Institut für Kommunikation und Navigation

The Institute for Communication and Navigation was founded in 1966 as the Institute for Satellite Electronics by Prof. Philipp Hartl. Since 2003 it has been led by Prof. Dr. Christoph Günther managed. The institute deals with the conception and analysis of systems for communication and navigation in applications in space, aviation, traffic and security. The spectrum of work ranges from basic questions to technology demonstrations. Our aim is to explore the limits of what is possible and to demonstrate new approaches for the first time. Today's work is focused on five missions that are of direct benefit to society and industry. These missions form the framework for the majority of the tasks we face. In order to solve these tasks, we specifically develop the theoretical basics, carry out simulations and build test and demonstration systems. This interaction is one of the institute's strengths. The theory often not only provides new approaches, but also limits what can be achieved, for example with regard to data rates or position accuracy. Prototypes then serve to prove the practicability of the new approaches, to identify and remove obstacles in the implementation. The institute also pays special attention to the actual implementation. Participation in the development of standards, cooperation with companies and the support of spin-offs by employees serve this purpose.