D13 secure US patent for power efficient radio transmission

In the latest win to come from Department 13 (D13), the company has announced a new US patent allowing more power efficient radio transmission.

The patent (US patent no. 9485063) will enable D13 to reduce the cost of radio components while improving signal quality and battery life. The innovative use of ‘spreading codes’ for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) will provide a significant boost to radio transmissions.

The patent represents a competitive advantage and a significant IP licensing opportunity for the company, coming in the wake of 12 previously granted patents and with 22 more in development.

The proprietary technology will be applicable across multiple markets where battery-powered radios are key to broadband data transmission. Cellular and Wi-Fi rely on OFDM as a mechanism for reliable and efficient rates of data transmission – however, the way OFDM usually works is by employing hundreds of sub-carrier signals, which can cause delays during peak times.

The spreading codes covered in D13’s latest patent help shape the OFDM transmission to appear like a single-carrier signal, resulting in a lower peak-to-average power ratio. The desired outcome is a reduction in costs (OFDM involving hundreds of subcarrier signals requires a more powerful PA system, which can be costly) and a reduction in the power required to transmit frequencies without distortion.

This improvement will be particularly important in counter-drone (counter-UAS) devices with battery-powered sensors and airborne platforms, requiring high-bandwidth data transmission.

D13 CEO Jonathan Hunter described it as all part of the company’s plan to build its IP portfolio.

“This latest patent continues the Company’s commitment to build a robust intellectual property portfolio. The application of this patent can help deliver substantial cost savings and battery life improvements in devices such as smartphones, camera drone and remote controls and represents a potentially lucrative licensing opportunity,” he said.

As the new technology can be used in other common items, such as smartphones, the technology could also improve the user experience through increasing battery life.

Last month, D13 was granted a new patent for the sharing of wireless resources between networks, which caused a spike in its share price. With more patent applications in the pipeline, it’s likely the news flow will not slow down for the company over the next few months.

Note, however, that uptake of D13’s technologies are yet to be formalised and therefore those looking to add D13 to their portfolio should consider all factors and seek professional financial advice.

Mesmer demonstrations in Australia

D13 will showcase its flagship counter-drone solution ‘Mesmer’ to Australian customers and capital markets audience today during its Annual General Meeting in Sydney.

Mesmer can bring down unmanned aerial vehicles by effectively hijacking the signal between operator and drone and bring the UAV down safely. It’s been proven to do so from distances exceeding 1km.

The demonstrations in Australia will go towards validating the company’s investor base here, following the highly successful demonstration of Mesmer in the US during September’s “Black Dart” event (the US government’s annual counter-drone testing and evaluation exercise).

Further demonstrations of Mesmer’s detection and mitigation capabilities are scheduled next week, in Brisbane on November 8 and Canberra on November 10.

There are a number of milestones on the horizon for Department 13, including the development of further patents and the commercialisation of its key Mesmer product.

With a growing patent portfolio, IP licensing and customer trials coming up, the next 12 months are likely to be eventful ones for the company as they make headway in Australia – a ‘critical market’ for counter-drone defence, in the words of the company.