Project Info

Efficient Electromagnetic Simulation of Silicon-on-Insulator Circuits for mm-Wave Operation

Peter Aaen
paaen@mines.edu

Project Goals and Description:

Silicon on insulator (SOI) semiconductor technologies operating  at mm-wave frequencies (>30 GHz) are enabling high-bandwidth (5G) applications like augmented/virtual reality, accurate positioning, and antenna systems.    A significant advantage of SOI is that the technology can be optimized to improve the performance of the devices and circuits.   To avoid costly and time-consuming optimization via repetitive manufacturing in a semiconductor fabrication facility we need to develop efficient electromagnetic simulation methodologies.   In this project, the student will assess various electromagnetic simulators and to understand which are the most computationally efficient and accurate so that they can be used in the design of an SOI semiconductor process.

More Information:

Grand Challenge: Not applicable.
several publications and for work in process: https://people.mines.edu/paaen/

Primary Contacts:

Peter Aaen paaen@mines.edu

Student Preparation

Qualifications

The student should have a operating knowledge of circuits and electronic devices.

TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)

3-5 hours per week

SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED

The student will gain significant experience using several commercial software packages for electromagnetic simulation including: HFSS, Sonnet, and Momentum.   In addition, they will develop program management capabilities , presentation, and their technical writing.

MENTORING PLAN

At the beginning of the project, the student will meet weekly with the supervisor so that they arrive at a joint agreement on the tasks involved and the schedule.  Afterwards, meetings will be help approximately every 2 weeks (or more if required by the student) additionally, they will be added to the slack server for my research team to contact me instantly.    In addition to the technical mentoring on electromagnetic simulation, the student will learn how to develop a research project definition, how to implement specific project management skills to ensure that their work is successful. In addition to the direct mentoring by the supervisor, graduate students will be part of the mentoring team as they help to train the student on various technical skills needed for the project.

PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS

Junior
Senior
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