PhD Studentship: Autonomous Implantable Sensors/Actuators Using MEMS and CMOS Platforms
Engineering and Technology,Mechanical Engineering,Electrical and Electronic Engineering,Other Engineering
Short info about job
Company: University of Bath
Department: Centre for Advanced Sensor Technology (CAST)
Hours: Full Time
Type / Role: PhD
Phone: +44-114 3548553
Fax: +44-1359 5579650
E-mail: N\A
Site: N\A
Detail information about job PhD Studentship: Autonomous Implantable Sensors/Actuators Using MEMS and CMOS Platforms. Terms and conditions vacancy
Supervisor name: Dr Ali Mohammadi
The research on modern sensing devices necessitates interdisciplinary expertise in readout circuit and transducer device design. Power autonomy is among the challenging specifications of the new generation of sensors. Supplying power from alternative energy sources in the sensing environment is as important as lowering the power consumption in conditioning circuits. The focus of our research is mostly on biomedical instrument applications. For example autonomous implant transducers is the top priority of our research that translates to integrated energy harvesting and sensing/actuating device for bio applications. In this project we pursue new techniques in Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) for the transducer design as well as low power, high efficiency conditioning CMOS circuits. In our research group we investigate innovative approaches to integrate the sensing and energy harvesting circuits and transducers on the same platform. We target MEMS for the device part and CMOS technologies for the circuit part. Both technologies are accessible through a fabless approach, wherein we design circuits and devices in industry level CAD tools such as Cadence for integrated circuits and Coventorware for MEMS. After confirming the simulation results with expected analysis, we submit the design files for fabrication in external foundries such as UMC, and MEMSCap. Characterisation and measurement of the chips are carried out in our labs in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Some alterations on the chips built in external foundries is possible through access to in-house cleanroom at David Bullett Nanofabrication Facility (http://www.bath.ac.uk/facilities/nanofab/) and Centre for Advanced Sensor Technology (http://www.bath.ac.uk/elec-eng/research/cast/).
The main aim of this strategy is to let our researchers spend their times on testing their design ideas on a reliable platform and in a timely manner, which prepares them for being involved in cutting edge industries without the need for long term trainings.
Centre for Advanced Sensor Technologies is accessible for PhD students at the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, which is highly equipped with characterisation instruments. PhD students enjoy spending a great portion of their time in the lab.
In addition to students with first degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, applicants with Mechanical Engineering background and interested in MEMS design are also encouraged to apply for this position.
A Home/EU award will provide full tuition fees, an annual Training Support Fee of £1,000, and a tax-free maintenance payment of £14,553 (2017-8 rate) for up to 3.5 years.
An Overseas award (3 years): Provides tuition fee, an annual Training Support Fee of £1,000, but no stipend.
The successful applicant will ideally have graduated (or be due to graduate) with an undergraduate Masters first class degree and/or MSc distinction (or overseas equivalent).
English language requirements must be met at the time of application to be considered for funding.