MSc thesis project proposal

RF Digital-to-analog Converters (NXP)

Project outside the university

NXP Semiconductors

A MIMO automotive radar application implements an array of transceivers on the same IC. For example, a MIMO radar transmits pre-defined waveforms through N TX antennas, which then received back through N (or M) receiver antennas. This configuration requires N x RF DACs and N (or M) high-frequency ADCs. This thesis focuses on area and power efficient implementation of an RF DAC which can generate the pre-defined waveforms for radar application.

In this master thesis project you will do/learn:

  • In depth study of ADC (or DAC) architecture
  • Design of analog and mixed-signal circuits in 28nm CMOS
  • Circuit simulations with Spectre (or other simulator)
  • Layout design of circuits and simulation of extracted layout
  • Build understanding of impact of process imperfections and parasitic artifacts on performance

A stipend is provided.

Assignment

Overview of the project planning (depending on the progress of the student)

  • Literature review of high-speed RF DACs targeting waveform generation for radar.
  • System level study of the proposed architecture in Matlab/Cadence.
  • Circuit and layout implementation.
  • Tape-out of the IC followed by measurement.
  • Process node: 28nm HPCP.
  • Target tape-out date: June 2025

Requirements

  • Good knowledge of analog and mixed circuit design.
  • Good understanding of Data Converters.
  • Familiarity with Matlab and Cadence.
  • You will be collaborating with researchers from NXP Semiconductors so good communication and presentation skills are essential.

Contact

dr.ir. Muhammed Bolatkale

Electronic Instrumentation Group

Department of Microelectronics

Last modified: 2024-02-07