Internship | ISAC Testbed Development, Experiment and Performance Assessment

This internship at TNO focuses on developing, experimenting with, and assessing the performance of an ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) testbed using USRPs, with the goal of integrating it into an existing B5G/6G testbed.

About this position

At TNO, we have developed a basic ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) testbed using URSPs and aim to integrate it with our existing B5G/6G testbed. This way, we want to test the feasibility and scope of ISAC, determine use-cases and do sensitivity analysis on its performance with respect to change in number of nodes (transmitters and receivers), waveform parameters, object types, etc.

What will be your role?

Key activities of the proposed project include:

1. To enhance the available ISAC testbed that enables both monostatic and bistatic sensing of nearby objects using OFDM waveform generated using USRP(s).
2. To integrate radio resource management solutions that addresses (sensing and communications) topology management, scheduling, beamforming with the prototype. This would emulate a more real-life scenario where communications and sensing would happen together.
3. To utilise aforementioned simulator to conduct an extensive set of experiments of either AI/ML-based or heuristic solutions for a range of relevant scenarios and possibly distinct optimisation timescales.
4. To derive key insights and conclusions w.r.t. both the attainable performance and the sensitivity thereof w.r.t. selected scenario aspects and the performance trade-off between communication and sensing tasks.

This master graduation project follows a previous master graduation project, and involves closely working with TNO employees. Further, the project will be conducted as part of the large nationally funded research programme ‘Future Network Services’, bringing together >60 partners for a targeted period of six years. The proposed MSc project is envisioned to involve collaborations/regular interactions with FNS partners.

What we expect from you

You are a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree, preferably in the direction of Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. You have affinity with / interest in mobile networks, computer simulations, machine learning and have programming experience. You have an enterprising, flexible and cooperative nature. You are also communicative, creative and innovative. Duration of the master graduation project is typically 9 months.

Key strengths we are looking for:

• Familiarity with using hardware. You would be working with USRPs, antennas, and NUCs. You may be required to understand complex datasheets and integrate different components together.
• Previous knowledge/expertise in concepts such as 5G/6G, wireless communications, signal and radar processing, waveform designs.
• Ability to conduct research independently under mentorship/supervision.
• Fluency in English in speaking as well as writing.

What you'll get in return

You will 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. 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.