Phd on e-band circularly polarised aesa antenna

Functieomschrijving

Communication networks provide the bedrock for digital transition of our society and economy. In 4G and 5G mobile networks, the Netherlands is strong in RF semiconductor technologies and applications of mobile technology. 6G, the new generation for the 2030s, offers large economic opportunities for the Netherlands to extend this position to areas in the global 6G value chain that have earlier moved to Asian and US companies. Securing such a position is crucial for the Netherlands to stay in control of its mobile networks. In the Future Network Services (FNS) program, leading ICT- and semiconductor companies and research institutions will jointly research specific parts of 6G: software antennas, AI-driven network software and leading 6G applications. By integrating these parts at the 6G software layer, FNS creates a powerful approach to make 6G a truly intelligent network. This innovation gives an important impulse to the Dutch economy and sustainable earning power, through advanced industrial activity and significant export opportunities. It will make 6G networks more energy efficient and drive digital autonomy.

Outline of the FNS-6G program:

The FNS innovations are developed in four program lines: (1) intelligent components, developing software antennas for the new high (mm-wave and THz) frequencies in 6G; (2) intelligent networks, developing AI-driven software for 6G radio and core networks; (3) leading applications, developing new 6G applications in mobility, energy, health and other sectors that create value through new set-ups of the sector value chains; (4) ecosystem strengthening, integrating the FNS innovations in the national 6G testbed, stimulating start-ups and SMEs, developing and executing the human capital agenda and ensuring policy alignment. The consortium currently consists of a mix of 60 large and small telecom, semiconductor and ICT companies, universities and public bodies:

• PL1: TU/e (lead), Aircision, Altum-RF, Ampleon, AntenneX, Astron, Bosch (ItoM), Chalmers, CITC, Ericsson, IMEC, KPN, NXP, PITC, Prodrive, RobinRadar, Sabic, Signify, TheAntennaCompany, TNO, TUDelft, Twente University (UT), Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, VTEC;
• PL2: TUDelft (lead), Almende, AMS-IX, Ericsson, IS-Wireless, KPN, Nokia, NVIDIA, Solvinity, SURF, TNO, TU/e, Universiteit van Amsterdam, UT, Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam);
• PL3: TNO (lead), Alliander, ASML, Comforest, Cordis, Drone Delivery Service, Ericsson, Future Mobility Network, gemeente Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Gomibo, KPN, Philips, Port Of Rotterdam, PWXR, Robin Radar, TenneT TSO, T-Mobile, Vialis;
• PL4: TUDelft (lead), BTG, Ericsson, ECP, EZK, Hanze Hogeschool, KOREWireless, KPN, Liberty Global, Nokia, OostNL, RDI, SURF, TU/e, T-Mobile , UT, Vodafoneziggo.

The PhD position "E-band circularly polarised AESA antenna":

The integration of SATCOM with terrestrial communication networks to improve coverage and availability is currently foreseen as a key element of future 6G services. Lately main satellite communication (SATCOM) players started working and launching their first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. Main trend for SATCOM user terminals in the professional market is towards flexible, low-profile solutions. From one side, the need of reliable and fast connections from multiple orbits, with quick beam pointing and switching between constellations, is pushing forward solutions based on active electronically steered array (AESA) antennas. From the other side, the need of more capacity, which cannot be addressed at microwave frequencies because of the already congested electromagnetic spectrum, results in moving toward higher frequencies. AESA-based SATCOM terminal solutions are thus being investigated at mm-wave frequencies to enable high data rate links.

The objective of the PhD project is the development of innovative AESA antenna elements and architectures at E-band (71-86GHz) supporting wide scanning capability. The project will focus on the study of different array elements with respect to performances, manufacturability and the feasibility of accommodating active components in a tight lattice. Moreover, research on wideband, low loss polarizers capable of converting single linear to dual circular (depending on the band) polarization, also for large angles of the impinging waves, is envisaged to relax the antenna design constraints and reduce the overall system complexity.

This project is part of a collaborative framework within FNS growth fund, involving an industrial partner (Viasat), a research laboratory (TNO Radar Technology) and a university (TUe). The candidate will conduct part of her/his research at TNO and Viasat premises.

The main responsibilities of the PhD student will be:

• Conduct in-depth research on antenna elements, active phased arrays, and Satcom systems, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
• Design and simulate different antenna elements in array configurations.
• Design and simulate polarizers in conjunction with antenna elements.
• Conduct theoretical studies and simulations, verify by testing.
• Contribute to the scientific community knowledge through high-quality publications.
• Prepare and defend the PhD thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.

Functie-eisen

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong background in electronic circuits, electromagnetic theory and antenna design.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB.
• Experience with simulation tools and software for electromagnetic and circuit analysis (e.g. Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, Keysight ADS...).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

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.
• Excellence: your Grade-Point-Average should be above 8 (10). Also your MSc thesis should have received a grade above 8 (10).
• English: you should be able to communicate well in English (written and oral). Provide TOEFL/IELTS scores if available.
• 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.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

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. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• 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.

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomo