INTRODUCTION
The IEIIT is a research Institute of the Italian National Research Council - CNR (Consiglio
Nazionale delle Ricerche). It was established in 2002 merging several former research centres
from Torino, Milano, Bologna, Genova and Pisa. The IEIIT headquarters is in Torino.
IEIIT Milano merges the former CSTS (Centre for Space Telecommunications Studies) and
CESTIA (Centre for Information and Automation Technologies). IEIIT Milano is hosted by
DEI - Dipartimento di Elettronica e Informazione at Politecnico di Milano. All the research
activity is carried out jointly by the CNR and DEI staff.
CSTS was established in 1971 through the convention between the CNR and the Politecnico
di Milano, the main research goals being the characterization of the radio channel, transmission
of information, and signal processing in satellite communication systems.
Among specific research topics were : a) modulation and coding, b) multiple access methods,
c) redundancy reduction of the TV signal, d) SIRIO satellite experiment - propagation of
centimetric radiowaves, and e) antennas for special applications.
CESTIA was established in 1997 (merging two former Centres, one dealing with Information
Engineering and the other with Systems Theory) and focuses on computer science and
control engineering.
RESEARCH AREAS
Along the three decades of CSTS existence the research areas evolved in three main streams:
- Propagation experiments and studies up to Extremely High Frequencies (EHF). This included the large international measurement campaigns with the satellites SIRIO (11/14GHz) in 1977-1984, ECS (11/14 GHz) in 1985-1990, OLYMPUS (12/20/30GHz) in 1990-1992 and ITALSAT (20/40/50 GHz) in 1993 -2002. The meteorological radar and radiometers are extensively used for the characterization and modeling of millimetric radio wave propagation, as well as in the studies of electromagnetic scattering and interference in radio systems. Most of the equipment and experimental activity is is located at the Spino d'Adda Station
- Methods for digital processing and transmission of signals. This included digital modulation, coding and multiple access for geostationary and low- earth orbit satellites; algorithms and circuits for image processing (remote sensing, SAR) and video coding; laser source stabilization for coherent optical communications; CAD design of microwave circuits for space applications.
- Satellite communication systems for fixed or mobile terminals. This included architecture, multiple access and digital transmission for satellite communication systems in EHF (Extra High Frequencies) bands.
CESTIA, Centre for Research in Information and Automation Technologies, focused on computer science and control engineering. As for computer sciences, main results have been obtained in the fields of: architectures and systems for information processing; database and computer networks; language and software engineering. As for control engineering, main results have been obtained in the fields of: system identification and control, control engineering, simulation and industrial automation, environmental systems, decision support systems, public transport. Among more specific research topics are: New design methods for composite embedded systems, including algorithmic and soft-computing components. Techniques and instruments for the realization, performances evaluation and optimization of Web sites. Advanced techniques, methods and tools for software production Development of methods and algorithms for the users (Hardware/software implementable) for the identification of dynamical models from experimental data and for the control of industrial plants. Development of formal methods and real time support instruments of critical systems. Development of methodologies and instruments for control systems engineering and automation, supporting the design in a context of growing complexity. Decision support systems development and application to environmental, land related and transportation problems
Most of the activities developed over last three decades were supported by CNR and Italian Space Agency, ASI, allowing to build and run a large experimental facility at Spino d'Adda. Important satellite experiments were run and coordinated by Milano Propagation Group on behalf of ASI, see ITALSAT. The competence of the to-day Applied Electromagnetics Group, ApEMG, allowed for numerous research contracts with such institutions as ESA-ESTEC, CEE, MIUR, ITU, URSI, various universities and TLC industries.Very recent conventions have been activated with SIEMENS and ERICSSON.