Since 1994, two pulsed Doppler radars on Arlberg/Alpe Rauz have been in use for detecting naturally released as well as artificially triggered snow avalanches, threatening road sections and buildings in their runout zones. The purposes are verification of trigger success (i.e. reduction of pending snow masses) as well as safety improvement for road clearing personnel, entering dangerous zones only after avalanche occurence. In addition, a data base on avalanche dynamic properties has been built and is steadily being extended. Analysis of this data results in planning figures for runout zone sizing and protection work design. A third, transportable avalanche radar has been developed for the Institute of Avalanche and Torrent Research (Innsbruck), to being used for avalanche dynamics measurements. Further three avalanche detection/verification radars are on the way being developed for deployment in the Arlberg area in 2003/2004 (for improving road safety).

The Austrian weather radar network (4 stations, operated by Austro Control Aviation weather service) needs permanent adaptations and upgrades in order to keep it state of the art and improve user service. Since 1995 the network is being upgraded to Doppler operation, with full 3D-data brought down to each user terminal. Substantial parts of this upgrade have been and are being provided by INW/TU Graz, e.g. in the fields of radar calibration, efficient and secure data transport, and high-performance user terminal system developments. not assigned KP: Diverse not assigned GG: Diverse

Investigation of precipitation and cloud structures, small and large scale, and their influence on microwave propagation parameters (attenuation, depolarisation scintillations). Application of different methods, like radiometers, weather radar, beacon receivers, specialised precipitation gauges, Lidar-ceilometers. Physical and statistical modelling of structures, scattering calculations, for fixed and mobile radio links. Development and application of novel instrument for precipitation micro structure measurement, i.e. the 2D-Video-Distrometer (refer to http://www.distrometer.at). not assigned KP: Diverse not assigned GG: Diverse

Application of radar for remote measurements of precipitation structures, small and large scale, and snow covers/avalanches; radar acquisition of windprofiles; modelling of propagation impairments caused by tropospheric precipitation. Models for simulation of atmospheric wave propagation at arbitrary frequencies. Measurement of precipitation fine-structure by novel distrometer. not assigned KP: Diverse not assigned GG: Diverse

In close co-operation with the Radar and Propagation Research Group at the Institute of Applied Systems Technology (Joanneum Research), the application of weather radar as a tool for real-time wide-coverage measurements of precipitation is further developed and applied in operation-oriented projects. These activities are based on long-term experience in the design, implementation and operation of advanced weather radar systems and networks (e.g. multi-parameter research weather radar Graz/Hilmwarte, Austrian weather radar network, Central European Weather Radar Network - CERAD). Application areas include floods and torrents, mud avalanches, land-slides, soil and rock dumps, snow avalanches, hail, storm. An extensive weather radar data archive is available, well suited for retrospectively testing and validating detection and prognosis algorithms and strategies (e.g. performing neuronal networks learning cycles). Further applicable and dealt-with techniques include pulses Doppler radar and Lidar for wind, cloud and avalanche measurements, as well as application oriented analysis and interpretation of suitable satellite remote sensing data. Recent projects concern the design and implementation of a Styrian natural hazards warning system, the weather radar infrastructure for the Arlberg natural disaster management system and investigation of hail detection and suppression efficiency in South and East Styria. not assigned GG: Diverse

Analog and digital optical Communication Networks (like Fiber Optic and Free Space Laser Communication) will be investigated and designed. In this interesting research field the student have the possibility to make their diploma thesis or Communication-Project. A lot of publications show the importance of this field at TU Graz.

Investigation of atmospheric (ionospheric and tropospheric) impairments on radio waves in mobile satellite communication and navigation systems. Modelling of physical reasons and mechanisms, application to simulating arbitrary scenarios and effects. End-to-end-simulations including modulation/demodulation and service quality determination. Experimental assessment of interference configurations. Simulation of radar systems and target scenarios, for optimising radar positon and clutter target parameters. not assigned GG: ESA/ESTEC, EU, Telekom-Industrie, Flugsicherung

Characterization of microwave and mm-wave components and systems. Complex measurements setups for enhanced device testing at various frequency ranges. Fully automated execution of extensive measurements series. Generation and acquisition of broadband test-signals. Measurement of antennas in a defined environment. Evaluation and post-processing of measurement data.

Design and implementation of microwave and mm-wave circuits. Development of RF systems. Modeling and linearization of these devices and systems. Equivalent circuit modeling of microwave and mm-wave components.

Antennas are the main topic of this research area both as a single element and as arrays. Beamforming networks design is therefore included in this category. Mm-wave frequency antennas are being investigated in the framework of the project SeCoS. Part of the research activity includes switchable and tunable antennas for efficient position and sensing systems. The activity is supported by the presence in the institute of state-of-the-art facilities like an anechoic chamber for measurement up to 110 GHz.

design, modelling and measurement of microwave monolitic integrated circuits (MMIC)

The RFID Technologies group is part of the Institute of Microwave and Photonic Engineering at Graz University of Technology (Austria). The research group works on radio frequency identification (RFID) topics. RFID is a fast growing technology and paves the way for various new applications in low-power contactless communication systems. Additionally, RFID plays an important role for various companies in the Graz region. Approximately 50% of all RFID chips in global use have been developed in the Graz region.

The COST Action COST IC1301 WIPE aims to address efficient Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) circuits, systems and strategies specially tailored for batteryless systems. Batteryfree sensors, passive RFID, Near Field Communications (NFC) are all closely related concepts that make use of WPT and energy harvesting systems to remotely power up mobile devices or to remotely charge batteries, contributing to develop and foster the Internet of Things (IoT) evolution. In this context, this COST Action aims at bringing together RF circuit and system designers with different backgrounds to: 1) provide enhanced circuit and subsystem solutions to increase the efficiency in WPT; and 2) investigate the use of novel materials and technologies that allow minimizing cost and maximizing integration of the electronics with the environment and with the targeted applications. The COST Action expected benefits include the creation of a wide network of experts both from academia and industry that can address the existing and upcoming challenges in wireless power transmission scenarios in an interdisciplinary manner paving the way for the future generations of wireless power transmission solutions and the associated regulation. COST is an ideal framework towards joining efforts at an international level and establishing Europe as a leading scientific and industrial community in the field of wireless power transmission.

The topics of this research area include the design of different types of microwave filters in various technologies (planar, waveguide, evanescent mode) which aim to optimize their performances. In accordance to the market trend, part of the activity is devoted to tunable filters investigating different tuning systems (MEMS, PIN diodes, mechanical actuators). Dielectric filters for miniaturized filters are also part of this research area.