Characterization of on-chip inductors and power transformers

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The integration of high-performance inductors and power transformers on-chip is an important task for further miniaturization in microelectronics and RF microsystems. RF MEMS (radio-frequency micro-electromechanical systems) 3-dimensional inductors and power-transformers were designed at KTH and are currently being fabricated at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The task of the student consists in:
- modeling and simulation of the devices in full-wave high-frequency electro-magnetic simulation software (Ansoft HFSS), programming of the software in script language
- development of suitable models for parameter extraction of lumped-element circuits from simulation and measurement results (Matlab)
- decive characterization: RF measurements of fabricated inductors and transformers on wafer-scale by using Vector Network Analyzer equipment from 0.5 to 40 GHz
- performance comparison of fabricated and simulated devices
- writing of a report of scientific quality

REQUIREMENTS

- study programme: electrical engineering, technical physics, or equivalent
- basic background in electromagnetic field theory
- good understanding of programming languages (for example: Visual Basic, C++)
- average to advanced knowledge of MATLAB
- basic experience with simulation software of any kind
- interest in scientific working
- a perfect candidate also has experience with HF simulation tools such as HFSS or CST Microstudio

TIME PERIOD

10-20 weeks
possible start: July, August, or September 2007

OTHER INFORMATION

The thesis work will be carried out at the Microsystem Technology Lab at the School of Electrical Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (www.ee.kth.se/mst)
The sudent is direcly supervised by Joachim Oberhammer (Assistant Professor).

CONTACT INFORMATION

joachim.oberhammer@ee.kth.se