Overview of the 3D-ComS project

The project 3D-ComS targets 'towards 6G' technology. In 6G, millimeter-wave (mmWave) base-stations are used for high-speed communication as well as for sensing of the environment. Sensing while communicating is crucial to prevent, or at least predict, communication performance degradation caused by dynamic blockages (e.g. by humans, vehicles). In 3D-ComS, we exploit a unique set of expertise to advance joint communication and sensing (JCAS) technology. We will design a 3D mmWave array system with a minimal number of active, highly integrated antennas to enable digital beamforming at high power efficiencies and seek meaningful trade-offs between data rates and sensing performances.

The 3D-ComS project is a nationally funded collaboration project and contains three PhD student positions at the two Dutch universities in Twente and Eindhoven. Each PhD student is responsible for one of the three work packages (WP) as shown in the figure below. The PhD student responsible for WP1 will work at TU/e in Eindhoven, the PhD students responsible for WP2 and WP3 will both work at UTwente.

PhD project description

This PhD project is linked to WP1, which focuses on the development of a fully digital, three-dimensional (3D) antenna array for the base-station. Using a 3D array as opposed to a flat panel (2D) array allows to scan full 360˚ in azimuth with all elements being utilized for each beam direction. This approach minimises the number of required digital channels per base-station site and allows for optimal exploitation of the available hardware resources.

The PhD student will be responsible for the design of the entire array, i.e. the array topology as well as the development of the antenna array elements. This activity includes the assessment of the antenna system concept from a system perspective, i.e. its performance with respect to a joint communication and sensing system. An array prototype will be fabricated as part of the joint project demonstrator. This also implies close collaboration with the other two PhD students from Twente to ensure a working system at the end of the project.

• 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 their application documents in combination with their performance during the interviews and possible assignments.
• Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be 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 antennas, microwave engineering and/or wireless signal processing is required. Practical experience is considered beneficial.
• Proficiency in using scientific and engineering software packages such as Matlab, ADS, CST etc. are advantageous.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.

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 27 (min. €2,541 max. €3,247).
• 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.