iPhD position “Multi-Mode Antenna Arrays for Joint Communications and Sensing”

Prestigious industrial PhD Student Position on “Multi-Mode Antenna Arrays for Joint Communications and Sensing”. Department of Research and Development, The Antenna Company EM Group, Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology.

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Reference number

V36.7203

Communication networks provide the bedrock for digital transition of our society and economy. In 4G and 5G mobile networks, the Netherlands is strong in RF semiconductor technologies and applications of mobile technology. 6G, the new generation for the 2030s, offers large economic opportunities for the Netherlands to extend this position to areas in the global 6G value chain that have earlier moved to Asian and US companies. Securing such a position is crucial for the Netherlands to stay in control of its mobile networks. In the Future Network Services (FNS) program, leading ICT- and semiconductor companies and research institutions will jointly research specific parts of 6G: software antennas, AI-driven network software and leading 6G applications. By integrating these parts at the 6G software layer, FNS creates a powerful approach to make 6G a truly intelligent network. This innovation gives an important impulse to the Dutch economy and sustainable earning power, through advanced industrial activity and significant export opportunities. It will make 6G networks more energy efficient and drive digital autonomy.

Outline of the FNS-6G program:

The FNS innovations are developed in four program lines: (1) intelligent components, developing software antennas for the new high (mm-wave and THz) frequencies in 6G; (2) intelligent networks, developing AI-driven software for 6G radio and core networks; (3) leading applications, developing new 6G applications in mobility, energy, health and other sectors that create value through new set- ups of the sector value chains; (4) ecosystem strengthening, integrating the FNS innovations in the national 6G testbed, stimulating start-ups and SMEs, developing and executing the human capital agenda and ensuring policy alignment. The consortium currently consists of a mix of 60 large and small telecom, semiconductor and ICT companies, universities and public bodies:

• PL1: TU/e (lead), Aircision, Altum-RF, Ampleon, AntenneX, Astron, Bosch (ItoM), Chalmers, CITC, Ericsson, IMEC, KPN, NXP, PITC, Prodrive, RobinRadar, Sabic, Signify, TheAntennaCompany, TNO, TUDelft, Twente University (UT), Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, VTEC;
• PL2: TUDelft (lead), Almende, AMS-IX, Ericsson, IS-Wireless, KPN, Nokia, NVIDIA, Solvinity, SURF, TNO, TU/e, Universiteit van Amsterdam, UT, Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam);
• PL3: TNO (lead), Alliander, ASML, Comforest, Cordis, Drone Delivery Service, Ericsson, Future Mobility Network, gemeente Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Gomibo, KPN, Philips, Port Of Rotterdam, PWXR, Robin Radar, TenneT TSO, T-Mobile, Vialis;
• PL4: TUDelft (lead), BTG, Ericsson, ECP, EZK, Hanze Hogeschool, KOREWireless, KPN, Liberty Global, Nokia, OostNL, RDI, SURF, TU/e, T-Mobile , UT, Vodafone, Ziggo.

PhD position on “Multi-Mode Antenna Arrays for Joint Communications and Sensing”:

The research program focuses on the development of multi-mode antenna arrays with enhanced scan range and reduced scan losses. These systems are pivotal in a variety of applications such as satellite communications, radar, and particularly in the burgeoning 5G/6G technologies for joint communications and sensing at millimeter-wave frequencies.

Research Challenges and Innovations

• Challenges:
  • Overcoming the limitations of traditional phased array antennas, especially the limited scan range.
  • Integrating complex multi-port radiating elements in an array configuration.
  • Ensuring efficient phase and signal control between the antenna feeding ports for optimal radiation pattern reconfiguration.
• Innovations:
  • The integration of multi-mode antenna elements allows for a much wider scan range, which is critical for mm-wave applications.
  • The ability to reconfigure radiation patterns dynamically offers flexibility in coverage and enhanced system performance.

Impact and Future Scope

• Impact:
  • The enhanced scan range and reduced scan losses will significantly improve the performance of mm-wave systems in applications like satellite communications, radar, and remote sensing.
  • The technology is particularly beneficial for the advancement of 5G/6G technologies, where high antenna gain is required to compensate for large propagation losses at mm- wave frequencies.
• Future Scope:
  • Further research could explore the integration of more complex beamforming algorithms and AI-driven optimization for radiation pattern control.
  • Investigating the potential for miniaturization and cost reduction of the antenna array for widespread commercial deployment.

This research program, with its focus on innovative antenna array designs and advanced beamforming techniques, promises to push the boundaries of mm-wave technology, paving the way for more efficient and powerful wireless communication and sensing systems.

• Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a Master of Science degree or equivalent in a relevant electrical engineering or applied physics discipline.
• The selection is based on the candidates’ application documents in combination with their performance during the interviews and possible assignments.
• Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be placed on creative thinking, motivation, ability to work in a team, initiative to work independently and personal suitability for research training.
• An educational background in the areas of electromagnetic field theory, antenna design, antenna arrays, microwave engineering, and signal processing is preferred. Practical experience is considered beneficial.
• Proficiency in using scientific and engineering software packages such as CST Studio Suite, Python, Matlab, Mathematica, etc. are advantageous.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.

• An opportunity for a significant role in a rapidly evolving scale-up within the advanced antenna systems sector, offering exposure to both the scientific and industrial communities.
• Four years of full-time employment, featuring biannual performance and progress review cycles.
• Complimentary access to facilities of The Antenna Company to facilitate your PhD research, with annual discussions on personal development programs.
• A competitive starting gross monthly salary of €3,355 (based on full-time employment), with meaningful annual increases reflecting performance and results, in line with the salary policies of The Antenna Company.
• An additional annual holiday bonus amounting to 8% of your yearly gross salary.
• A comprehensive package of fringe benefits, including access to state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, reimbursement of commuting expenses, company mobile phone, and a pension plan, is provided according to the policies of The Antenna Company.

This vacancy concerns a partnership of which TU/e is one of the participating parties. Employment will be with The Antenna Company.

Further information can be obtained by using the following contact addresses:
Dr. Diego Caratelli (diego.caratelli[at]antennacompany , d.caratelli[at]tue.nl ) Prof. Bart Smolders (a.b.smolders[at]tue.nl ).