CD Laboratory for Wireless Technologies for Sustainable Mobility

Answering fundamental questions about wireless communication for intelligent transport systems and telematics applications in traffic is at the centre of the research work.

The analyses focus on three types of communication. One focus is on mobile communication with innovations in network technology. Another area of interest is short-range communication with regard to the further development of wireless sensor network technology. Finally, communication between vehicles is the third main focus of the research. As part of the investigations, the main focus is on various aspects of the reliability, availability and connectivity of wireless technologies.

Forward-looking progress is to be made in the field of mobile communications. This involves the development of a fourth generation of mobile phone networks. In fact, interference often occurs today when a mobile device is connected to several base stations and antennas. Based on the research activities carried out, a high level of coordination of simultaneous radio connections will improve spectral efficiency in the future. At the same time, the data throughput for procedures that use several antennas will also be optimised. Another important step is the evaluation of interference power management for multiple access methods (OFDMA), which divide high-speed data streams for transmission at lower speeds. This will result in less interference and higher data rates for users and increased network capacity for operators.

The aim of the research work is to develop novel systems for these types of communication. Key indications are the ability to fulfil precise time coordination in data transmission, reliability and area coverage, which are achieved by using multiple transmitting and receiving antennas.

There is also particular interest in the further development of wireless sensor network technology. This is based on a combination of radio frequency identification (RFID) and modern sensor technology. Highly developed transmission methods will be developed here that are suitable for transponders with low power requirements, for example in the logistics sector. Power efficiency is particularly important here. Transmission robustness is to be significantly increased for the industrial environment.

Another aspect of the research activities is the development of reliable and real-time-capable wireless technologies for safety-relevant applications. The focus here is on applications in which a system failure can lead to hazards. The technological requirements should allow data to be exchanged between vehicles on the one hand and between vehicles and a traffic control centre on the other.

Overall, research into wireless technologies will contribute to sustainable mobility.