iPhD position “Multi-Mode Antenna Arrays for Joint Communications and
Sensing”
Prestigious industrial PhD Student Position on “Multi-Mode Antenna Arrays for
Joint Communications and Sensing”. 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
V36.7203
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 “Multi-Mode Antenna Arrays for Joint Communications and
Sensing”:
The research program focuses on the development of multi-mode antenna arrays
with enhanced scan range and reduced scan losses. These systems are pivotal in
a variety of applications such as satellite communications, radar, and
particularly in the burgeoning 5G/6G technologies for joint communications and
sensing at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Research Challenges and Innovations
Challenges:
Overcoming the limitations of traditional phased array antennas, especially the limited scan range.
Integrating complex multi-port radiating elements in an array configuration.
Ensuring efficient phase and signal control between the antenna feeding ports for optimal radiation pattern reconfiguration.
Innovations:
The integration of multi-mode antenna elements allows for a much wider scan range, which is critical for mm-wave applications.
The ability to reconfigure radiation patterns dynamically offers flexibility in coverage and enhanced system performance.
Impact and Future Scope
Impact:
The enhanced scan range and reduced scan losses will significantly improve the performance of mm-wave systems in applications like satellite communications, radar, and remote sensing.
The technology is particularly beneficial for the advancement of 5G/6G technologies, where high antenna gain is required to compensate for large propagation losses at mm- wave frequencies.
Future Scope:
Further research could explore the integration of more complex beamforming algorithms and AI-driven optimization for radiation pattern control.
Investigating the potential for miniaturization and cost reduction of the antenna array for widespread commercial deployment.
This research program, with its focus on innovative antenna array designs and
advanced beamforming techniques, promises to push the boundaries of mm-wave
technology, paving the way for more efficient and powerful wireless
communication and sensing 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 ) Prof. Bart Smolders ( a.b.smoldersattue.nl
).