Student project: Automated generation of ADC designs

What you will do

All modern RF radios consist of an analog front-end and a digital baseband. This structure requires an ADC to convert the analog output of the analog front-end to a digital input signal for the digital baseband. The design of the ADC differs from radio to radio but is typically a variant of a well-known architecture. Therefore, the design of the ADC is a prime candidate for automated generation. In this project you will do:

• Literature study on state-of-the-art ADCs and on synthesizing analog modules,
• Background study on ADC designs in IMEC,
• ADC architecture study and proposal,
• Implementation of building blocks of ADCs,
• Implementation of algorithm to automatically generate ADC designs and layouts,
• Validation of the algorithm and designs for a number of applications,
• Thesis writing and documentation.

What we do for you

As a world-best research institute, we are the center of excellence in RF research. You will receive supervision from world-renown ADC researchers. You will collaborate with experts in the field of data converters, RF transceiver systems, etc. You will get the opportunity to experience all steps of a research project, from idea to implementation and validation.

Who you are

• You are an MSc student.
• You are available for a period of 9-12 months.
• Good analytical skills (e. g. Mathematical skills)
• Good CAD skills (e. g. MATLAB/Cadence)
• Knowledges of designing CMOS circuits
• Knowledges of design automation/synthesis.
• Structured way of reporting, both orally and written
• Motivated student eager to work independently and expand knowledge in the field.
• Good written and verbal English skills.

Interested

Does this position sound like an interesting next step in your career at imec? Don’t hesitate to submit your application by clicking on ‘APPLY NOW’.
Got some questions about the recruitment process? Martijn Kohl of the Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to assist you.