From Passion to Profession
My name is Dr. Guy-Aymar Chakam and I have been working at Continental in Regensburg for 18 years. My responsibilities include the development and analysis of intelligent antenna modules in which various wireless services are integrated (e.g. 5G, AM, FM, DAB, WiFi, Emergency Call, GNSS, satellite radio, remote keyless entry). The exact composition is based on the needs of our customers and is therefore very customer-specific. The intelligent antenna module also plays a central role with regard to autonomous driving. This device ensures that the data required by the vehicle is always transmitted to the vehicle in order to be able to guarantee such autonomous driving.
The picture shows the antenna measurement room at the Regensburg site. There we can check whether our modules achieve the desired performance and are suitable for sale. My right hand is on a large metal plate that is supposed to simulate the roof of a car. This is mounted on an axis of rotation, which allows the entire structure to turn. The black structure close to my hand is the so-called antenna bonnet or cover. Underneath it and on the back of the metal plate are the integrated antennas. They are a central component of communication and provide connectivity in the vehicle. The cone-shaped elements in the background absorb the emitted waves and thus enable the measurement of the desired parameters. At the top of the picture you can also see the reference antenna, which serves as a comparison object.
My enthusiasm for this subject goes back a long way. When I was 7 years old, I developed a radio antenna for the first time. I always wondered how it was possible to transmit voices to such a device. The children's programme "La technique pour les enfants" from my country of origin, Cameroon, helped me to develop an initial understanding. The TV programme can be compared to the German series "Die Sendung mit der Maus" and gives a child-friendly insight into technical topics. After finishing high school in Cameroon, I started studying in Germany and applied for a job at Siemens VDO in 2003. Later, under Continental, I have now been allowed to pursue my passion here at the Regensburg site for over 18 years.
My goal was to bring systematic antenna development to life and integrate it into our processes. In the beginning, only a few colleagues were on board. Today, I look with pride at a worldwide team that is constantly developing new solutions and is always one step ahead of the competition. I am very happy that I was able to turn my passion into my profession and look forward to future developments and challenges."
This article was written by our employee.
