Internship | MSc. graduation project: Susceptibility of RF components to high power electromagnetic radiation

Internship | MSc. Graduation Project: Susceptibility of RF Components to High Power Electromagnetic Radiation

About this position

The modern battlefield relies heavily on electronic systems and wireless connections. High power electromagnetic (HPEM) effectors can be used to disrupt these systems. To maximize the effectiveness of these HPEM effectors, as well as to design appropriate protection and mitigation measures, insight in the effects of HPEM on the RF receive chain is required. This student project is about researching the impact of HPEM on the RF receive chain. Theoretical models will be created, technologies will be compared, weak spots will be identified, and theory will be validated with experiments.

What will be your role?

You will research the effect of various parameters of HPEM on RF components typically used in RF frontends. Parameters such as frequency, pulse shape, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), duty cycle. You will also research the influence of different IC technologies, such as InGaP, GaAs, SiGe:C.

The research will start with the creation of a firm theoretical base, which will be used to predict effects, and the influence of parameters of the pulse and IC technology. It will also be used to predict the most susceptible component(s) in the RF chain.

The second phase will be an extensive measurement campaign, in which the predictions will be validated. RF components will be subjected to HPEM pulses in a systematic, repeatable and statistically significant manner. Results will be used to confirm the theoretical models, and adjust them where needed.

Effects of HPEM on RF components include, but are not limited to, permanent damage. Additionally, introduction of nonlinear effects, for example intermodulation products, could potentially also cause a system to malfunction to such an extent that further continuation of the mission is prevented.

A follow-up project is envisioned, which will be heavily based on your work, results, and methods.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a student who is enthusiastic and wants to contribute to a safe and secure society. We expect you to be eager and willing to learn new things, and to be willing to guide your own research. Good proficiency in the English and/or Dutch language is required.

As a (graduate) student pursuing a Master’s degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, you should possess the following qualifications:

• Background in electromagnetics (EM) and integrated circuits (IC).
• Affinity with different IC technologies and their properties.
• Affinity with RF front ends.
• Strong theoretical basis.
• Experience with performing measurements on RF systems in a lab environment.

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.

"Working at TNO has been a transformative experience. The collaborative environment and cutting-edge projects have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally." John Doe, Research Scientist