Branch Details

Electronics and Communications

FEKTAbbreviation: PKA-ESTAcad. year: 2019/2020

Programme: Electrical Engineering and Communication

Length of Study: 4 years

Tuition Fees: 2500 EUR/academic year for EU students, 2500 EUR/academic year for non-EU students

Accredited from: 25.7.2007Accredited until: 31.12.2020

Profile

The doctor study programme provides the specialised university education to the graduates of the previous master study in electronics and communication technologies. The students are educated in various branches of theoretical and applied electronics and communication techniques. The students make deeper their theoretical knowledge of higher mathematics and physics, and they earn also knowledge of applied informatics and computer techniques.
They get ability to produce scientific works.

Key learning outcomes

The doctors are able to solve scientific and complex engineering tasks from the area of electronics and communications.
Wide fundamentals and deep theoretical basis of the study program bring high adaptability and high qualification of doctors for the most of requirements of their future creative practice in all areas of electronic engineering and communications.
The doctors are competent to work as scientists and researchers in many areas of basic research or research and development, as high-specialists in the development, design, construction, and application areas in many institutions, companies, and organisations of the electrical and electronic research, development, and industry as in the areas of communication and data transmission services and systems, inclusively in the special institutions of the state administration. In all of these branches they are able to work also as the leading scientific-, research-, development- or technical-managers.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

The doctors are able to solve scientific and complex engineering tasks from the area of electronics and communication. Wide fundamentals and deep theoretical basis of the study program bring high adaptability and high qualification of doctors for the most of requirements of their future creative practice in all areas of electronic engineering and communications.
The doctors are competent to work as scientists and researchers in many areas of basic research or research and development, as high-specialists in the development, design, construction, and application areas in many institutions, companies, and organizations of the electrical and electronic research, development, and industry as in the areas of communication and data transmission services and systems, inclusively in the special institutions of the state administration. In all of these branches they are able to work also as the leading scientific-, research-, and development- or technical-managers.

Guarantor

Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program

2. round (applications submitted from 01.07.2019 to 31.07.2019)

  1. Active Devices in Advanced Classes for Telecommunication Applications

    The aim of the project is in the solutions of amplifiers or multipliers in advanced classes E, F, G and other in the microwave band. These classes allow improving various parameters of standard circuits, such as efficiency, intermodulation level and others, depending on specific application. The change of parameters is done with the use of manipulation of harmonic frequencies of input signal. Work will focus also on output circuit design to realize necessary harmonic manipulation. In the work it will be necessary to simulate those circuits, to realize selected designs and select proper methodology of measurements in the case of designed circuits.

    Tutor: Urbanec Tomáš, Ing., Ph.D.

  2. Advanced EMI Filters Models

    The project is focused on the analysis of single-phase EMI filters. The analysis has to be focused on the uncertain impedance termination of the EMI filters. The termination has a dominant influence on the filter's insertion loss and also on so call "worst-case" performance. The results will be checked by a lot of measurements and also several mathematical analyses. For these analyses will be designed accurate filter's models.

    Tutor: Dřínovský Jiří, Ing., Ph.D.

  3. Advanced microwave systems for space communication

    At present, there are new interesting MIO based on GaN, discrete devices and new materials which allow to find solutions of microwave parts of the ground as well as the space segments on new principles. These are namely antenna feeds with integrated low noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, quadrature frequency converters, local oscillators with low phase noise, frequency filters, frequency synthesizers, modulators and demodulators. A part of the project will be studies of application possibilities, parameters analysis and designs of extensional units of a satellite communication chain.

    Tutor: Kasal Miroslav, prof. Ing., CSc.

  4. Advanced signal processing for LPWA technologies

    The new generation of Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) networks considers not only a huge amount of connected IoT devices, but also an extension of the features of LPWA technologies that are used by LPWA networks for different use cases. It is assumed that fields, where LPWA technologies can be used, will increase in the future. Hence, advanced signal processing to extend feature of LPWA technologies on physical layer (PHY) level will be necessary to fulfill requirements from both user and market parts. This dissertation thesis deals with the research of emerging signal processing techniques for different LPWA technologies (e.g. LoRa, INGENU) with attention on various use case scenarios and radio frequency bands. The work focuses on the implementing of multiple modulation schemes, on the techniques to increase bandwidth and data rate for different LPWA technologies according to basic features of LPWA technologies (e.g. long range communication, high energy efficiency, resistance against interferences). The aim of this work is to verify the proposed solutions and their analysis with appropriate simulation models (e.g. in MATLAB). Verification of the theoretical (simulation) results by measurement in laboratory conditions (e.g. SDR-USRP radio) is also considered. The outputs of the work should offer complementary trade-offs to match the range and data rate requirements of applications.

    Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  5. Analysis of nonlinear electronic systems using Volterra series theory

    The aim of the project is to elaborate ways of description of nonlinear electronic systems using Volterra series theory and find effective methods of their solution. In theoretical part, existing methods will critically be evaluated and computationally more efficient procedures searched, including multivariate Laplace transform approach and related numerical techniques. Attention will be focused on use in the analysis of systems with distributed parameters with nonlinearities. In experimental part, dependencies between Volterra series kernels and X-parameters measured by nonlinear vector network analyzer are supposed to be exploited. Potential candidates should have an interest in applied mathematics and programming in MATLAB.

