Internship | Virtual MIPI GPU/AI FPGA Sensor Interface

Imagine having the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about FPGAs and embedded systems while working on cutting-edge audio and radar processing technologies. Become an intern at our system engineering team within the Acoustics department of TNO and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Our mission is to push the boundaries of technology by creating practical applications that enhance audio and radar systems. By joining our team, you will learn how to connect audio or radar frontends to generic video and AI processing platforms using a standard MIPI interface cable. This is your chance to work with advanced technologies and make a direct impact on the future of technological innovations.

This internship has a practical nature and has the goal of gaining more insight into FPGAs and embedded systems. During the internship, several tasks can be conducted, like:

1. Connecting/demonstrating a MIPI camera to a standard video/AI platform.
2. Exploring possibilities for FPGA-to-FPGA communication via MIPI interface.
3. Exploring possibilities for creating a virtual camera using an FPGA board.
4. Exploring possibilities for developing a MIPI sensor for audio and/or radar signal acquisition.
5. Identifying applications and stakeholders for a MIPI sensor.

Depending on your time availability, we can also focus on a subset of these tasks. For example: only a video demo (software work), only an AI demo (software/AI work), only working on the MIPI interface (FPGA work), or only working on the front-end (PCB work).
You’ll become a part of our team of multi-disciplinary researchers where we share insights and collaborate on research regarding acoustics and system engineering. For the assignment you will work in our lab, where we have different tools and hardware available for you to use in your research:
Applicable tools:

• AMD Xilinx Vivado
• AMD Xilinx Vitis
• AMD Xilinx Video/AI frameworks (if applicable)
• Altium PCB Designer

Available hardware:

• KV260
• KR260
• Nvidia Orin
• Enclustra Pluto XZU20

You are an HBO/WO student in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a similar technical study, and you are looking for a practically oriented internship of 3-9 months. You are eager to learn more about FPGAs and embedded systems while working on cutting-edge audio and radar processing technologies. Naturally, you also have a research-driven mindset and like working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
In determining if we can place you, we are mainly interested in your motivations. Besides that, it is useful for us to know what your prior experience is and when you are available. Therefore we ask you to include the following documents in your application:

• A short motivational letter (max 350 words) that includes your preferred start and end date.
• An overview/CV of your prior experience (i.e., programming languages, projects you worked on, courses you followed, etc.).

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.