Emerson recently signed an agreement with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) to advance wideband characterisation methods for active electronically scanned array (AESA) systems. This joint effort aims to accelerate innovation, improve test coverage, and reduce risks for industries adopting next-generation AESA technologies, such as aerospace and telecommunications.
AESA architectures are rapidly transforming radar, communications, and navigation systems, fuelling the need for more sophisticated and real-world-relevant test methodologies. To address this demand, Emerson will work with VUB to develop innovative approaches for wideband characterisation of RF and microwave components and subsystems used in AESA systems.
As part of the collaboration, Emerson is providing NI PXI test hardware and vector signal transceiver (VST) instruments to VUB. These tools facilitate multichannel, high-fidelity signal generation and analysis, allowing researchers to validate component behaviour under realistic wideband conditions. This joint effort aims to accelerate innovation, improve test coverage, and reduce risks for industries adopting next-generation AESA technologies.
“Our partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussel underscores Emerson’s commitment to ongoing refinement and advancement of RF and microwave testing methodologies,” said René Nuessgen, Senior Director, Research and Development, Emerson. “By integrating our advanced test and measurement technologies with VUB’s research expertise, we are enabling the development of robust and scalable approaches that will drive the adoption of AESA systems in high-reliability applications.”
The collaboration also supports PhD training, joint publications, and deeper engagement between industry and academia. With a focus on advanced technology applications, the partnership will foster internal knowledge development at Emerson while contributing to the broader engineering community.
Nuessgen and Professor Dries Peumans of VUB’s Electricity Department signed the agreement during an official ceremony held at European Microwave Week.
“This collaboration with Emerson is an excellent opportunity to push forward our research in wideband characterisation and modelling of high-frequency components and active antenna systems. With access to Emerson’s advanced measurement infrastructure and expertise, our researchers can explore new ways to measure and understand complex systems. We’re excited to see what practical innovations will come out of this program – especially those that could shape the future of wireless communication and sensing,” said Prof. Peumans.
