61795: Student electrical engineering, communications, physics (f/m/x) - Electronics design and integration for space payload: future navigation system based on optical technologies

The Group of Advanced Optical Technologies of DLR’s Institute of Communications and Navigation develops experimental laser communication systems for optical data links between satellites and optical ground stations as well as demonstrator platforms for testbed system verifications. The system development covers several disciplines such as optics, physics, electronics, programming and mechanics.

The successful applicant will support our team in the evaluation, testing and integration of electronic components for satellite communications and ranging applications. The components are tested using laboratory equipment to verify their functions and assure their compatibility with other parts of the system. A preliminary evaluation of the behavior of the components under radiation exposure and thermal cycles will also be assessed. Finally, the components shall be integrated on a high-frequency PCB, providing interfacing and communication with an FPGA and the neighboring sub-systems. The timing of the whole circuitry is managed using a PLL which shall be integrated and optimized to improve the overall performance of the system.

It is an excellent opportunity to work in a cutting-edge topic, gain experience on hardware integration and electronic measurement instrumentation, and improve your engineering skills.

Main activities:

• PCB design to support the qualification of commercial ICs
• integration and testing of PCBs to verify the design
• analog filter design
• design, testing and optimization of electronics for PLL applications