Student project: Interferometric-based circuit for robotic sensor readout

*Important for non-EU students: You'll need to be registered at a Dutch university to meet immigration requirements.

The goal of this project is to develop a low-cost RF-based interferometric circuit for the readout of a sensor that is to be applied in a robotics application.

OnePlanet is looking into the development of low-cost RF-based interferometric circuits to enable scalable robotic sensing. Lab-grade benchtop equipment, such as a vector network analyzer, is expensive, while low-cost off-the-shelf solutions do not provide full customization of measurement speed, raw data access, and calibration adjustments. A first prototype of a low-cost RF-based interferometric circuit has been developed, in which the PLL VCO, RF switch, low-noise amplifier, and I-Q demodulator serve crucial functions, but need further optimization to ensure sensor performance in practical applications.

In this project, the student will further optimize the performance of the electronics system by de-embedding component insertion loss, crosstalk, and path loss. System calibration and optimal embedded solutions will be investigated and developed. The proposed solution needs to be implemented and demonstrated in a functional prototype.

What you will do

OnePlanet has developed an RF-based interferometric system that meets the basic specification requirements for a custom-designed sensor for robotic applications. The following are some of the tasks that are essential in the project:

• Study and analyze the test parameters of the RF electronics prototype.
• Acquire requirements for the next prototype.
• Investigate and implement a suitable method for system calibration.
• Iterate towards noise removal/filtering with optimal signal processing techniques.
• Select suitable computing and a faster readout for the embedded solution.
• Work towards a functional prototype and collaborate on experiments with OnePlanet RF sensors.
• Validate the prototype against the set requirements.

What we do for you

In this internship you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and equipment’s, in a young and growing Research Institute with a strategic position (collaboration with several groups within WUR, Radboud, Radboudumc, and imec).

Who you are

• An MSc student in Electrical, Electronics Engineering, Micro Electronics or Radio Engineering.
• Independent and hands-on approach in a lab environment, like data measurement, setting up experiments, etc.
• Have a good understanding of digital and analog signal processing techniques.
• Experienced with developing algorithms using Python.
• Knowledge in rapid PCB prototyping will be a plus.
• Knowledge and keen interest in radio systems and electronics is appreciated.
• Good with written and verbal English.
• Available for a (minimal) period of 6 months.

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’.
Should you have more questions about the job, you can contact jobs@imec.nl.