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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Read more about TNO as an employer.

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After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.