PhD Studentship: Improving Radiation Hardening of SRAM by Circuit Design

Eligibility: UK Nationals only

Deadline: March 1^st

Project Summary:

This project will explore novel circuit design techniques for enhancing embedded SRAM cells and related analogue and digital circuits to improve radiation hardening against transient and dose rate effects as well as total ionising dose (TID). A major goal of the project is the mitigation of analogue signal corruption and digital data loss during transient and single event upset conditions using a variety of circuit techniques.  This approach aims firstly to build on the established benefits of a specialised rad-hard fabrication technology and secondly, to improve the performance achievable with a non-specifically hardened silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. Success in these studies could target users to employ a broader range of semiconductor foundries to manufacture ASICs.

Applications are invited for this 4-year EPSRC Industrial CASE PhD studentship in collaboration with AWE. The studentships will be based in the Sustainable Electronic Technologies Group within Electronics and Computer Science (ECS). The research project will use state-of-the art design tools, commercial SOI semiconductor foundry of the fabrication of the chips, and facilities at the University of Southampton and AWE for device characterisation and radiation testing. 

Candidate Requirements:

Applications would be welcome from candidates holding good degrees (1st class or 2:1 honours) in Electronic Engineering or a similar programme. Experience in analogue electronic design is strongly desirable. In addition to the standard EPSRC PhD studentship, this position includes an enhanced annual stipend, industrial placement, and generous annual allowance to cover attendance at international conferences. 

This post is open to UK citizens only. The post will be offered to suitable candidates before the deadline. 

References:

Informal enquiries may be directed via Laila Ridley  (L.Ridley@soton.ac.uk),

Tel   02380 592733

How to apply:

To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, mentioning the project and project supervisor – see http://www.ecs.soton.ac.uk/phd/how-to-apply