Masters in Sensor Interface Integrated Circuit Design

Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI) is an EI / IDA technology centre hosted at Tyndall National Institute.  Its mission is to carry out industry-led world-class Analog, Mixed-Signal and RF integrated circuit research and to deliver trained people and IP to industry.  MCCI is already collaborating with 35 companies and many of the staff eventually transfer into the thriving microelectronics industry in Ireland.  MCCI targets real-life applications with its research and currently has projects in diverse topics such as DNA detection, next generation optical communications, bio-sensing, imaging for security applications and early cancer detection. MCCI is carrying out innovative research in the areas of Radio Frequency, Frequency Synthesis, high speed optical transceivers, high performance data-converters and power management integrated circuits to enable new applications.

Reporting to Dr. Daniel O’Hare Senior Researcher at MCCI the position involves the design of low power precision Analogue interface circuits to electronically capture sensor outputs. Smartphones and the Internet of Things have enabled an exponential growth in the numbers of sensors measuring our surroundings. To date each sensor requires a separate analogue interface. In this project we want to investigate novel circuit architectures that can help achieve flexible, low-power, multi-functional sensor interfaces. It will involve working with the team to understand sensor system requirements, propose novel circuit solutions and then design an integrated chip to demonstrate the circuits.

Key Responsibilities

• The candidate is expected to be creative, self-motivated, and should help create an efficiently and friendly atmosphere within the MCCI teams and beyond to all teams at Tyndall.
• Propose innovative circuits to meet the requirements of the Sensor system.
• With guidance, implement the solution on an integrated circuit. This involves system level simulation, algorithm development, schematic design, layout and validation of manufactured silicon.
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research, as directed by and with the support of senior MCCI research staff.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health & Safety standards.

Essential Criteria

• The minimum academic qualification is a first or upper second class honours degree (or an equivalent international degree) in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, physics or related relevant discipline.
• The successful candidate will be highly analytical with good interpersonal and organisational skills.
• The successful candidate will be highly innovative with a strong desire to create world-beating integrated circuits research for real-world applications.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of integrated circuit design tools such as Cadence.
• Good mathematical ability and knowledge of statistics.
• Knowledge of analogue circuits, filters and Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
• Experience in area of Analogue, Mixed-Signal or RF circuit design.
• Knowledge of mathematical modelling tools such as MATLAB.

A generous annual student stipend applies for this successful candidate for this position.  Yearly University academic fees will paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

Any queries relating to this position can be forwarded to Dr. Daniel O’ Hare on email daniel.ohare@mcci.ie