The laboratory’s responsibilities:
On minisatellites, tsunami waves and precisely maintained frequency bands
The High-Frequency Technology Laboratory is a cornerstone of students’ practical training. During internships or projects, they can familiarise themselves here with the precise measurement of circuits and radio systems of all kinds, from mini-satellites to network-enabled washing machines. The analysis of radar signals is also part of the programme.
Such measurements are essential for interference-free communication in congested networks. In low Earth orbits (LEOs) or in smart homes, all participating devices must adhere to very strict rules to ensure they do not interfere with one another. Therefore, the precise measurement and clean design of radio-frequency components play a crucial role.
Students can take their first steps in the design of high-frequency circuits and develop basic skills in working with systems involving very high data rates. In the theoretical and practical fundamentals, we examine two fundamental types of signal: the highly localised step response (very similar to a tsunami) and a so-called harmonic, infinitely extended wave with a precisely defined frequency.
In our laboratory, we can generate, analyse and convert high-frequency signals up to 110 GHz. The expertise we have acquired is applied to radio systems ranging from RFID tags and mobile devices to radar systems in the highest frequency ranges, such as those used in self-driving cars. We are also able to closely examine the wired, extremely high data rates of high-speed computer boards or innovative bus systems in motor vehicles.
In its research work, the High-Frequency Technology Laboratory develops and tests systems, including for industrial clients. In doing so, the High-Frequency Technology Laboratory supports its sister laboratory, the Compensated Compact Range, which also forms the centrepiece of the Communications Satellite Technology Laboratory [Link to the Communications Satellite Technology Laboratory].
Laboratory facilities
Measuring waves, exciting waves
The High-Frequency Technology Laboratory has four standard test stations available for internships and teaching. These can be used to measure any electrical network, such as antennas or cables of various types, filters and amplifiers, right through to bus systems. A precise understanding of these network characteristics is necessary, amongst other things, to reduce the occurrence of bit errors.
Four time-domain reflectometry measurement stations, each with a resolution of approximately 1 ns, are available for analysing the systems in the time domain.
To gain a precise understanding of the non-linear characteristics of circuits, eight signal generators with a cut-off frequency of up to 40 GHz and four spectrum analysers for frequency ranges up to 46 GHz are available.
Students and work experience placements can also gain experience with state-of-the-art CAD systems, which are used for the development of circuits, antennas and measurement technology. Genetic optimisers and machine learning systems (i.e. a form of AI) are also utilised in this context.
Projects
From the giant Airbus to the small start-up
The High-Frequency Technology Laboratory is constantly working on exciting projects in collaboration with companies and other research institutions. One of the highlights, for example, is the construction of the world’s fastest switch (Airbus). This enables high-frequency radio signals to be ‘chopped up’ into precisely defined and very short wave trains.
In addition, antennas are being developed for various applications. For example, a telemetry antenna developed by the laboratory was designed for the International Space Station (ISS) (Kayser-Threde).
As part of a project with a Bavarian start-up, so-called nadir antennas were designed and manufactured. These antennas enable data from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to be transferred to their ground gateways. As the time taken for a satellite to pass over such a ground station is only eight minutes, very high data rates are required here too.
Further measurement methods and designs were developed in collaboration with a telecoms equipment manufacturer to suppress harmonics. Without this suppression, mobile devices would generate too much interference, which would, for example, drastically reduce the capacity of the mobile network (Qualcomm).
However, some projects are also more ‘down-to-earth’, such as a method for measuring liquid levels in chemical plants. Microwaves can also be used for this, just as they are for determining the moisture content of laundry in a tumble dryer by measuring resonance bandwidths.
As part of their internships, or in their bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD theses, students can carry out research and work on such projects or on projects they have set themselves.
Contact:
The laboratory is situated in the E Building at 98b Dachauer Straße, room E0108.
If you have any ideas or enquiries, please feel free to contact the head of the laboratory, Professor Dr.-Ing. Georg Strauß (Georg Strauß ), at any time.