Thesis work: Extraction of relative permeability of different types of Ferrite materials using Vecto
Thesis Worker at Volvo Cars
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Background:
The automotive industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented paradigm shift towards electric vehicles. This shift is redefining the entire car development process, offering significant challenges and opportunities. To stay ahead of the competition, it is of vital importance to reduce the car development cycle time, without compromising safety and reliability. Consequently, virtual modelling and simulations are crucial for the prediction and optimisation of the performance during early development phases.
To reduce cost and time to market, the CAE & Test team at the department of Electrical Infrastructure, Volvo Cars Engineering, performs electromagnetic and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) modelling and simulations at component, system, and full vehicle level. This allows us to predict, analyse, and improve the electrical performance in early development phases.
Scope:
Ferrites are extensively used across various electrical and electronic applications in modern technology, ranging from EMI (electromagnetic interference) suppression and radio frequency/microwave systems to power electronics and biomedical devices. While datasheets for most commercial ferrite materials typically provide basic information, such as standard permeability (µr) and permittivity (εr ), values at specific frequencies, and sometimes the loss tangent, this information is often insufficient for engineers involved in EMI & EMC simulations. To accurately recreate designs using simulation tools, detailed profiles of µr and εr , including both the real and imaginary components (or loss tangent) across a range of frequencies are needed.
This thesis aims to establish a generic workflow for extracting these parameters over a wide frequency range for various materials and shapes, using conventional lab instruments such as a Vector Network Analyser (VNA). The goal is to extract the relative permeability of ferrite materials belonging to groups 33, 44, 31, 43 and so on (as commercially available), using the S-parameter measurement technique with a VNA. Ferrite materials of different geometries will be used for solid test samples, with custom fixtures built in-house to accommodate the objects under test. The extracted permeability should be cross validated using other measurement instruments, such as an impedance analyser, where feasible.
For enthusiastic students, the thesis could be extended to extracting the above parameters using microstrip or strip line samples built on ferrite substrates. This, however, depends on the availability of such samples as Volvo Cars does not have the inhouse facility to produce these, and would assume a collaboration with a suitable external partner.
Qualification:
Master of science programme students with knowledge in electromagnetics, electromagnetic compatability, microwave theory and techniques, circuit design. Familiarity with VNA S-parameter measurement techniques is crucial. Ideally, the candidates should possess a deep interest and curiosity in the subject matter, along with strong analytical skills.
Duration:
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The work will start in January 2025, exact date is to be discussed.
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The duration is 20 weeks.
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30 ECTS credits.
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This thesis is suitable for 2 students.
What you will get:
- Skills in development in the automotive industry within the electromagnetic domain.
- Experience from performing measurements with state-of-the art tools.
- Deep knowledge about ferrite materials and S-parameter measurement techniques.
- To be part of an awesome team!
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