Digital radio distribution system over multiple cabling types

This paper demonstrates a novel digital radio distribution system able to transmit not only over optical fibres and coaxial cables but also over twisted pair cables. The digitised RF signal is compressed for maximum transmission efficiency in a way that allows for integral self-learning algorithms to be introduced for multi-service applications. © 2013 IEEE.

Dual-service wireless LAN antenna-remoting system using uncooled directly modulated D'FB laser diodes

We report a fibre-optic wireless distribution system, which allows antenna-remoting of a dual-service IEEE 802.11b/g WLAN operating at 2.4GHz up to 700m over low-bandwidth 62.5/125μm MMF using highly linear uncooled directly modulated laser diodes. © 2004 Optical Society of America.

Multiplexed classical and quantum transmission for high bitrate quantum key distribution systems

We report the operation of a gigahertz clocked quantum key distribution system, with two classical data communication channels using coarse wavelength division multiplexing over a record fibre distance of 80km. © 2012 OSA.

Efficient decoy-state quantum key distribution with quantified security

We analyse the finite-size security of the efficient Bennett-Brassard 1984 protocol implemented with decoy states and apply the results to a gigahertz-clocked quantum key distribution system. Despite the enhanced security level, the obtained secure key rates are the highest reported so far at all fibre distances.

High bit rate quantum key distribution with 100 dB security

We report the operation of a gigahertz clocked quantum key distribution system featuring high composable and quantifiable security while maintaining more than 1 Mbit/s secure key rate over a 50 km quantum channel. © OSA 2013.

Multiplexed classical and quantum transmission for high bitrate quantum key distribution systems

We report the operation of a gigahertz clocked quantum key distribution system, with two classical data communication channels using coarse wavelength division multiplexing over a record fibre distance of 80km. © OSA 2012.

Weighted least squares with expectation-maximization algorithm for burst detection in U.K. water distribution systems

Flow measurement data at the district meter area (DMA) level has the potential for burst detection in the water distribution systems. This work investigates using a polynomial function fitted to the historic flow measurements based on a weighted least-squares method for automatic burst detection in the U.K. water distribution networks. This approach, when used in conjunction with an expectationmaximization (EM) algorithm, can automatically select useful data from the historic flow measurements, which may contain normal and abnormal operating conditions in the distribution network, e.g., water burst. Thus, the model can estimate the normal water flow (nonburst condition), and hence the burst size on the water distribution system can be calculated from the difference between the measured flow and the estimated flow. The distinguishing feature of this method is that the burst detection is fully unsupervised, and the burst events that have occurred in the historic data do not affect the procedure and bias the burst detection algorithm. Experimental validation of the method has been carried out using a series of flushing events that simulate burst conditions to confirm that the simulated burst sizes are capable of being estimated correctly. This method was also applied to eight DMAs with known real burst events, and the results of burst detections are shown to relate to the water company's records of pipeline reparation work. © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.

An error free passive UHF RFID system using a new form of wireless signal distribution

A wide area and error free ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation system based on the use of multiple antennas used in cooperation to provide high quality ubiquitous coverage, is presented. The system uses an intelligent distributed antenna system (DAS) whereby two or more spatially separated transmit and receive antenna pairs are used to allow greatly improved multiple tag identification performance over wide areas. The system is shown to increase the read accuracy of 115 passive UHF RFID tags to 100% from <60% over a 10m × 8m open plan office area. The returned signal strength of the tag backscatter signals is also increased by an average of 10dB and 17dB over an area of 10m 8m and 10m × 4m respectively. Furthermore, it is shown that the DAS RFID system has improved immunity to tag orientation. Finally, the new system is also shown to increase the tag read speed/rate of a population of tags compared with a conventional RFID system. © 2012 IEEE.

An Error Free Passive UHF RFID System using a New Form of Wireless Signal Distribution

A wide area and error free ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation system based on the use of multiple antennas used in cooperation to provide high quality ubiquitous coverage, is presented. The system uses an intelligent distributed antenna system (DAS) whereby two or more spatially separated transmit and receive antenna pairs are used to allow greatly improved multiple tag identification performance over wide areas. The system is shown to increase the read accuracy of 115 passive UHF RFID tags to 100% from <60% over a 10m x 8m open plan office area. The returned signal strength of the tag backscatter signals is also increased by an average of 10dB and 17dB over an area of 10m x 8m and 10m x 4m respectively. Furthermore, it is shown that the DAS RFID system has improved immunity to tag orientation. Finally, the new system is also shown to increase the tag read speed/rate of a population of tags compared with a conventional RFID system.

System studies of the superconducting fault current limiter in electrical distribution grids

A superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) in series with a downstream circuit breaker could provide a viable solution to controlling fault current levels in electrical distribution networks. In order to integrate the SFCL into power grids, we need a way to conveniently predict the performance of the SFCL in a given scenario. In this paper, short circuit analysis based on the electromagnetic transient program was used to investigate the operational behavior of the SFCL installed in an electrical distribution grid. System studies show that the SFCL can not only limit the fault current to an acceptable value, but also mitigate the voltage sag. The transient recovery voltage (TRV) could be remarkably damped and improved by the presence of the SFCL after the circuit breaker is opened to clear the fault. © 2007 British Crown Copyright.

Managing without measuring: A study of an electricity distribution company

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an exception to the common belief "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it". It aims to show how in certain situations particular practices, attitudes and cultures can remove the need for individual performance measurement. Design/methodology/approach: First, the paper identifies the usual roles of performance measurement in managing individual employees as described by control and motivation theorists. Second, it identifies a market-leading organisation where managers deliberately refuse to use their top-level performance measurement system to manage the performance of individual employees. A case study is carried out to test what non-measurement mechanisms fulfil the roles of individual performance measurement in this organisation. Findings: Building on situations observed at this company, a set of possible characteristics of companies that do not require formalised individual performance measurement systems in order to achieve high performance standards is put forward. Practical implications: Managers should not always assume that individual performance measurement is the only way to achieve excellent performance. This study shows that, by granting responsibilities and providing appropriate support, managers can channel workers' enhanced motivation towards meeting wider organisational goals. Originality/value: This work broadens the understanding of how excellent performance can be achieved. It shows that excellence can be achieved through practices based on shared values linked to motivation, trust, and a common sense of mission, without the need to install individual performance measurement systems based on cybernetic principles. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.