Phd Position in Digital AI chips for Next-Gen Analog/RF Systems (TUDelft - NXP)

Join TU Delft and work together with NXP to build low-power AI accelerators for self-healing analog/RF calibration, fixing noise/offset. Co-design algorithms and hardware and validate on real silicon.

Job Description

As communication and sensing systems push towards higher frequencies and bandwidths (e.g., 6G, automotive radar), analog and RF front-ends are hitting a fundamental wall. In advanced CMOS nodes, it's incredibly difficult and power-hungry to design analog circuits that are perfectly linear, matched, and noise-free. The classic approach of over-designing the analog hardware is no longer sustainable.

This project pioneers a new paradigm: we design smart, low-power digital AI co-processors that learn and correct the imperfections of their analog counterparts in real-time. As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Architect and design novel digital AI accelerators that directly target analog impairments in analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and power amplifier (PA).
• Co-design algorithms and hardware with experts from TU Delft and NXP, applying hardware-aware AI techniques (quantization, pruning) to create ultra-efficient solutions that fit a tight power and area budget.
• Quantify real-world impact by benchmarking your silicon prototype against traditional DSP methods and measure system-level improvements on actual analog test chips in NXP's labs.

You will be supervised by Dr. Chang Gao and Prof. Leo de Vreede and have daily access to TU Delft’s state-of-the-art IC design infrastructure, with support from Dr. Maarten Molendijk and Dr. Robert van Veldhoven at NXP Semiconductors in Eindhoven for design reviews and hands-on lab measurements.

Electronic Circuits and Architectures (ELCA)

Join a pioneering research team dedicated to advancing the design and development of high-performance electronic circuits and systems. You will be part of the Electronic Circuits and Architectures (ELCA) section within the Department of Microelectronics at TU Delft. ELCA leads cutting-edge research in integrated circuit design, enhancing power efficiency, frequency performance, and functionality across RF, mm-wave, and wireless communication systems. The group bridges fundamental science with practical applications, pushing the boundaries of analog and digital circuit architectures.

You will have access to state-of-the-art design and testing facilities, including advanced fabrication technologies and specialized measurement labs. As part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary team, you will collaborate with experts in circuit design, signal processing, and emerging semiconductor technologies. The research environment fosters innovation through open collaboration and knowledge exchange. With strong mentorship, tailored training, and minimal hierarchical barriers, ELCA provides an ideal setting for academic and professional growth in the rapidly evolving field of electronic circuits and systems.

Job Requirements

Essential Requirements:

• MSc degree in Electrical / Electronic / Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Solid background in digital IC design and digital signal processing.
• Hands-on RTL design skills (SystemVerilog / Verilog / VHDL) plus scripting (Python / MATLAB / C/C++).
• Strong command of English.

Nice to have:

• Practical experience with machine-learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch).
• Prior tape-out experience (ASIC or a complex FPGA prototype) and familiarity with the digital back-end flow (synthesis, P&R, timing closure).
• Knowledge of low-power digital design techniques (e.g., clock/power gating, DVFS).
• A strong curiosity about the challenges of analog/mixed-signal circuits (ADCs and PAs) and a passion for bridging the digital/analog divide.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Chang Gao, via chang.gao@tudelft.nl.