The Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering (ERPE) Joint PhD Studentship

Research topic: Fully digital active antenna array for space applications

Introduction

This is a joint PhD Studentship between Heriot-Watt University and The University of Edinburgh.

With the exponential growth in data traffic and connectivity needs, direct-to-cell satellite communication is anticipated to be the next milestone of future 6G networks, providing global connectivity without reliance on energy-intensive terrestrial infrastructure. However, current direct-to-cell technology is limited to narrowband applications and depends on discrete component transmitter architectures, which restrict integration levels and throughput, preventing it from fully meeting the demands of high data-rate applications.

The project aims to overcome these limitations by developing a high-efficiency, fully digital active antenna array for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites, enabling the integration of thousands of transceivers to support high-throughput data transmission. This novel approach will enhance user capacity, boost data rates, and reduce reliance on conventional terrestrial networks.

The PhD student will be under the joint supervision of Dr Haijun Fan (Primary Supervisor) from Heriot-Watt University and Dr Symon Podilchak from The University of Edinburgh.

Eligibility

The successful candidate should hold an Honours Degree or a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (e.g., integrated circuits, CMOS, GaN, power amplifier, antenna, microwave engineering, electromagnetics, wireless communication), Physics or other relevant subject area.

Funding

Awards cover a tax-free stipend of £21,400 per year, and tuition fees are waived for UK candidates. All UK, EU and international students are eligible to apply. For international students, tuition fees are £5,000 per year.

Duration: 3.5 year.

How to apply

Please email Dr Haijun Fan (h.fan@hw.ac.uk) before 14^th February 2025 with a CV and a cover letter detailing your current level of study, academic background, relevant experience, and motivation for pursuing this PhD project.

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