PhD on sub-THz Reverberation Chambers: Measurements Beyond 300 GHz (IPCEI-6G)

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Reference number

V36.7304

The IPCEI 6G program

As part of Europe investment in semiconductor technology, a large Dutch IPCEI program for the development and production of Radio Frequency (RF) Front end products for 6G communication systems has been granted, where NXP is the overall coordinator. 5G systems are still in an early stage of deployment, enabling solutions for high-speed low-latency connectivity for a wide range of applications enabling smart cars, smart factories and connected sensors. With IoT devices expected to triple by 2030, from 10B today to 30B, 5G technologies will probably hit limitations. Although some functionalities have been demonstrated, power consumption/heat dissipation combined with RF performance remain one of the biggest challenges. Typically, today, power efficiency of early solutions at candidate next-gen 5G evolution/6G frequencies like 5 to 25 GHz as well as the mm-Wave and sub-THz frequency ranges around 100 GHz and higher have power efficiencies which are not at the right level to enable the new advanced use cases of 6G. The required power efficiency to enable the 5G evolution/6G applications requires a much-improved combination of RF IC manufacturing process capability, packaging technology and Antenna-in-Package (AiP) product design. Disruptive innovations are needed in the areas of energy efficient RF ICs, antennas, integration and packaging technologies as well as thermal management strategies.

In the overall program three main aspects will be explored: (1) Release of new generation Silicon IC technology suitable for 6G RF applications; (2) RF frontend IC’s for transmit and receive amplification, beamforming and up/down conversion and (3) Integration of ICs in antenna in package (AiP) technology to build the 6G high performance Antenna in Package radio Front ends.

Background

As frequencies and integration levels go up, accurate knowledge about the radiated power over a wide frequency spectrum becomes more important, especially in view of the power consumption challenges described above. Yet, it also becomes ever more challenging: in traditional anechoic environments the increasing path loss and measurement setup bulkiness make Over-the-Air measurements extremely challenging. One excellent candidate solution is the reverberation chamber: the measurement environment is easily fully shielded frum surrounding equipment, and by its very nature the path loss does not have an effect. Traditionally used for EMC applications, it has lately gathered traction for communications testing. It has already been shown to be a very good solution at frequencies up to 140 GHz at TU/e, allowing the measurement of fundamental frequencies of 5G FR2 and some 6G bands, as well as third harmonics of 5G FR2. This reverberation chamber is shown in the Figure. However, at the moment no facilities exist for frequencies exceeding the 140 GHz developed at TU/e. Yet, for other 6G frequencies and measurement of harmonic frequencies, we need a facility able to operate well beyond 300 GHz, preferably up to 500 GHz.

PhD Research Position

In this project you will go even further beyond the state-of-the-art to develop the world’s first sub-THz reverberation chamber. In doing so, you will study the fundamental electromagnetic effects in a reverberation chamber in terms of its’ design at these extremely high frequencies: how to account and optimize for materials, surface roughness, leakage, shape and size? What is the impact on the final performance of the designed reverberation chamber, and the resulting measurement uncertainty? These questions will be addressed during the design while taking into account the needs of project partner NXP to ensure the design can be readily applied to cutting-edge devices. When realized, we will demonstrate the new reverberation chamber by performing measurements on the latest devices operating up to 300 GHz.

• Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a Master of Science degree or equivalent in a relevant electrical engineering or applied physics discipline.
• Previous experience in the (practical) areas of antennas and/or microwave engineering is required.
• In addition, selection is based on the performance of the candidates in other works (e.g. thesis and advanced level courses), as well as through interviews and assignments.
• Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be on creative thinking, motivation, ability to cooperate, initiative to work independently and personal suitability for research training.
• Proficiency in using scientific and engineering software packages such as Matlab, ADS, CST etc. are advantageous. 
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Sander Bronckhorst, [email protected] .

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, [email protected] .

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Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.