PhD SHORT RANGE RADIO Radio architectures for the communication in distributed arrays in space

EEMCS – SHORT RANGE RADIO

PhD position (1fte)

Radio architectures for the communication in distributed arrays in space

In the Short Range Radio chair of the Telecommunication Engineering (TE) group in the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, we are looking for a PhD student in the Orbiting Low Frequency Antennas for Radio Astronomy (OLFAR) project.

Research project description

One of the last unexplored frequency ranges in radio astronomy is the frequency band below 30 MHz. This band is scientifically very interesting, but practically impossible to observe from Earth. With OLFAR we will build a distributed radio telescope in space based on a swarm of small satellites orbiting the Moon. This can be seen as an autonomous sensor system. In this STW project three PhD students and a postdoc will be working together.

In the Short Range Radio group we are looking for a PhD on the topic “Radio architectures for the communication in distributed arrays in space”

The data transport of OLFAR consists of three elements: (1) the intra-satellite (wireless) data transport (a.o. data from positioning and temperature sensors), (2) the inter-satellite data transport (for the transfer of measurements, for the exchange of management data, and for determining relative satellite distances), and (3) the data communication between the array and Earth. The individual nodes work autonomously and use very little power. That means that there is no direct access to global information, and nodes may fail or join the array dynamically, in such a way that the array is scalable, reliable and energy-efficient. Recent research results have indicated the potential of robust low-power communication. The aim is to develop low-power (integrated) communication and signal processing subsystems. After a literature study on radio architectures for robust high data rate communication and distance estimations, new communication protocols and ultra-low power receiver and transmitter designs will have to be developed.

The University of Twente

The University of Twente (UT; http://www.utwente.nl) is an entrepreneurial research university, located in Enschede, the Netherlands. The research of the TE group, including this project, is part of the multidisciplinary research institute Centre for Telematics and Information Technology (http://www.ctit.utwente.nl).

What we ask

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a MSc. degree in Electrical Engineering or a related topic, with adequate experimental and theoretical skills. You have knowledge of communication systems, stochastic signals, probability theory, and wireless systems. Knowledge in more specific areas such as RF electronics, antennas, and ad-hoc networks is an advantage but not necessary. Fluency in English is a requirement. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.

What we offer

We offer a contract for four years. The extent of this position is a maximum of 38 hours per week (1 fte) according to the Dutch university rules. The monthly salary of a PhD student, in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU), ranges from EURO 2042 gross in the first year to EURO 2612 gross in the fourth year. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus, and a number of additional benefits.

Your main responsibility will be to carry out research, but you will be given the opportunity to acquire some teaching experience. We offer our PhD students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops, and by visiting other research institutes and universities worldwide.

Information and application

More information can be obtained from dr.ir. Mark Bentum, m.j.bentum@utwente.nl. Candidates are invited to send their application by email to Ms. Lilian Hannink (tesecretary@ewi.utwente.nl), before June 4, 2010. Please include the following documents in your application:

1.	a motivation letter;

2.	your curriculum vitae;

3.	a completely filled out application form;

4.	mark transcripts;

5.	names and addresses of three referees.

6. Publication list

The TE group uses a standard form for all applications, which can be downloaded (click here to download standard form)

Please note that applications will only be considered if all requested documents are included.

Vacancy number 10/061.