Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

Erlangen, Germany: With its DAB+ software library, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS offers a software defined radio solution that enables the implementation of digital radios with DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) functionality. Available now, the update to the established library uses efficient spur suppression technology to significantly improve the quality of digital radio reception. It moreover enhances the reception sensitivity of the radio receivers. In turn, this extends the range of coverage for broadcasters and increases the number of channels that can be received in vehicles.

The Fraunhofer EZRT has developed “RoboCT,” a robot-assisted computed tomography (CT) system that comprehensively analyzes vehicle quality in the early development phase of automotive production – without disassembling the vehicle – and thus shortens development cycles. As part of a collaboration with automaker BMW, this system has now been installed in the production environment.

Current satellite communication systems use static beams, with little or no options of adjusting beam capacity to a varying demand. Beam hopping, based on the DVB-S2X broadcasting standard, allows redirecting capacity between beams, making satellite systems more flexible and efficient. Working with WORK Microwave and Eutelsat, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS has successfully demonstrated beam hopping in an over-the-air test for the first time.

Numerous ore deposits have diminishing concentrations of mineable ore. In order to access the remaining ore, the mining industry uses elaborate procedures that consume large amounts of energy and water. The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, together with three other partners, intends to use artificial intelligence and sensor fusion in order to analyze the concentration of valuable minerals as early as possible in the process and thereby conserve resources.