Do you want to specialize and deepen in Integrated Circuits and mixed-signal design? Are you eager to electronically control light, like none before? Do you want to influence the next generation of LiDARs (Light Detection and Ranging) devices and integrated-circuits? Do you want to closely collaborate with scientists from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Denmark? 

This exceptional opportunity presents a chance for us to explore the realm of massively integrating Digital-to-Analog converters onto a single chip, thereby generating control signals for photonic beamformers designed for FMCW LiDAR devices. In the course of this research, we may draw upon concepts from various fields, including phased arrays, digital Sigma-Delta (ΣΔ) modulation, digital signal processing (DSP), and power-efficient IC design. It's worth noting that this research project forms a crucial part of a collaborative initiative within a pan-European research network. We want to use the results of this research, together with our partners, to create innovative demonstrators for the next generation of LiDARs.

In this role, you will fuse your passion for analog and mixed-signal IC design with the latest advancements in data converters, sigma-delta and pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques, as well as analog IC design. The fruits of your labor could potentially pave the way for breakthroughs in other applications that demand large arrays of data converters, such as wireless communication, UWB ranging and automotive radar.

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 will be responsible for researching, developing and implementing key architectural and circuits related aspects for creating an array of unit Digital-to-Analog Converters interfaced to hundreds of optical phase shifters. The main goals of the research project include: a) developing an area efficient Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) unit to drive optical phase shifters; b) exploring the limits of DAC unit integration in a single IC; c) developing an ultra large IC array of numerous DAC units; d) interfacing the ultra large array of DAC units to optical phase-shifters.

Thus, we actively search now for suitable candidates, who are eager to assume responsibilities for answering key research questions, from an IC perspective, like:

• What will be an optimal architecture for a high-density array of DACs integrated on a single CMOS chip?
• How can we optimally use the array redundancy to improve efficiency of costs, like needed IC and power consumption? How can we use the properties of the application to improved the efficiency of our circuits?
• What are the limits for co-integrating data converters?
• How can we measure and characterize structures with massive flow of information?

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

• Year 1: Secondments in partners to study the challenges of co-integrating photonic with electronic ICs; co-design of the optical phase-shifting and DAC elements for optimal integration in commercial CMOS technologies together with our partners from Denmark.
• Year 2: design and fabrication of an IC test chip featuring a novel array of DAC units.
• Year 3-4: Design and fabrication of test Printed-Circuit-Board (PCB) to characterize the novel array of DAC units; Measurements for LiDAR beamforming.
• Year 4: PhD thesis and defense.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 101120353.

In this PhD position, you will be one of the 10 key researchers within our research network. 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 IC, RF, mixed-signal circuit design, data converters and signal processing.
• Excellence in analog electronics analysis and design.
• Design skills in MATLAB and Cadence with relations to analog IC design.
• 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, 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.