Master Thesis – Design and Test of a short-circuit protected synchronous buck converter with multiple parallel connected GaN transistors (all genders) // Job-ID: 141-0

Intern / Student, Part-time · GRAZ

Your future responsibilities
The master thesis is related to an ongoing research project at SAL, which is dedicated to improving metallurgic processes by applying modern power electronics. The objective is to investigate GaN-transistor based converter stages, which are operated at very high currents (several thousand Amperes in the final configuration). A special focus must be placed on the PCB-layout for achieving minimum loop inductances and optimized cooling as well as on solutions for short circuit protection. The activities will be supported by several experienced colleagues.
The main tasks of the master’s thesis will be:
  • Perform literature review (focus on paralleling GaN-transistors articles, patents, etc.).
  • Simulation-based design of the converter stage (including short circuit protection).
  • PCB-design with a focus on minimized loop inductances and optimized cooling.
  • Laboratory testing and analysis.
  • Perform data analysis and prepare reports. 
Your profile
  • Master student (enrolled in EU university) in electronics engineering or similar fields.
  • Experience with circuit simulation tools (e.g. Spice).
  • Experience with PCB-Design tools (Altium-Designer).
  • Experience with laboratory experimental setups for power electronics.
  • Microcontroller experience and programming a plus. 
  • Autonomy and reporting skills.
  • Collaboration, teamwork, and eagerness to learn. 
  • Good communication skills in English.
Important Facts about SAL
  • Start: as soon as possible.
  • Part-time position (20 h), temporary: 6 months.
  • Diversified research activities with plenty of technical challenges. 
  • State-of-the-art lab facilities and instruments. 
  • Internal and external training opportunities for further development. 
  • Home Office possible. 
  • € 4 per day food allowance in restaurants or € 2 per day in supermarkets. 
  • Family & kids friendly. 
  • Free coffee/milk/tea & fresh fruits. 
This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA).  For this position, we offer a monthly gross salary of EUR 1.863, paid 14 times a year.
About us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future 
 
Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.

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