Internship | MSc. graduation project: Top deck antenna placement optimization

Wireless technology is essential on the modern battlefield. Communication with the base, with nearby units or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), GNSS navigation, as well as active jamming of potential improvised electronic devices (IEDs) all require dedicated antennas to be placed on the vehicle. Additional antennas might be required for added redundancy or increased coverage, as well as for beamforming purposes. These antennas can interfere with each other, especially when places close to each other. The antenna placement on the top deck should be such that all the required functionality is realized. This is currently a manual, labour intensive task, with no guarantee that the found solution is in fact the actual optimal solution. Furthermore, the procedure has to be completely repeated for new vehicles or versions of vehicles, as well as when additional antennas or other objects have to be added to the top deck for whatever reason.

The aim of this student project is to automate the antenna placement of the top deck of an arbitrary platform.

You will develop an algorithm that optimizes the placement of antennas on the top deck of a military platform. Typical optimization parameters are range and angular coverage. The number of antennas, their individual frequency response and radiation patterns, combined with no-go-zones, are typically given and fixed. The output should be a list of optimal locations at which the antennas should be mounted.

Within the project, there is room for experimental validation. An arbitrary top deck will be designed and realized in an outdoor environment. The design will be simulated in 3D EM simulation software, and will be compared to the measured radiation pattern.

Special attention should be paid to the mutual coupling between adjacent antennas, in case they are located too close to one another.

As the project duration is limited, the optimization will be limited to a certain frequency band. 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), specifically antennas and mutual coupling.
• Experience with 3D EM modelling software, such as CST.
• Experience with optimization problems.
• Programming experience: Proficiency in either MATLAB or Python (or both) is essential.
• Experience with measurement of antenna radiation patterns.

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.

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. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

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.