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Student (m/f/d): Development of a Test Stand for Opto-ASIC Modules

During your studies, you will have the opportunity to contribute to an exciting development project in the field of optoelectronic semiconductor technology. The goal of this student assistant position is to develop a test stand for verifying the fundamental functions of a CMOS Lock-In Pixel image sensor, which is implemented as a Chip-on-Board (CoB) module. These image sensors are based on CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) technology and feature specialized Lock-In Pixels, which enable highly sensitive optical signal evaluation for time-resolved fluorescence measurements.

Place of work: Erfurt

Team:

Microelectronics

Career level: 

Mandatory Internship, Bachelor Thesis

Research field: Integrated sensor systems

Time scope:

6 month

Start:

As soon as possible

Application deadline: 2025-12-31

Reference number:

IMMS_STUD_ME_0425

Developing a reliable test stand is essential to ensure the correct fabrication of ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). In addition to electrical and functional testing of the ASICs, the test stand will include a mechanism for alignment and focusing of the lens integrated into the CoB module. This lens is a crucial part of the optical system, ensuring that incoming light is optimally focused on the sensor’s light-sensitive pixels. Precise lens alignment is therefore critical for achieving high image quality and ensuring the proper functionality of the sensor. As part of this role, you will develop the necessary electronics and mechanics for the test stand, including circuit design for test PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) and mechanical holders for both the lens and the sensor module. Additionally, you will program and adapt test routines in Python to enable the automated execution of various electrical and functional measurements. You will be able to leverage existing Python scripts and libraries, which are already in use for controlling and evaluating the tests. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain deep insights into the design and characterization of optoelectronic ASICs. Through hands-on experience with testing methodologies, you will learn about the electronic and functional parameters of an image sensor and expand your practical knowledge in the areas of microelectronics, optical systems, and digital measurement technology.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Development of a test stand for the electrical and optical characterization of a CMOS Lock-In Pixel image sensor in a CoB module format.
  • Design and assembly of test PCBs to enable detailed testing of the sensor's individual functions.
  • Integration of an alignment and focusing mechanism for the lens of the sensor module to ensure precise optical imaging.
  • Execution of electrical tests, including measuring power consumption, verifying internal Low Dropout Regulators (LDOs), and analyzing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection diodes at the sensor pins.
  • Functional testing, such as reading out the Chip ID, performing NAND-Tree tests to verify pad connections, conducting ATPG (Automatic Test Pattern Generation) tests for digital functionality, and characterizing the sensor through test images and dark field measurements.
  • Programming and automation of test routines in Python, based on existing scripts and libraries.
  • Familiarization with the ASIC architecture and specifications to develop and refine a comprehensive test strategy.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:

  • Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Interest in optoelectronic systems, image sensors, and microelectronics.
  • Basic knowledge of electronic measurement technology, PCB design, and digital interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI).
  • Initial experience with Python programming or a willingness to learn.
  • A structured and analytical working style with the ability to approach technical problems independently.

AND THIS IS US:

We strengthen enterprises with application-oriented research and development in microelectronics, systems engineering and mechatronics and transfer the results of basic research into applications and products. We support companies in launching internationally successful innovations for health, the environment and industry and provide solutions from the feasibility study to series production.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!

We thank you for your interest in working with us.

Please only apply once – for your favourite topic or for the one that comes closest to your interests. This is the quickest way for us to process your application and get back to you. If you are interested in more than one topic, please include this in your cover letter. In case our current suggestions are not suitable, please send us your speculative application with a topic you would like to work on.

WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU:

  • An attractive workplace in a modern, very well-equipped and industry-oriented research institute
  • Work directly at the interface between university and industry
  • Work in a flexible and creative team and on innovative and challenging topics

For the tasks described in the job offer and with the existing working conditions, an application is possible irrespective of gender and/or any physical disabilities. We foster professional equality of women and men. We invite women in particular to apply. As women are underrepresented at IMMS, they will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional performance.

Address:

IMMS Institut für Mikroelektronik- und Mechatronik-Systeme gemeinnützige GmbH (IMMS GmbH)
Ehrenbergstraße 27
98693 Ilmenau
Germany

Contact: Eric Schäfer

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