PhD

Smart Systems and Energy Technology

• DNA analysis with a nanopore
• Reconfigurable biosensor arrays
• 3D-SOC integration by stacking heterogeneous IC technologies
• Technology aware design research
• Analog and RF circuit design for 45nm CMOS Cognitive Radio t
• CMOS design for mm-wave applications
• Cognitive radio processor architecture and platform
• Cognitive radio functionality
• Miniaturized Hyperspectral Vision System for the Embedded Do
• Multi-View Video
• Run-time resource management for dynamic Embedded Software
• Solar Cell Technology
• Organic electronics
• Wireless autonomous transducer solutions
• Ultra-high frequency communication with thin-film oxide elec

Cognitive radio functionality

The quest for more spectrum, and a more effective use of available spectrum, has lead to the concept of cognitive radio. In its most general definition, a cognitive radio aims at “sensing” and “learning” the environment to autonomously adapt its transmission parameters in order to improve the use of network/spectrum resources. This requires the transceiver to be able to “scan” the whole band, searching for optimal transmit opportunities. Also during operation, scanning will enable to continuously look for better connectivity opportunities, and initiate a handover when such better opportunity is found. Finally, new air interfaces need to be designed that make optimal use of the available spectrum, and minimize interference caused to other communication links. In this team, focus is hence on collaborative spectrum sensing, cognitive handover techniques and new air interfaces for the next generation wireless systems. The proposed research is carried out by several master or phd thesis students in the cognitive radio architecture and functionality team.

Responsible scientists: Sofie Pollin and Liesbet Van der Perre