iPhD “Thermally Enhanced Antenna Arrays for mm-Wave Applications”
Prestigious industrial PhD Student Position on “Thermally Enhanced Antenna
Arrays for mm-Wave Applications” 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
V36.7204
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 “Thermally Enhanced Antenna Arrays for mm-Wave
Applications”:
Research Objective:
Develop advanced antenna arrays for mm-wave applications with enhanced thermal
management capabilities. This involves the integration of heatsink structures
with antenna elements to ensure efficient heat dissipation while maintaining
optimal electromagnetic characteristics.
Background:
Millimeter-wave technologies are crucial for 5G/6G communication systems and
radar applications. However, these high-frequency systems generate significant
heat, affecting performance and reliability. Effective thermal management
becomes paramount for sustaining stable operation.
Research Components:
Material Analysis: Investigate high thermal conductivity materials,
such as alumina, for use in antenna designs. Study their electromagnetic
and thermal properties to understand the balance between heat transfer and
radiation efficiency.
Design of Thermally Enhanced Antennas: Develop antenna designs that
incorporate thermal management features. These may include fin-shaped
heatsink structures or integrated heatsink-antenna elements using 3-D
printing and LTCC technologies.
Simulation and Modeling: Use computational tools to simulate both the
thermal and electromagnetic behavior of the proposed antenna designs.
Optimize the designs for minimal thermal resistance without compromising
electromagnetic performance.
Fabrication and Testing: Fabricate prototypes using advanced
manufacturing techniques and test them in real-world scenarios. Analyze
their performance in terms of heat dissipation, gain, bandwidth, and
radiation patterns.
Innovative Applications: Explore the potential applications of these
thermally enhanced antenna arrays in emerging mm-wave technologies, such
as joint communications and sensing.
Advantages:
Improved Reliability: Efficient heat management leads to stable
operation under various conditions, enhancing the reliability of mm-wave
systems.
Enhanced Performance: Optimal thermal and electromagnetic design
ensures high performance in terms of signal strength and bandwidth.
Compactness and Integration: The use of innovative materials and
designs allows for creation of compact and integrated antenna solutions,
suitable for densely packed electronic systems.
Outcome:
The research aims to contribute significantly to the field of mm-wave
technology, offering solutions for thermal challenges in high-frequency
antenna systems, and paving the way for more efficient and reliable
communication and radar systems.
Conclusion:
This Ph.D. program will address a critical need in the rapidly advancing field
of mm-wave technology, combining theoretical research with practical design
and implementation. The development of thermally enhanced antenna arrays will
play a pivotal role in the next generation of wireless communication and
sensing technologies.
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 ) Prof. Bart Smolders ( a.b.smoldersattue.nl
).