City:  Dresden
Date:  Feb 25, 2025

Final thesis: Analog design and layout of HV-DAC interface for electro-optic devices

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros. 

 

Developing innovative technology solutions and bringing them to application - that is our goal at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS. With our expertise in the development of photonic microsystems, related technologies including nanoelectronics and wireless communication solutions, we create - in flexible and interdisciplinary teams - technologies for innovative products in a wide range of markets such as automotive, industrial and aerospace.

 

Fraunhofer IPMS has been developing IP cores as well as complete digital and analog ASICs for many years. Electro-optic modulators (EOMs) play an important role in influencing photons in opto-integrated systems. Electro-optic modulators work based on Pockels effect which modifies the refractive index of certain optical waveguides thereby influencing the photon carried by it.


As a part of the data acquisition and control unit of a mixed signal electro-optical integrated circuit (IC) a High Voltage-Digital to Analog Converter (HV-DAC) is required. The high voltage, high speed and scalability are key challenges to control an EOM array. 
In this work, DAC architectures will be explored and compared. The selected architecture will be designed as schematic and validated in Virtuoso. In the next step, the DAC layout will be done in a selected target technology and the DAC is characterized by post-layout simulation. Finally, HV-DAC layout design will be done, together with a previously designed HV amplifier, and the HV-DAC is characterized by post-layout simulation.

 

What you will do

  • Digital-Analog-Converter architecture exploration and literature survey
  • Analog design and validation in Cadence Virtuoso
  • Layout design
  • Post layout simulation
  • Documentation of results and findings

 

 The tasks can be carried out as topic for a Bachelor, Diploma or Master thesis.

 

What you bring to the table

  • Studies in the field of electrical engineering or a similar field of studies
  • Basic knowledge of analog integrated design
  • Experience working in Cadence Virtuoso environment and associated simulation tools
  • Basic know-how of analog layout design
  • Experience in Layout in modern ASIC nodes will be an added advantage
  • Independent and self-organized way of working and interested in gaining experiences in an international environment
  • Good German or good English skills

 

What you can expect

We offer you an exciting topic and individual support in the preparation of your thesis by experienced employees. A motivated and dynamic team awaits you in a very well equipped, research and development environment. In addition, we offer you connecting points within the framework of your studies or your career entry, e.g. a following PhD, the beginning of your scientific career as a junior scientist at Fraunhofer IPMS or becoming an engineer. We support you in this process!

 

The scientific work will be carried out in the research group Data Communication and Computing at Fraunhofer IPMS in Dresden. The examination takes place via affiliation with a German university of applied sciences and is governed by the respective state university law.

 

Working hours must be agreed individually. The position is temporary for the duration of the academic work. The duration is to be arranged flexibly according to agreement and possible study guidelines. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
 

 

 

Contact.

Mrs. Sabrina Weimert
Human Resource
Phone: +49 (0)351 8823 415

 

Mr. Matthias Landwehr
Specialty Department
Phone: +49 (0)351 8823 340 

Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS

www.ipms.fraunhofer.de 

 

Requisition Number: 78282         

 


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