Power amplifier - antenna co-design for satellite communication

We offer a PhD position where you will be exposed to the state of the art in millimeter-wave antenna systems, have the opportunity to contribute to large international projects, as well as projects with international industry. This position is a great opportunity for you to learn both the scientific knowledge and practical skills in key enabling technologies of digital transformation - the area of great importance for industry and society.

Information about the division and the research
The position is hosted by the Microwave Electronics Laboratory at MC2. At the Microwave Electronics Laboratory (MEL) we perform application-relevant research on active high-speed electronic components, circuits, and subsystems. Our research is performed in close collaboration with industrial partners and contributes to improved energy and spectrum efficiency, higher data capacity, improved reliability and accuracy in new and emerging wireless communication and sensor applications.

We also collaborate closely with researchers both at the Antenna- and Communication systems groups at the Electrical Engineering department. The PhD student will thereby have access to state-of-the art microwave-, antenna- and communication systems expertise, as well as world-class measurement infrastructure as needed to carry out this research project.

Background of the research project
The exploration of millimeter (radio) waves is expected to play a key role in the next-generation wireless applications and the digital transformation of society in general. New advanced applications will include immersive communication, holographic telepresence & augmented reality / virtual reality, personalized medicine, autonomous driving, environment surveillance, etc. The ultimate goal is an open wireless connectivity and service platform that can support digital inclusiveness and accessibility worldwide and be evolved with reduced energy consumption and lower ecological costs.

This PhD project is among 15 research projects of the European Doctoral Network `ANTERRA' (Non-Terrestrial Antenna Systems for the six-generation wireless, 6G) that offers 15 fully funded industrial PhD student positions in the area of antennas, integrated circuits and signal processing, starting in the autumn of 2022. ANTERRA is focused on Antenna Systems for 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks. The consortium consists of 14 leading European R&D laboratories from universities, industries, and technology institutes in the domain of satellite communication and wireless infrastructure which are located in The Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy and Belgium.

Major responsibilities
In this PhD project, you will perform cutting-edge research on the joint design of power amplifiers with antennas for future satellite-based communication systems: The research will address the integrated design of linearized and efficiency-enhanced dual-band PA architectures with multi-functional on-antenna combining functionality for circularly dual-polarized active antenna array operating in the 1-3 GHz frequency range. You will work closely with experienced colleagues at Chalmers and Thales/France to explore the potential of gallium-nitride transistors in new amplifier architectures, tailored to maximize energy efficiency in emerging satellite communication designs. You will explore multi-domain nonlinear analysis techniques, involving signals, circuits- and EM characteristics to predict and understand the performance of array unit cells in large array satellite application scenarios.

Your research aims to result in scientific output at the international forefront while enjoying close collaboration with other PhD students and senior researchers in the team. To maximize the success of your PhD project, you will spend 18 months of your PhD project time as an employee at Thales Alenia Space (France) and visit other international partners. You will closely collaborate with another PhD student of the ANTERRA project (Project P5), working at the Department of Electrical Engineering (E2) on complementary research in power amplifier - antenna co-design at millimetre-wave frequencies. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to about 5-10% percent of working hours.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have, or expect to receive soon, a master's level degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or similar. Knowledge of active microwave circuits, electromagnetic fields, and antenna engineering is required. You also need to enjoy working in a team and have the ability to present scientific results in English, both in writing and orally.

Advantageous merits: previous design experience in the area of microwave and antenna engineering, previous teaching experience, programming skills (Matlab and Python), knowledge of mathematical analysis.

If Swedish is not your native language and you are interested in learning it, Chalmers offers Swedish courses that are free for PhD students. Although the knowledge of Swedish is not mandatory for teaching and research, many PhD students decide to follow these courses.
For the PhD positions in ANTERRA project the EU `MOBILITY RULEs' apply. This means that candidate students cannot have resided for more than 12 months during the period of 3 years immediately before the start of the PhD, in Sweden.

Contract terms
PhD students in Sweden have status of employees and have salary, while at the same time have the benefits of students such as reduced transportation costs, subsidized housing etc. The duration of the PhD student contract is full-time four years, plus `X', where `X' is typically 3-4 months, depending on the departmental duties and teaching.

Application procedure
Read more and apply here. 

Application deadline: 2022-09-01