iPhD Student Position on “Advanced Antenna Array Synthesis Methodologies"
Prestigious industrial PhD Student Position on “Advanced Antenna Array
Synthesis Methodologies”. Department of Research and Development, The Antenna
Company EM Group, Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University
of Technology
Position
PhD-student
Irène Curie Fellowship
No
Department(s)
Electrical Engineering
FTE
1,0
Date off
01/03/2024
Reference number
V36.7202
Job description
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, Vodafone, Ziggo.
PhD position on “Advanced Antenna Array Synthesis Methodologies”:
The research program focuses on advanced deterministic synthesis techniques
for antenna arrays. These techniques address the complex, multidimensional,
and nonlinear problem of antenna array pattern synthesis, offering advantages
over traditional metaheuristic methods like genetic algorithms and particle
swarm optimization. The deterministic approach, characterized by lower
computational complexity and higher efficiency, involves evaluating the
location and excitation coefficients of antenna elements while adhering to
design constraints. The incorporation of AI enhances these techniques,
allowing for more efficient handling of complex design requirements and
constraints. This synergy between deterministic methods and AI is expected to
lead to more effective and efficient antenna array designs, outperforming
evolutionary methods in terms of speed, computational load, and possibly
accuracy in conforming to design specifications. This research program would
explore these advantages in depth, developing and validating new algorithms
for antenna array synthesis that leverage the strengths of both deterministic
methods and AI with an emphasis on the following aspects:
Advanced Deterministic Synthesis Techniques: Investigating novel
deterministic methods for antenna array synthesis, such as advanced
iterative Fourier transform approaches, and exploring their computational
efficiency and effectiveness in meeting assigned performance criteria.
Integration with AI and Machine Learning: Examining how artificial
intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms can be integrated with
deterministic synthesis techniques to optimize antenna array design. This
could involve developing AI-driven models to automate the synthesis
process, enhance design accuracy, and reduce computational time.
Comparison with Evolutionary Methodologies: Conducting comparative
studies to assess the advantages of deterministic synthesis techniques
over evolutionary methods, such as genetic algorithms, in terms of
accuracy, speed, and reliability. This comparison can highlight the
scenarios where deterministic methods are more suitable.
Application in Emerging Technologies: Applying deterministic synthesis
methods to design antenna arrays for emerging technologies like 5G and
beyond, considering aspects like millimeter-wave communications,
beamforming, and spatial filtering.
CAD Tool Development: Developing sophisticated computer-aided design
tools that incorporate deterministic synthesis algorithms to assist
designers in creating efficient antenna arrays for various applications,
including wireless communications and remote sensing.
This research program aims to push the boundaries of antenna array design by
leveraging the precision and efficiency of deterministic methods, enhanced by
AI, to meet the evolving demands of modern wireless communication systems.
Job requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a Master of Science degree
or equivalent in a relevant electrical engineering or applied physics
discipline.
The selection is based on the candidates' application documents in
combination with their performance during the interviews and possible
assignments.
Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be placed on creative
thinking, motivation, ability to work in a team, initiative to work
independently and personal suitability for research training.
An educational background in the areas of electromagnetic field theory,
antenna design, antenna arrays, microwave engineering, and signal
processing is preferred. Practical experience is considered beneficial.
Proficiency in using scientific and engineering software packages such as
CST Studio Suite, Python, Matlab, Mathematica, etc. are advantageous.
Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.
Conditions of employment
An opportunity for a significant role in a rapidly evolving scale-up
within the advanced antenna systems sector, offering exposure to both the
scientific and industrial communities.
Four years of full-time employment, featuring biannual performance and
progress review cycles.
Complimentary access to facilities of The Antenna Company to facilitate
your PhD research, with annual discussions on personal development
programs.
A competitive starting gross monthly salary of €3,355 (based on full-time
employment), with meaningful annual increases reflecting performance and
results, in line with the salary policies of The Antenna Company.
An additional annual holiday bonus amounting to 8% of your yearly gross
salary.
A comprehensive package of fringe benefits, including access to state-of-
the-art technical infrastructure, reimbursement of commuting expenses,
company mobile phone, and a pension plan, is provided according to the
policies of The Antenna Company.
This vacancy concerns a partnership of which TU/e is one of the participating
parties. Employment will be with The Antenna Company.
Information and application
Further information can be obtained by using the following contact addresses:
Dr. Diego Caratelli ( diego.caratelliatantennacompany ,
d.caratelliattue.nl ) and Prof. Bart Smolders (
a.b.smoldersattue.nl ).