The Government of Canada is investing $325,000 to support Simon Fraser University's (SFU) leading-edge research and the development of wireless technology. The funding will help the university establish an advanced antenna testing and measurement facility, and foster collaboration between academia and industry.
The announcement was made today by Ed Fast, Member of Parliament for Abbotsford, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"Our government is proud to help equip SFU with the leading-edge equipment needed to train students and foster collaborative research between academia and industry," said MP Fast. "This initiative will help grow British Columbia's emerging wireless sector and increase its ability to compete in the global market."
The federal funding will allow SFU to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory through the purchase of specialized equipment, including an antenna measurement chamber, a near field scanner and an optical spectrometer. The advanced research facility will enhance the competitiveness of the B.C. wireless sector, and foster the design and development of new wireless technology prototypes and products.
The SFU wireless facility is designed to accommodate multiple research teams and development engineers from industry partners. The new antenna testing and measurement laboratory is expected to be operational by summer 2008.
"SFU will be the only university in North America with on-site access to this equipment, helping to raise the profile of SFU in the global research community, attracting international scholars and visiting researchers," said Dr. Mario Pinto, Professor and Vice President of Research Simon Fraser University. "This initiative informs future students, their parents and researchers that wireless technology forms part of a strong sector with industry supporting long-term growth and sustainability."
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Natasha Sharwood
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-9227
Cell: (778) 855-1174
Melanie Monk
Executive Secretary to the VP Research
Tel: (778) 782-5822
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at Western Economic Diversification Canada.
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The Government of Canada is investing $325,000 for Simon Fraser University to acquire leading edge antenna pattern measurement equipment that will help establish a state-of-the-art antenna testing laboratory. The project supports applied research at SFU, involves collaborative projects with the wireless industry and facilitates product development and testing by companies.
As a result of this funding, SFU will acquire the following equipment:
1. Satimo radio anechoic chamber - The Satimo chamber measures full sphere patterns of small antenna and for frequencies up to 18 GHz. The chamber will be used to test antenna for satellite and terrestrial non-line-of-sight communications. The chamber will accelerate wireless research, development and testing by reducing the time it takes to measure antenna patterns.
2. Planner near field scanner and accessories equipment - The planner near field scanner, including power network analyzer (PNA) and software, measures hemispherical patterns of aperture.
3. Optical spectrometer - The spectrometer measures optical frequencies transmission spectra nanohole-punctured metallic films for future wireless applications.
This investment supports Western Economic Diversification Canada's priorities by promoting innovation and the commercialization of advanced technologies.
The new antenna measurement equipment will be installed in a laboratory space that has already renovated by SFU. Six teams of wireless researchers at SFU will use the facility for applied research. The project will provide access of advanced antenna pattern measurement facility to the local industry for antenna research, product testing and development.
