Master Thesis, 30 HP: Investigations in Circular Antenna Arrays for Uniform Sensing

Are you a student eager to apply your theoretical knowledge and fresh perspectives to real-world challenges? At Saab, we believe that innovation thrives on new ideas, and your master thesis project could be the spark that ignites our next technological breakthrough.
Your role

We recognize the immense value that students bring to our company. Your academic rigor, combined with your enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology, allows you to approach problems with a unique and insightful lens. At Saab, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineers and specialists, gaining invaluable practical experience while making a tangible contribution to our growth and development.

Background
Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) radars are a special class of radars designed, not only for outstanding target detection performance, but also to remain unseen and unknown by means of passive intercept receivers. LPI radars listens for emitter signals in the surrounding atmosphere, and identifies the transmitting sensor. Pertaining to electromagnetic engineering, LPI radars require have wideband antenna elements which have low sidelobe levels. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the radar is able to scan the entire horizon. This might be realized through mechanical steering, or with deploying several linear arrays in a square configuration, which would be an active electronically scanned array (AESAs).

A setup of several linear arrays in a square configuration run the risk of creating uneven sensing capabilities. Therefore, an optional LPI-radar array configuration could be to deploy an even circle of elements. That configuration would not imply uneven performances, except for the discretization of beam maxima directions. SAAB develops radars and electronic surveillance (ES) systems based on the AESA technology for land, airborne, and maritime applications. The SAAB systems are integrated on a wide range of platforms, including fighter aircrafts, airborne surveillance planes, military ships, submarines, and land vehicles.

Description Of The Master Thesis
This Master Thesis aims at investigating the possible implementation of circular antenna arrays as an option compared to the usage of several linear arrays. The project will include the study and development of a new iteration of a wideband antenna element. A circular array will thereafter be constructed consisting of the elements. This circular array is to be compared other conventional array configurations with respect to radiation performances, areal footprint, and cost. The project may regard the generalization into designing a cylindrical array, or focus towards a manufacturing of a prototype.

The main tasks of the project are:

• Conducting a literature review into relevant wideband antenna elements, and circular arrays.
• Under a parametrical study develop a novel antenna element based on the project constraints.
• Generalize the antenna element into a finite circular structure.
• Study the limitations of the finite structure, for the parametric study to be valid.
• Compare the performance to a square of linear arrays.
• Generalize the structure into a 3D-array, and/or the possibility to manufacture a physical prototype.
• Writing of your Master's thesis including a summary of conclusions and recommendation of future work.
• Presentation of your Master's thesis, both industrial and academical.

Your workplace will be at the Business Area Surveillance located in Stockholm, both in Järfälla and Solna Strand. The BA Surveillance provides efficient solutions for safety and security, for surveillance and decision support, and for threat detection and protection. Read more about Surveillance here:

The portfolio covers:

• Airborne, ground-based and naval radar.
• Electronic warfare, combat systems and C4I solutions.
• Cyber Security.

This project is performed at the department Sensor Systems, which is a part of the Product Area Electronic Surveillance. At Sensor Systems we develop:

• Radar systems for target seeker and fire control applications.
• Electronic surveillance systems for ground-based, naval and airborne applications.

Your profile

This Master Thesis is suitable for 1 student with interest in Antenna Engineering and Radar Technology. You are at the end of your MSc. Programme in Electromagnetics, Antenna Engineering, Microwave Engineering, or equivalent, and about to start your Master Thesis work for 30 HP.

Additional requirements are that:

• You have proven skills in antenna- and microwave analytics, as well as in simulative prototyping in CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS, or equivalent.
• You have adequate technical communicational skills, both in Swedish and English.

We further desire that you have experience in:

• Practical RF measurements.
• Working in lab environments.
• Working in a project-based environment.

We provide the support and guidance you need to translate your theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. Join us and become a driving force behind Saab's technological advancements

This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.
What you will be a part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,100 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here

Last application day

Contact information
Thomas Lindgren, Manager