MDA Recognizes Contribution of BreconRidge to the Development of WiSAR Technology
Ottawa, Canada ‐ December 10, 2008 - BreconRidge is pleased to announce the receipt of an award of recognition from MacDonald Dettwiller and Associates (MDA) for contributions made to the development of the Wireless Synthetic Aperture Radar or WiSAR technology.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a concept that is employed in place of large physical apertures (ie. a camera that relies on an external source of light) in order to secure images of objects in space or from space. Utilizing radar technology, SAR instruments provide their own illumination to provide information that can then be processed to create an image.
One of the challenges of SAR technology is the requirement for large satellites to deliver the instrument into space where it can begin to capture images. Large satellites are extremely expensive to launch thereby limiting the proliferation of SAR imaging technology in space.
MDA developed the WiSAR concept to allow SAR technology to be deployed through the use of much smaller, relatively inexpensive, miniature satellites. Among the many architectural and technological innovations employed by MDA to significantly reduce the cost and mass of the SAR instrument was the development of a wireless “space feed”, and a self‐contained active antenna node known as a WiNode.
As part of the WiNode technology development, BreconRidge was approached by MDA to design and manufacture a prototype of a space based C‐band Transmit & Receive (TR) module with amplitude & phase control, power control, frequency conversion and wireless 2‐way system communication functions for use within the WiSAR application.
The resulting TR Module is a leading edge design specifically engineered to function within the WiNode which is critical to the overall function of the WiSAR technology.
On July 25th, 2007 WiSAR, based on WiNode technology, was successfully demonstrated by capturing an image of the International Space Station. Throughout 2008, MDA presented the WiSAR technology at various events including the AIAA 6th Responsive Space Conference in Los Angeles and the Small Satellite Conference in Utah.
BreconRidge is pleased to have contributed to such an innovative project and appreciates this recognition from MDA.
About BreconRidge
BreconRidge is a world class provider of innovative design and manufacturing services for electronic products. With facilities located in North America and Asia, BreconRidge collaborates on voice, video and data applications with the world’s leading communications, industrial, medical, aerospace and defense OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). Specializing in RF, microwave and optical technologies and applications, BreconRidge delivers a complete range of life cycle services from collaborative design, new product introduction, supply chain management, process and test engineering, DFx services, manufacturing, repair, distribution and reverse logistics. BreconRidge’s unique portfolio of core competencies provides customers with significant competitive advantages in their respective markets.
www.breconridge.com
BreconRidge
Lara Clarke
Tel: +1 613 886 6357
Email: lara_clarke@breconridge.com
About MDA
MDA provides advanced information solutions that capture and process vast amounts of data, produce essential information, and improve the decision making and operational performance of business and government organizations worldwide.
Focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.
MDA employs more than 3,300 people in locations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA.
MDA External Relations
Wendy Keyzer
Tel: 604‐231‐2743
Email: wendy@mdacorporation.com
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