Projects at the Radio Communications Research Unit (RCRU)

RUTHERFORD APPLETON LABORATORY

THE RCRU

The Radio Communications Research Unit (RCRU) is part of CCLRC and carries out many research projects for the RA. An important part of the work involves measuring propagation paths for long periods of time. Researchers capture seasonal and year-to-year changes, which they build into statistically significant databases. Other project teams are studying new measurement and analytical methods for predicting how radiowave propagation affects radiocommunications systems.

The programme at RAL consists of a set of individual projects, each with its own targets and milestones. The projects are grouped together under 'themes'. Several of the projects encompass more than one theme and make major contributions to the recommendations of the International Telecommunications Union, the international regulatory body for the telecommunications industry.

RCRU Website

Project details

Annual reports

Final project reports

CHILBOLTON

The team at Chilbolton conduct much of the experimental research for RCRU. Facilities include multi-frequency, multi-parameter radar systems installed on a 25m steerable antenna, experimental mm-wave systems, meteorological sensors and a UV vertical sounding lidar. Located 8 km from Chilbolton at Sparsholt, is a multi-frequency satellite-receiving system that is associated with ITALSAT.

RUTHERFORD APPLETON

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is where RCRU analyses the Chilbolton results. This research helps to improve propagation models and create novel communications concepts that are essential for planning radio communications and managing spectra. Currently RCRU is developing software tools for radio wave propagation and scatter modelling.