CMOS-Integrated Beamforming Architectures for Next-Generation PMUT Arrays

Imec is a world-leading R&D centre in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, combining expertise in semiconductor innovation, analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, MEMS, and heterogeneous system integration. By bringing these disciplines together, imec develops next-generation miniaturised sensing and actuation platforms for applications in healthcare, robotics, and advanced industrial systems.

Ultrasound systems are increasingly moving towards highly integrated solutions that combine large transducer arrays with advanced CMOS electronics. Applications such as medical imaging, neuromodulation, robotics, and industrial inspection demand increasingly sophisticated control of acoustic fields while simultaneously reducing system size, power consumption, and implementation complexity. Achieving these objectives requires fundamental innovation in the underlying beamforming electronics.

While significant advances have been made in ultrasound transducer technology, the electronic control of large transducer arrays remains a major challenge. Future systems require integrated circuits capable of generating precisely controlled excitation signals, distributing timing and phase information with high accuracy, and maintaining performance in the presence of circuit non-idealities, process variations, and strict power constraints. New circuit architectures are needed to improve scalability while preserving the accuracy required for advanced ultrasound beam steering and focusing applications.

This PhD will investigate novel analog and mixed-signal CMOS architectures for ultrasound beamforming and signal generation. The research will focus on the design of scalable integrated circuits that enable highly programmable ultrasound systems while minimizing area, power consumption, and system complexity. The project combines circuit innovation with system-level modelling and experimental validation in integrated ultrasound platforms.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design who is interested in pushing the boundaries of next-generation ultrasound electronics. The research will involve:

1. Developing innovative analog and mixed-signal circuit architectures for ultrasound beamforming and signal generation.
2. Investigating low-power techniques for signal distribution, synchronization, and scalable array control.
3. Modelling the impact of circuit-level non-idealities on system-level performance.
4. Designing and prototyping an ASIC using advanced CMOS technologies and state-of-the-art IC design tools.
5. Performing electrical characterization and experimental validation of the developed circuits.
6. Evaluating the proposed architectures in integrated ultrasound demonstrator systems.

The outcome of this PhD will be a validated mixed-signal ASIC platform enabling future generations of compact and programmable ultrasound systems for healthcare, robotics, and sensing applications.

Skills and background:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design.
• Experience with IC design and simulation tools (Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, etc.).
• Good understanding of transistor-level design, analog building blocks, and mixed-signal architectures.
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python for modelling and simulation.
• Familiarity with ASIC verification and laboratory characterization is a plus.
• Experience with PCB design and measurement instrumentation is an plus.
• Knowledge of MEMS devices, ultrasound systems, or acoustics is beneficial but not required.
• Strong analytical skills and enthusiasm for hands-on circuit design and experimental research.