KESS2 PhD in Engineering: Advanced Engineering and Materials (Semiconductor Devices)
The project will include research in novel application space around a recently launched product, the RAPID load-pull system developed by Mesuro. Mesuro is a Cardiff University spin-out and is now a leading developer of semiconductor device modeling, characterization and optimization test solutions.
These systems are used to deliver ground breaking performance improvements in the design and manufacture of radio frequency (RF) and microwave devices and amplifiers.
The RAPID load-pull system has two key attributes that make it attractive to companies performing semiconductor characterisation or RF circuit design. Firstly, it offers near real-time measurement speed of RF performance over variable operating conditions. Secondly, it offers the ability to control the impedance environment over wide-bandwidths, which becomes more vital as emerging communication standards become wider-band to deal with increased data rates.
The first topic covered will be optimum measurement approaches for different applications using the new technology, examples could include:
- analysis of semiconductor process through real-time mapping of the device boundary conditions such as the knee region and pinch-off region, allowing for detailed investigation of process related issues such as knee walkout and pinch-off problems, device measurements will be used to show the value and scientific added value of such an approach
- the ability to emulate wide-band circuit impedances for broad-band power amplifier design or automated approaches to uncover high efficiency modes of operation aimed at improving the energy efficiency of communications system.
Research of state-of-the-art data processing, display and model extraction algorithms will also form an integral part of the project. With real time measurement speed, the quantity of data to process and display becomes much larger, new techniques will need to developed to allow for this, involving dynamic data filtering, processing and real time data display.
The topic of the research will then evolve with the project and the needs of the sponsor, it is likely that research will be either into behavioural modelling with extraction based on modulated measurements or towards advanced applications of the measurement system for example emulation of dynamic system such as envelope tracking or digital pre-distortion.
Applicants must:
- have a home or work address in the West Wales and the Valleys region at the time of their application for KESS funding and their enrolment for the course of study
- have a legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the KESS2 support, and the right to take up paid work in the WWV region on completion of the scholarship
- be classified as a ‘home’ or ‘EU’ student.
The Convergence area covers West Wales and the Valleys, and is made up of the following 15 local authorities:
- Isle of Anglesey
- Gwynedd
- Conwy
- Denbighshire
- Ceredigion
- Pembrokeshire
- Carmarthenshire
- Swansea
- Neath Port Talbot
- Bridgend
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Caerphilly
- Blaenau Gwent
- Torfaen.
How to apply
Consideration is automatic on applying for the PhD in Engineering (start dates of October 2017, January 2018, or April 2018).
Applicants should include a personal statement, research proposal, curriculum vitae, and covering letter.
In the funding section of your application, please select "I will be applying for a scholarship / grant" and specify that you are applying for advertised funding from KESS. In the research proposal section, include the project description contained here.
We reserve the right to close applications early should sufficient applications be received.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.