Do you want to specialize and deepen in Integrated Circuits? Are you eager to influence the next generation of wireless communications and integrated-circuits for car radars? Do you want to invent new ways to use various concepts together and demonstrate record-breaking levels of application performance? 

This is a unique opportunity in which we would like to explore the possibilities of combining concepts from the fields of Phased-Arrays, Beamforming and Sigma-Delta (ΣΔ) modulator design, in order to enable the next generation of wireless links that are capable of spatial discrimination. We want to use the results of this research to create innovative demonstrators for the next generation of wireless links based on our original Integrated Circuits (IC) in modern CMOS processes.

In this position, you will combine your passion for analog and mixed-signal IC design with the state-of-the-art achievements from the fields of data converters, sigma-delta modulator architectures, and analog IC design. Your work will be closely aligned with the application via our close collaboration with NXP and leading experts in the field.

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 of a sigma delta modulator for phased-array receivers with hybrid beamforming within the project 'Beamforming Enhancement by Adaptive MIMO Sigma-delta modulation (BEAMS)'. This project defines initial concepts for co-integrating the functions of beamforming and sigma delta modulations. We have already made the first test chips to prove these innovative concepts and now we are preparing for over-the-air measurements. Your responsibility will be to take over these activities and bring these to the next level - hybrid beamforming, larger phased arrays for better spatial selectivity, more efficient beamforming (BF) sigma-delta modulator (SDM) architectures that operates at even higher performance levels. Thus, we actively search now for suitable candidates, who are eager to assume responsibilities for answering key research questions, from an IC perspective, like:

• How can we link in the most optimal way the requirements of the application to the performance targets of the data converters? 
• How can we optimize the conversion function of a whole MIMO BF SDM array in terms of SNDR, Bandwidth, power consumption?
• What is the most optimal architecture that realizes both functions of beamforming and sigma-delta modulation and does it make sense to co-integrate more functions?
• What is the most efficient way to realize hybrid beamforming?

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

• Year 1: requirement analysis, proposal and an initial proof of concept with measurements of our existing setup. Based on the lessons learned, propose an IC architecture for the next generation of this trajectory.
• Year 2: initial test chip and demo (relaxed requirements, lower speeds; mainly test interaction between BF and SDM ADC for a hybrid beamforming)
• Year 3 -4: final test chip and proof of concept (optimized requirements, high-speed operation)
• Year 4: PhD thesis and defense.

In this PhD position, you will be one of the three key researchers in the BEAMS project. 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 27 (min. €2,541 max. €3,247).
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8,3 % of the annual salary.
• 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.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, excellent on-campus children day care, and sports facilities.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Starting as soon as possible.