PhD: Beamforming and Sigma-Delta modulators research for Phased-array receivers

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Reference number

V36.5984

Are you eager to influence the next generation of wireless communications and integrated car radars? Do you want to dive into the world of integrated circuits and invent ways to combine various concepts together to attain new levels of application performance? 

This is a unique opportunity in which we would like to explore the possibilities of combining concepts from the fields of Phased-Arrays, Beamforming and Sigma-Delta design, in order to enable the next generation of wireless links that are capable of spatial discrimination. We want to use the results of this research to create innovative demonstrators for the next generation of wireless links.

In this position, you will combine your passion for integrated circuit design with the state-of-the-art achievements from the fields of data converters, sigma-delta modulator architectures, and analog IC design. Your work will be closely aligned with the application via our close collaboration with NXP.

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is an internationally oriented research university, specialized in engineering, science and technology.  TU/e is known for its major scientific impact and development of technological innovations. Our university is at the heart of society: TU/e focuses on complex societal challenges by specifically targeting three Strategic Areas with education and research: Energy, Health, and Smart Mobility.

The Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) is one of the most successful departments in the Netherlands in the field of research in collaboration with industry. The department currently has approximately 1200 Bachelor and Master students and more than 300 PhD students.

Responsibilities

You are responsible for researching, developing and implementing key architectural and circuits related aspects of a sigma delta modulator for phased-array receivers with hybrid beamforming within the project “Beamforming Enhancement by Adaptive MIMO Sigma-delta modulation (BEAMS)”. This project defines initial concepts for co-integrating the functions of beamforming and sigma delta modulations. We have already made the first test chips to prove these innovative concepts and now we are preparing for over-the-air measurements. Your responsibility will be to take over these activities and bring these to the next level – hybrid beamforming, larger phased arrays for better spatial selectivity, more efficient beamforming (BF) sigma-delta modulator (SDM) architectures that operates at even higher performance levels. Thus, we actively search now for suitable candidates, who are eager to assume responsibilities for answering key research questions like:

• How can we link in the most optimal way the requirements of the application to the performance targets of the data converters? 
• How can we optimize the conversion function of a whole MIMO BF SDM array in terms of SNDR, Bandwidth, power consumption?
• What is the most optimal architecture that realizes both functions of beamforming and sigma-delta modulation and does it make sense to integrate more functions into the architecture?
• How can we combine the MIMO and beamforming arrays? What is the most efficient way to realize hybrid beamforming?

The PhD research needs to be concluded in 4 years. A possible work plan with milestones can be:

• Year 1: requirement analysis, proposal and an initial proof of concept with measurements of our existing setup. Based on the lessons learned, propose an architecture for the next generation of this trajectory.
• Year 2: initial test chip and demo (relaxed requirements, lower speeds; mainly test interaction between BF and SDM ADC for a hybrid beamforming).
• Year 3 -4: final test chip and proof of concept (optimized requirements, high-speed operation).
• Year 4: PhD thesis and defense.

In this PhD position, you will be one of the three key researchers in the BEAMS project. To fit into the team, a set of key requirements is needed:

• A MSc degree in Electrical Engineering from a technical university (in EU or EFTA).
• Experience and interest in RF, mixed-signal circuit design, data converters and signal processing.
• Excellence in analog electronics analysis and design.
• Design skills in MATLAB and Cadence.
• Strong communication skills – you will interface and mutually relay on other members of the team and you will interface with many people from the academia and industry.
• Excellent mastering of the English language (both written and verbal), Dutch is a plus.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university.
• A full-time temporary employment for four years, preferably starting as soon as possible.
• You will have free access to high-quality training programs  on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• A gross salary between € 2541,-  and € 3247,- per.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8,3 % of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives  are in place, excellent on-campus children day care, and sports facilities.

For more information about the content of the position, please contact dr.ir. Georgi Radulov, email g.radulov[at]tue.nl.

Other information can be obtained from Mrs Linda van den Boomen, HR advisor, email: l.j.c.v.d.boomen[at]tue.nl.

Application

If interested, please use 'apply now'-button at the top of this page.
You should upload the following:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the position.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (including English proficiency level, nationality, VISA requirements, date of birth as well as programming skills, experience overview, publication list (if any), and key achievements in research project(s)).
• Contact information of two academic references.
• Copies of diplomas with course grades.
• Copy of the master thesis work (or equivalent self-written paper).

Candidates will be selected based on graduation mark and proficiency at university including consideration of the reputation of the university, relevant experience and skills, writing skills and publications, work experience as well as performance in interviews.

Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary please combine files.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled.