of the key barriers in making the leap from 4G to 5G networks, which would require more regularly placed, highly directional microwave antennas to handle the increased data volumes and speeds involved.

The project is the latest in a series of collaborations over many years between the company, based in Bodmin, Cornwall, and the University of Exeter, a relationship which has grown closer with the establishment at the University of the £12 million EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Metamaterials (XM²).

Professor James Watts, Chief Executive of Flann Microwave, serves on the XM² Oversight Board and was last year made an Honorary Associate Professor by the University.

He said: “This is incredibly exciting work which has implications nationally and internationally in the development of next generation communications networks, which face a considerable challenge in moving from 4G to 5G, much more so than with the step up from 3G to 4G.

“We’re delighted to be continuing our association with the University of Exeter, which has a growing reputation in the field of metamaterials research. We are excited at an academic level and by the practical and commercial opportunities which we hope will flow from this project and which could one day become mainstream in network development.”

Metamaterials involves materials being treated or engineered to give them special properties not normally found in nature. In the case of the research being carried out by Flann and Ms De Pineda-Gutiérrez, this involves developing surface structures and materials which can be used to manipulate radio waves to form the narrow beams needed for communication between mobile base stations.

As demand grows for higher capacity mobile networks, this technology opens the prospect of subtly incorporating antennas into everyday features and structures, potentially avoiding the visual clutter associated with conventional antenna types.

Professor Alastair Hibbins, Director of the CDT in Metamaterials, said: “We are particularly pleased to play an active role in building exemplary relationships between SMEs and the University of Exeter. Our long-standing collaboration with Flann Microwave strengthens the cluster of innovation and research with industry across the South West of England, and demonstrates mutual benefit for us and the local economy.  Our centre trains around 70 highly skilled PhD researchers, and working with industry gives us the opportunity to explore new areas of research, and the interaction with industry is crucial in moulding the training we provide to our students: ultimately we want them to succeed as scientific leaders in industry, and academia.”

With a 60-strong team based in Bodmin, Cornwall, Flann has grown over six decades to secure a global reputation and market leading position in the design and manufacture of precision microwave communications equipment, for example, to allow internet and mobile data to be carried between mobile phone masts or through satellite links.

Its innovations have been pivotal in the development of mobile telephone networks, from the very inception of the technology through to the huge growth in mobile use over the last two decades and right up to its ongoing research into 5G.

The company serves customers in the telecoms, government, automotive, aerospace, defence and research sectors, exporting more than 80 per cent of production. It has also worked with UK and overseas government agencies to write many of the standards used in the industry.

Pictured above Professor James Watts and Julia De Pineda-Gutierrez