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In the scope of the SOLITONIC project, an analog pre-distortion operating at a center frequency of 300 GHz is developed. Pre-distortion circuits are pre-connected to a power amplifier to compensate for its non-linearity. Several topologies based on class C amplifiers are considered, as shown in the picutre.
The goal of this thesis is to build a parametrized test bench in Keysights Advanced Design System to compare the concepts. You will use available ideal block components. The focus of the thesis should be also on modeling the ideal class C amplifier.
Type of Thesis:
BA ✅ FA ✅ MA ✅
Relevant Experience:
- Keysight Advacned Design Systems
- Lecture Microwave Engineering
Contact:
As part of the ESCALAS project, a linearization unit is being developed for high-power amplifiers (HPAs) in satellite communication systems. The architecture is based on a novel analog predistortion concept and is implemented as an integrated circuit using IHP SG13G3Cu BiCMOS technology.
The goal of this thesis is to analyze the designed LRFIC (Linearizer RFIC) at the system level in order to estimate its expected performance and the achievable improvement in amplifier linearity.
Possible thesis tasks include:
- Evaluation of the circuit behavior under various modulation schemes and data rates,
- System-level simulation using Keysight ADS and SystemVue,
- use of machine learning techniques to evaluate and interpret simulation data.
Type of Thesis:
BA ✅ FA ✅ MA ✅
Relevant Experience:
- Keysight Advacned Design Systems
- Lecture Microwave Engineering
Contact:
Mathias Scharpf
Very-Low-Earth-Orbit (VLEO) satellites offer low latency and high data rates but face challenges from atmospheric attenuation, rapid dynamics, and thermal instability.
Within SFB 1667 “ATLAS” – Project C03, this work analyzes state-of-the-art mmW Satcom transceiver architectures. Various topologies (heterodyne, homodyne, direct conversion, phased-array systems) will be compared in terms of efficiency, complexity, and suitability for VLEO operation. The objective is to develop a transceiver architecture tailored to the unique constraints and opportunities of VLEO missions.
The work combines system-level modeling with architectural innovation and strengthens understanding of advanced space communication systems.
Type of Thesis:
BA ❌ FA ✅ MA ✅
Relevant Experience:
- Lecture: Microwave Engineering (Optional)
- Lecture: Microwave Analog Frontend Design 1/2
- Keysight ADS
- Keysight SystemVue (Optional)
- Matlab
Contact:
Communication at 300 GHz is envisioned to become a crucial part in future communication networks. To enhance the datarate and for scalability or reallocation of spectrum resources, channel aggregation is a key element to increase system performance. In this work the student conducts research on channel aggregation in an 300 GHz-Link thorugh combining multiple modems at the IF-Interface of an THz-Link.
Tasks:
- Evaluation of Modem Operation with removed housing (Thermal and electrical evaluation)
- Combination of multiple modems at E-Band (60 - 90 GHz) for channel aggregation
- Setup Design, especially IF-combiner-design and cooling-concept
Relevant Experience:
- Python - Basics
- Telecommunication lecture
- Microwave Engineering lecture (Optional)
- Keysight SystemVue (Optional)
Contact:
The THz-Spectrum is envisioned to play a crucial part in future high data rate point to point links. Scope of this thesis is the setup of Ultra-High bandwidth outdoor point-to-point communication link in THz-spectrum with state of the art communication equipment. With (commercial) modemsm real-time duplex transmission at 300GHz center frequency is achieved. The system should further be verified by system simulation based on measurement data.
Various focus of thesis is possible:
- Research on effective alignment algorithms for high gain antennas and formulation of system level requirements for beam-steering or tracking algorithms
- Mapping of measurement data to weather data and data acquicition automation
- Optimization of system-partitioning in indoor-setup and Formulation of system level requirements for beam-steering or tracking algorithms
Relevant Experience:
- Python - Basics
- Telecommunication lecture
- Microwave Engineering lecture (Optional)
- Keysight SystemVue (Optional)
Contact:
In VLEO missions, communication links can also serve as precise ranging channels for formation control and orbit determination.
Within SFB 1667 “ATLAS” – Project C03, this thesis explores joint communication and ranging (JCR) concepts. Existing techniques are analyzed in terms of waveform design, synchronization, and ranging accuracy, followed by the development of a concept enabling combined data and distance measurement.
The work bridges communication theory, signal processing, and space navigation, contributing to integrated VLEO systems capable of both communication and precise ranging.
Relevant Experience:
- Lecture: Microwave Engineering (optional)
- Lecture: Microwave Analog Frontend Design 1/2
- Keysight ADS
- Keysight SystemVue (Optional)
- Matlab
Contact:
Our research group develops analog frontends for THz wireless communication systems operating at millimeter-wave (mmW) and sub-mmW frequencies (up to 330 GHz).
In scope of that, several components must be developed, e.g.:
- Amplifiers
- Phase shifters
- Variable attenuators
- Vector modulators
- Analog pre-distortions
Type of Thesis:
BA ✅ FA ✅ MA ✅
Relevant Experience:
- Keysight Advanced Design System
- Lecture Microwave Engineering
Contact:
THz systems are envisioned to play an important role in the communication infrastructure of the future. With the ever-increasing
performance of semiconductor technologies, the assembly and packaging of the circuits is often the bottleneck that limits system-performance. Current packaging solutions are either too expensive, too lossy or not robust enough for a commercial application. ILH and IGM are jointly developing alternative packaging technologies for MMIC-assemblies, focusing on robustness, bandwidth and cost. A key building block are wire-bondable thin-film metallizations for THz assemblies.
Type of Thesis:
BA ✅ FA ✅ MA ✅
Relevant Experience:
- Basic understanding of RF engineering
- Basic understandig of thinfilm technology
Contact:
VLEO communication systems must ensure link stability under fast motion and variable atmospheric losses. This requires transponder architectures capable of maintaining both ground links and inter-satellite connectivity.
Within SFB 1667 “ATLAS” – Project C03, this thesis studies existing mmW transponder concepts focusing on linearity, phase coherence, noise performance, and agility. Based on this, a novel system concept integrating Up/Downlink and ISL within a unified design will be proposed.
The work combines architecture evaluation, modeling, and conceptual design, contributing to future adaptive and efficient communication payloads for VLEO satellites
Type of Thesis:
BA ❌ FA ✅ MA ✅
Relevant Experience:
- Lecture: Microwave Engineering (Optional)
- Lecture: Microwave Analog Frontend Design 1/2
- Keysight ADS
- Keysight SystemVue (Optional)
- Matlab
Contact:
Contact
Dominik Koch
M.Sc.Group Leader Power Electronics / Research Assistant
Benjamin Schoch
M.Sc.Group Leader High Frequency Electronics / Research Assistant