Thesis: Energy-efficient LPWAN data transmission for edge AI systems

CAREERS IN MICROTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH - BIG OPPORTUNITIES WITH SMALL STRUCTURES!

CHANGE STARTS WITH US.

Do you want to change the world with science? Then the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies EMFT is the ideal place for your career!
With around 190 highly qualified employees at our locations in Munich, Oberpfaffenhofen and Regensburg, we combine many years of experience with comprehensive expertise in microelectronics and microsystems technology. Our broad technology portfolio ranges from advanced semiconductor processes and MEMS technologies to innovative 3D integration and film electronics.
These nano- and microtechnologies form the basis of our diverse fields of expertise, which include sensor technology, circuit design, system solutions with AI, analysis and testing as well as micropumps. 
The close collaboration between our experts not only creates groundbreaking innovations, but also synergies that enable Fraunhofer EMFT to effectively master the complex challenges of our time.

The Machine Learning Enhanced Sensor Systems working group is conducting research on various projects relating to time series data analysis, predictive maintenance and EdgeAI applications.
Based on an existing IoT test setup for data transmission via NB-IoT and LTE-M, the influence of various transmission parameters is to be investigated as part of this work. The focus is on analyzing energy consumption, latency times and transmission reliability as a function of signal quality, data volume (payload) and transmission frequency. To this end, suitable experiments are to be designed, implemented on the existing hardware and systematically evaluated. The aim is to derive well-founded recommendations for the energy-efficient and reliable use of the platform in real edge AI applications. If necessary, the existing test setup can be expanded or adapted. Previous engineering experience or working student activities are possible.

What you will do

• Familiarization with LPWAN transmission protocols, in particular NB-IoT/LTE-M as well as MQTT (TCP) and CoAP (UDP)
• Conception and implementation of experiments for cyclical message transmission with varying payload size and targeted influencing of signal quality 
• Carrying out and structured documentation of measurements (e.g. latency, reliability, energy consumption) under varying conditions
• Processing and statistical evaluation of the measurement data
• Further development of our IoT platform in the area of hardware and software 

What you bring to the table

• Good knowledge of embedded software development with C/C++
• Interest in data analysis, e.g. with Python
• Basic knowledge of network technologies (OSI model, LPWAN)
• Independent, structured and reliable way of working
• Degree in electrical engineering and information technology, computer science or a comparable course of study
• Interest in scientific work - a publication is possible if the results are of appropriate quality

What you can expect

We offer you a challenging role with a lot of responsibility, creative freedom and a wide range of opportunities to gain new experiences. You can expect an international, open-minded and dynamic team in which you will be trusted from day one and encouraged to work independently. Your contributions will make a significant contribution to advancing our research in the field of Machine Learning Enhanced Sensor Systems

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
 

Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies EMFT 

www.emft.fraunhofer.de 

Requisition Number: 79103                Application Deadline: 04/30/2025