Computer Science Internship: Design of a 24V to 150V Isolated DC-DC Converter

Be part of progress

Introduction

In our systems, isolated high-voltage DC-DC converters are frequently used to power various subsystems. While we often rely on off-the-shelf solutions, there is a growing need to develop in-house designs tailored to our specific requirements. This internship offers the opportunity to explore and design a 24V to 150V isolated DC-DC converter, a topology commonly used in our applications.

Your assignment

The goal of this internship is to design, simulate, and prototype a high-efficiency isolated DC-DC converter that steps up 24V to 150V. The intern will explore different converter topologies (e.g., flyback, forward, push-pull, half-bridge), evaluate their suitability, and implement a design that meets performance, efficiency, and safety requirements.

Key Challenges:

• Topology Selection: Analyze and compare various isolated converter topologies for this voltage range and power level.
• Inductor/Transformer Design: Design a custom magnetic component suitable for the chosen topology, considering core material, winding strategy, and thermal behavior.
• Soft Switching Techniques: Investigate and implement Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) or Zero Current Switching (ZCS) to improve efficiency and reduce EMI.
• Simulation and Prototyping: Use tools like LTspice, PLECS, or MATLAB/Simulink for simulation, and prototype the design using appropriate PCB and component selection.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain hands-on experience in power electronics design and simulation.
• Understand the trade-offs in converter topology selection.
• Learn about magnetic component design and soft-switching techniques.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers in a high-tech environment.

This is a bachelor/master graduation (thesis) project for 3-5 days a week, with a duration of 3-6 months. The start date of this internship is as soon as possible.

Your profile

To be a fit for this internship, you:

• Have a study background in electrical Engineering or similar (Bachelor or Master)
• Have knowledge of power electronics and circuit design
• Have experience with simulation tools (LTspice, Simulink, etc.)
• Preferable have basic understanding of PCB design

Other requirements you need to meet

• You are enrolled at an educational institute for the entire duration of the internship;
• You need to be located in the Netherlands to be perform your internship. In case you’re currently living/studying outside of the Netherlands, your CV/motivation letter includes the willingness to relocate.
• If you are a non-EU citizen, studying in the Netherlands, your university is willing to sign the documents relevant for doing an internship (i.e., Nuffic agreement).

This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

Diversity and inclusion

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

About Us

ASML is a leading supplier of lithography equipment, used by the world’s top chipmakers to print microchips that are increasingly powerful, fast and energy efficient. Working at ASML is inspiring, no matter what field you're in. That’s because we push the boundaries of technology: if it’s moving the world forward, chances are, we’re behind it. In fact, we’re probably a part of the electronic device you’re using right now.

We’re a global team of more than 32,000 people from 122 different nationalities and counting. Headquartered in Europe’s top tech hub, the Brainport Eindhoven region in the Netherlands, our operations are spread across Europe, Asia and the US.