Investigation of Ultrasonic Backscatter Communication Using MEMS Transducers

What you will do

Wireless communication based on ultrasound is attracting increasing interest for applications where traditional radio-frequency communication faces limitations. One promising approach is ultrasonic backscatter communication, where a device transmits information by modifying the ultrasound signal reflected back to an external reader.

In this internship, you will investigate the potential of ultrasonic backscatter communication using imec's MEMS transducer technology. MEMS-based ultrasound transducers enable highly compact, low-power ultrasonic systems. The project will focus on investigating the capabilities and limitations of this emerging communication approach through experimental evaluation and analysis. The work will involve the development of measurement setups, design and execution of experiments, processing of measurement data, and interpretation of the results.

Your activities may include:

• Investigating techniques for ultrasonic backscatter communication.
• Working with imec's MEMS ultrasound transducer technology.
• Designing, assembling, and testing electronic circuits for transducer interfacing and experimental measurements by using electronics and ultrasonics lab equipment.
• Building experimental measurement setups.
• Planning, performing measurements and analyzing experimental data.
• Evaluating communication performance under different operating conditions.
• Contributing to future research directions for ultrasonic sensing and communication systems.

What we offer

You will gain practical experience with experimental electronics, research ultrasonic systems, measurement systems, and data analysis in a research environment. The internship focuses on the experimental evaluation of ultrasonic devices, circuit topologies and communication concepts using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.

Who you are

• Studying Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Microsystems, or a related field.
• Interested in experimental research and emerging technologies.
• Comfortable with data analysis and scientific problem solving.
• Familiar with working in an electronics laboratory, including the use of oscilloscopes, signal generators, power supplies, and other electronic measurement equipment.
• Knowledge of Python/MATLAB, signal processing and electronics is desired.
• Curious, proactive, and motivated to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Proposed duration

6 months

Keywords

Ultrasound, Backscatter Communication, MEMS, Ultrasonic Communication, Sensors, Experimental Research, Signal Processing, Measurement Systems, Wireless Systems