Phd Position Smart Sensing IC for Next-generation Power Management Systems

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on pioneering research in smart sensing integrated circuits (ICs) for power conversion systems. This includes, but is not limited to, motor drivers, DC-DC converters, and other related applications. The goal of this research is to develop advanced sensing technologies that can monitor system operations in real-time, offering numerous benefits such as fault detection, lifetime prediction, and dynamic optimization for enhanced performance.

You will focus on the following key areas:

• CMOS Technology for Sensor Integration: Develop and integrate smart sensors using CMOS technology, e.g. current sensor, temperature sensor and etc.
• Precision and Low-Power Design: Design sensors that maintain high accuracy while consuming minimal power, crucial for efficient and sustainable power conversion systems.
• Interference Robustness: Implement strategies to make sensors robust against large high-frequency interference, which is common in many power conversion systems.

Benefits of Smart Sensing in Power Conversion

The integration of smart sensing technologies in power conversion systems offers several transformative benefits:

• Enhanced Reliability: Real-time monitoring and fault detection improve system reliability and prevent unexpected failures.
• Extended Lifetime: Predictive maintenance strategies based on sensor data can significantly extend the operational lifetime of power conversion systems.
• Improved Efficiency: Dynamic optimization ensures that the system operates at peak efficiency under varying conditions.
• Cost Savings: Reduced maintenance and operational costs through early fault detection and predictive maintenance.
• Advanced Data Analytics: Leverage big data analytics to gain deeper insights into system performance and behavior.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Research Environment: Be a part of a leading research team working on groundbreaking technologies.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to advanced laboratories and tools to support your research.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for attending conferences, publishing papers, and collaborating with industry partners.

About APIC research group: www.apictudelft.com

APIC research group focuses on precision analog and power IC. We have a strong track record on precision amplifiers, current sensors, and power IC. We have published many top conference and journal papers such as ISSCC, VLSI, JSSC and etc. The group leader Dr. Fan serves as a technical program committee member of ISSCC, VLSI and ESSERC, and is a distinguished lecturer of the SSCS society.

Need to have:

1. You should have earned an MSc degree in electronics, preferably at a recognized institute for higher education.
2. You need to be familiar with the integrated circuit design software Cadence Spectre.
3. You need to have basic knowledge of integrated circuit design.

Nice to have:

1. Knowledge of current, temperature sensing IC design is highly appreciated.
2. Tapeout experience is highly appreciated

General requirements

We make our selection based on the following general requirements:

• Formal requirements regarding prior education: you should have earned an MSc degree at a recognized institute for higher education.
• Background: this depends on the specific project.
• English: you should be able to communicate well in English (written and oral). Provide TOEFL/IELTS scores unless your MSc degree is in English.
• Originality: your MSc thesis or later work (publications) should reflect some original ideas. Critical and independent thinking is very important.
• Team player: you should be able to work well in a team of other project members.

Your resume should contain contact information of prior advisors/supervisors who can provide feedback.   

*competitive applications without an MSc might be considered upon extra review

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

From 1 September next, a salary increase of 3.7% applies due to a Collective Agreement amendment, followed by an additional 1% increase on 1 January 2025. 
In addition, most employees employed on 1 September 2024 will receive a one-off payment of €300 gross based on full-time employment.

The TU Delft offers a customizable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organize events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before August 31, 2024 via the
application button and upload:

1. Detailed CV
2. Motivation letter (2 pages maximum)
3. BSc and MSc Transcripts
4. Names and contact information of at least two references (contacts, letters not
   needed)

Top candidates will be invited for interviews

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.