Uni details how DSP can boost N Wales economy
Region could be centre of excellence for digital signal processing
BANGOR University has detailed its plan to help bring the latest in digital technology and 5G services to the region as part of a plan to develop North Wales into a centre of excellence for digital signal processing (DSP).
DSP, which converts real-world information such as audio, video, temperature or position into a digital and alterable format, has gained importance in recent years, with increased usage on a dayto-day basis.
Areas from automation and self-driving vehicles, to environmental and medical applications make use of DSP, which could also be key in improving the reliability and security of systems utilised daily.
Bangor University’s Digital Signal Processing Centre has submitted programme applications to various government bodies and authorities in 2021 with the aim of exploiting the various different technologies and research areas the centre has, as well as identifying where these can be taken in the future.
One application would see the centre and its partners work alongside communications companies such as Vodafone, Fibrespeed, and Comtek to deliver a £4.1m project bringing broadband connectivity to 1,300 properties in hard-to-reach locations within North Wales.
Another would utilise components designed and manufactured within the UK to make equipment which can allow users to jump between vendors on the nation’s 5G networks.
The scheme was discussed during a visit to the DSP centre in Bangor, from Jack Sargeant MS and Carolyn Thomas MS.
Askar Sheibani, managing director at Deesidebased telecommunication equipment supplier Comtek Network Systems, which is working alongside the university on various infrastructure and connectivity-based projects, addressed the visiting members about the centre’s link with private industry.
Professor Jianming Tang, operations director at Bangor’s DSP centre, said: “The work we do at the site acts as a glue to not only develop digital systems which will make a national and global impact, but bring industry-leading businesses together to work on these plans.
“We enjoyed the chance to showcase our work to our business partners and Welsh government representatives, and we are looking forward to further expanding the infrastructure in place at the facility and continue developing North Wales into a true technological hub.”
The centre at Bangor University is the only research site in the UK dedicated to addressing DSP for 5G and beyond, currently working alongside 28 trade partners to deliver projects.
Professor Paul Spencer pro vice-chancellor leading on employability, company engagement and partnerships, said: “The excellent work the facility is doing alongside industry to help develop new technology and services will future-proof many of the services we all utilise today.
“The site here at Bangor is a shining example of how the university is sitting at the forefront of modern digital technology development and helping develop the local skills and knowledge necessary to transform North Wales into a field-leading and future-focused region.”
Comtek managing director Askar Sheibani said: “The events of the past two years have indicated to the entire world that we need to be focusing further on studies and developments in communications, and the DSP centre is perfectly poised to sit at the forefront of that field.
“Combining academic advancements with private sector backing means we can all work together to research and produce truly world-leading technology and services which will help put North Wales on the map as a global hub of digital excellence.
“Working alongside the DSP centre not only allows businesses to showcase and create state-of-the-art systems, but allows us to further develop our own workforce’s skills through the partnership.”