Internship | Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) for high power radar applications

Internship | Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) for high power radar applications

About this position

Frequency selectivity is crucial for radar systems. Spurious frequencies of the higher order harmonics generated in the chain of a front-end radar system can interfere or even damage other systems located in the vicinity. Frequency filtering operations are usually implemented along the RF chain of a transmitter (TX) by electronic filters (lumped, distributed elements filters, etc.). Such type of electronic components cannot be enough to reach the suppression level needed when very high power levels are generated in a TX chain. Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) are flat panels composed of engineered materials which allow realizing frequency filtering at radiation level manipulating the electromagnetic waves radiated by an antenna.

What will be your role?

The main goal of this project is to study a FSS solution to be integrated into a radar system, with a high rejection level of high order harmonics without minimal effects on the radiation performance of the system in terms of gain and scanning range, able to handle very high radiated power levels.

The Department of Radar Technology is a passionate and creative group of professionals (60 people) dedicated to the specification, development, and evaluation of innovative, high-performance MMICs, miniaturized and integrated RF subsystems, antennas, and front-ends. The department is at the heart of novel, game-changing radar system and signal processing concepts for the military, space, and civil domains.

What we expect from you

You are in the final stages of your degree in electrical engineering or a similar degree and have a solid track record in the field of applied electromagnetism and antennas. You have experience in programming in Matlab or/and Python, you are pragmatic and focused on making things work. Next to technical expertise, we value communication skills and a results-driven attitude.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.