The next generation of wireless communication systems for civilian satellite and cellular applications demands highly directive and low-cost antennas generating multiple simultaneous co-frequency beams. The multibeam capability in antennas for Internet user terminals and base stations / phones is essential for smooth satellite / base station handover, throughput increase and improvement of link reliability. Due to its relatively lower implementation and processing complexity as compared to the fully-analog / fully-digital multibeam architectures, Hybrid Beam Forming (HBF) is currently seen as a promising alternative towards realizing this aim. However, the ambition for the future is to have several beams with permanent beam agility over a wide field-of-view and frequency range, which is not achievable with the currently proposed HBF schemes. Besides, the requirements on beam reconfigurability in a wide angular range and large bandwidth bring additional design challenges. Therefore, new fundamental approaches and further studies in HBF are required to address the current problems and prove its potential for future investments.

In this PhD project (HybridBeams), the objectives are to identify capabilities / limitations of a new HBF architecture based on reconfigurable multiport sub-arrays, and to propose novel synthesis and design solutions (both in hardware and signal processing) to address the limitations. The scientific challenges expected to be solved within the project include (i) reducing the complexity and losses in reconfigurable analog multibeam antenna feed circuits, (ii) increasing the number of beams with reasonable complexity, (iii) maintaining radiation properties (beam directions, gains, side lobe levels) over a wide field-of-view and bandwidth under practical design factors, (iv) obtaining low-cost use-case specific designs with modularity.

The candidate will join the MS3 group at TU Delft, who has built its expertise on years of research and development in the area of active phased array antennas with various sub-array based and sparsity based multiple beam generation concepts, in strong collaboration with NXP Semiconductors and European Space Agency in the Netherlands.

The applicant should have a MSc degree with a strong background in electrical engineering or physics and preferably with prior knowledge of and interest in antenna systems, microwave circuit design and signal processing. Programming experience in MATLAB is expected; experience in working with EM simulation tools (e.g. CST Studio Suite) will be an advantage. Strong communication skills for interaction with the other members of the team are expected. The researcher should have an open personality and good English language skills in order to closely cooperate with colleagues and students as well as to write project documents. European (EU) nationality is an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2434 per month in the first year to € 3111 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.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

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