Postdoctoral Researcher High-Speed Analogue ASIC Design for Photonic Applications [PO-1]

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in high-speed ASIC design for photonic applications. The successful applicant will join a team that designs high-speed ASICs based in the Photonic Systems Group, at the Tyndall National Institute (http://www.tyndall.ie/research/photonics-systems-group/index.html). The high-speed ASICs are targeted towards applications in short-reach optical datacom (development of multilevel transceivers) and optical access networks (advanced burst-mode receivers).

In the field of short-reach optical datacom, today there is a strong demand for very high serial link-rates beyond the commercially widely available 10Gb/s solutions, which are based on simple on-off keying. Further increases in line-rate are difficult to achieve due to bandwidth limitations of both electronics and optics. Multilevel modulation formats such as pulse amplitude modulation (M-PAM) are a possible solution; however these require novel drivers and receivers. The research at Tyndall is specifically focused on the implementation of such multilevel transceivers using deep-submicron CMOS technology, with a particular emphasis on ultra low-power consumption.

In the field of optical access networks research is now focused on increasing the physical reach of these networks up to 100km and beyond. This requires novel concepts for the burst-mode receiver electronics which are needed to support the time-division multiple access (TDMA) protocols employed in such networks. Tyndall is developing such novel burst-mode receiver technology using SiGe BiCMOS technology.

The position, which is available starting Jan. 2012 for a period of two years, is funded by the Microelectronics Competence Centre Ireland (www.mcci.ie) and Enterprise Ireland. The candidate’s main task will involve the implementation and integration of a 56Gb/s, PAM-4 transceiver for short-reach optical interconnect. In addition, he or she will contribute to the research programme targeting novel burst-mode electronics for the above described long-reach optical access networks. The candidate will also be expected to work closely with the researchers of the Optical Integration Group to facilitate integration of the chips in working modules, as well as with other members of the Photonic Systems Group to facilitate testing of the chips and modules, and their integration into large-scale system test-beds.

The candidate will hold a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering with ideally a few years postdoctoral experience. He or she will have a strong interest, knowledge and experience (including published research papers and a proven track record in the design of successful silicon) in the following areas:

• A strong background in high-speed analogue circuit design, specifically in areas related to fibre-optics. For example, experience of the design of circuits such as transimpedance amplifiers, drivers and clock-and-data recovery circuits (VCOs, PLLs) will be considered advantageous,
• A working knowledge of optical networks, particularly relating to physical layer design and test
• Experience with all the main software tools required for high-speed integrated circuit design and modeling such as Cadence and Mentor Graphics Calibre tools, HFSS or ADS Momentum, Matlab
• Familiarity with the instrumentation required for testing will be considered a plus.

Tyndall National Institute is one of Europe’s leading research centres, addressing the scientific advances that are needed for the information technology of the future. The Institute is located on a high-tech campus in Cork city, Ireland, close to University College Cork. In Tyndall, over 350 researchers, engineers, students and support staff work together in the areas of photonics, micro/nanoelectronics, microsystems and theory and modelling.

For further information please contact Dr. Peter Ossieur (peter.ossieur@tyndall.ie). To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to careers@tyndall.iequoting the reference number PO – 1.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute is an Equal Opportunities Employer. To apply for this post, complete the application form (http://www.tyndall.ie/careers/howto.html) and forward with a detailed curriculum vitae and references to:

careers@tyndall.ie

Tyndall National Institute, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork, Ireland

Fax: +353-21-4904058