Case Studies

High-speed digital data acquisition enables the direct observation of sensor outputs - a major advantage over conventional instrumentation. More compact and less power hungry, the use of this technology in mobile applications is increasing. For example, first responders at major nuclear incidents can check surroundings for cont...

The processing power of traditional silicon chips, or integrated circuits, is now reaching its limit. To address this, and the demand for smaller devices, manufacturers are introducing ‘3D’ chips where parts are assembled on top of each other. This additional level of architecture requires new types of measurements to verify th...

The manufacture of many low-value items is being outsourced to countries outside of Europe. In response European manufacturers are repurposing high-throughput processes, such as printing and injection moulding, to produce high-value devices, recognising the [potential] ‘economy of scale’. Roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing is an ...

All elements of the high voltage (HV) transmission grid require testing to demonstrate tolerance to such voltages to prevent failure and disruption to electricity supplies. In addition, due to the height of HV lines lightning strikes are common and cause surges of power, or ‘lightning impulses’ (LI), reaching hundreds of kV in ...

Intensive farming practices, relating to livestock, such as slurry spreading or maintaining herds indoors, are major contributors to ammonia emissions. When released, ammonia can deposit on and damage ecosystems and it can also react with atmospheric gas to produce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that is hazardous to our health...

The International Energy Agency predicts that by 2050 solar power could cover 69 % of electricity generation, making it the world’s largest source of power. For this to happen it will require multiple approaches such as reduced installation costs, increased solar cell efficiencies or the adoption of new technologies. New types...