PhD position DoAnt: Joint Development of Sparse Antenna Array Topology and High Resolution DoA Estimation

Constantly evolving advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) demand radar sensors with high angular resolution for object detection and classification. Improvement of angular resolution is conventionally achieved by increasing the number of transmit and receive antennas, which lead to higher cost, processing and thermal requirements. This has motivated the use of sparse multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) array topologies in automotive radars. However, the current topology synthesis methods rely on a quasi-random layout selection after an exhaustive search, which becomes suboptimal, and even infeasible for a large number of antennas. Besides, the electromagnetic (EM) effects, such as mutual coupling, are ignored in the system development phase, which causes performance degradation (degree of arrival (DoA) errors, high interference) and/or heavy calibration need.
To achieve high resolution and overall robust performance of angular estimation with sparse arrays, joint development of MIMO array topologies (sampling problem) and angular estimation algorithms (estimation problem) is required, while considering the physical effects (EM problem). The novel idea in DoAnt is to develop an EM-driven optimization framework for sparse radar sensor arrays integrated with DoA estimation. With its interdisciplinary nature, DoAnt aims to synthesize innovative sparse array topologies for automotive radar antennas at 77 GHz to improve performance, reliability and robustness of DoA estimation against EM non-idealities.
Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on MIMO array topologies and angular estimation algorithms, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
• Develop innovative EM-driven optimization methodologies (e.g. physics embedded machine learning) for sparse 2D Tx-Rx topologies integrated with DoA estimation.
• Verify theoretical results via simulations and experiments.
• Contribute to the scientific community knowledge through high-quality publications.
• Collaborate with industry partners, academic institutions, and research organizations to stay connected with the latest developments and foster collaborative opportunities.
• Prepare and defend the Ph.D. thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.

Requirements:

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong background in signal processing and optimization. Background in electromagnetics and antenna design is appreciated.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB.
• Experience with simulation tools and software for electromagnetic analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Salary Benefits:

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 
For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

36 - 40 hours per week

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