Adaptive Wearable Antennas and sensor systems

Project Description:
Personal communication systems are constantly evolving to enhance our functionality. Consumers want seamless connection every time, everywhere. As these devices become more integrated with the user, such as wearable technology, the performance gets degraded. Research in this area is in a growth phase, attracting research funding and huge commercial interest from global leaders such as, Samsung, Apple, Google etc. as well as government bodies. For these systems to meet application demands, much research resources are invested in generating new concepts and capabilities. Reliable communication between these wearable devices is heavily dependent on physical layer performance. Improving the communication channel through antenna development is one area requiring advancement. Having a single antenna that can adapt to different users, in different environments with varying channel conditions is highly advantageous.

Objectives:
Investigate and evaluate wearable antenna technology and define a novel research area.
Define new measurement methodologies for analysing the performance of adaptive antennas.
Develop test-beds representative of human morphology for antennas with multiple propagation modes.
Develop an understanding of body-centric communications, with a focus on antennas and propagation.
Use numerical electromagnetic simulation analysis to investigate optimal wearable antenna concepts.
Wearable antenna design, prototyping and experimental measurements.
Disseminate research findings in leading national and international conference and journal publications.

Academic Requirements:
A minimum 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in Computer Science or Electrical and Electronic Engineering or relevant degree is required.

GENERAL INFORMATION
This 3 year PhD studentship, potentially funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), commences on 1 October 2015.

Eligibility for both fees and maintenance (£13,863 in 2014/15, 2015/16 TBC) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK resident or those EU residents who have lived permanently in the UK for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the studentship. Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only.

Applicants should apply electronically through the Queen’s online application portal at: https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/

Further information available at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/eeecs/StudyattheSchool/PhDProgrammes

Contact details:
Supervisor Name: Dr. Gareth Conway Tel: 028 9097 1854
QUB Address ECIT, NI Science Pk, Queen’s Road, Queen’s Island, BT3 9DT Email: [Email Address Removed]

Deadline for submission of applications is 27 February 2016