    Tutor: Brančík Lubomír, prof. Ing., CSc.

  6. Analysis of stochastic changes of interconnects parameters

    The aim of the project is to develop techniques of the analysis of stochastic changes of interconnects parameters in electronic systems on a basis of the theory of stochastic differential equations (SDE). The subject of the research will be devoted partly to the application of ordinary SDEs, useful to describe models with lumped parameters, and partly to the study of the applicability of partial SDEs, useful for continuous models based on the telegraphic equations. It is expected generalization of some proposed techniques towards the analysis of hybrid electronic systems based on stochastic differential-algebraic equations (SDAE). Effectiveness of the proposed methods will be evaluated by comparison with standard statistical approaches such as Monte Carlo method. Potential candidates should have an interest in applied mathematics and programming in MATLAB.

    Tutor: Brančík Lubomír, prof. Ing., CSc.

  7. Applications of electronically controllable bilinear two-ports for approximation of functional blocks with fractional order character

    This work deals with synthesis/approximation of network building blocks (integrator, derivator, etc.) of the fractional order circuit by help of chains of subparts employing bilinear transfer sections of the integer order where independent electronic control of the zero and pole location is allowed. This approximation (valid in limited frequency bandwidth) allows to obtain fractional exponent of the Laplace operator s and construction of the so-called “half integrator” (1/s^0.5) for example. The work in this topic is focused to circuit theory but partial results will be verified experimentally with attention to suitable practical applications and applications in smart components of physical layer of communication systems.

    Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  8. Coexistence between wireless LPWAN and WLAN networks in shared radio frequency bands

    In the near feature, Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) services can be also provided in higher radiofrequency bands. Hence, different LPWAN technologies (e.g. LoRa, Ingenu), originally developed for sub-GHz bands, can be exploit in the RF bands, where technologies of WLAN (e.g. IEEE 802.11, 802.15.4k/g) are utilized. This dissertation thesis focuses on the definition and exploring of possible coexistence scenarios between wireless communication systems LPWAN a WLAN in a shared RF band. Such coexistence scenarios can be critical (a partial or full loss of wireless services, provided by communication systems) and non-critical (both communication systems can coexist without significant performance degradation). The aim of this work is to verify the defined coexistence scenarios and their analysis with appropriate simulation models (e.g. in MATLAB). Verification of the theoretical (simulation) results by measurement either in a real environment or in laboratory conditions (e.g. SDR-USRP radio) is also considered. Based on the obtained results, recommendations for a coexistence-free operation of wireless communication systems in shared RF bands will be defined.

    Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  9. Determination of the limits of the quantitative parameters in optical wireless communication

    The work is focused on the study of atmospheric turbulence, which is an important factor affecting the properties of optical radiation. The work consists of detailed analysis of the turbulent media and describes horizontal and vertical models of the atmosphere. The methodology for quantification of the degree of turbulence considering the needs of optical wireless communication is the next point of the work. The main goal of the work is to determine the maximum achievable transmission rate in the optical wireless links. The dependence of the transmission rate on the degree of atmospheric turbulence and on the wavelength of the optical carrier for the various types of optical beams with respect to the used modulation and coding techniques will be examined. The analysis of bit error rate during the operation of optical wireless link in turbulent atmosphere should be a part of the work. The project is in large part experimental.

    Tutor: Hudcová Lucie, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  10. Distributed receiving system for satellite communication

    The project is aimed at study of synchronized distributed SDR receivers performance and at their application for satellite communication. The proposed system should allow simultaneous reception and data extraction from multiple signals. The main target of the study is enhancement of error-free data reception probability, exploitation of distributed system gain and stations redundancy. System is determined for data reception from experimental satellites in UHF band.

    Tutor: Urbanec Tomáš, Ing., Ph.D.

  11. Electronically controllable oscillators of higher and fractional orders

    Research is focused on modeling, simulations and experimental verification of circuit realizations of higher-order harmonic oscillators and inharmonic generators for structures of physical layer of communication systems working in base and inter-frequency band. The main task is to found features and application possibilities of circuits with higher order than 3 and circuits defined by differential equations of fractional order. An attention will be concentrated on frequency tunability, phase and magnitude relations between generated signals and suitable amplitude stabilization especially. Part of the work deals with detailed description of signal generation based on linear and nonlinear mathematical operations that are allowed by implementation of so-called constant phase elements producing constant phase shift between excitation signal and response.

    Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  12. Evaluating quality of service in mobile networks through crowdsourcing

    Usually, measurement of mobile cellular network quality parameters is done through measurement campaigns, where a large number of measurements are performed at pre-selected sites using dedicated measurement devices. The results of such analyzes have only such predictive power, how not only is the measurement methodology suitable, but especially the choice of measuring locations and the frequency of measurements. Because the network operating parameters are greatly affected by the instantaneous load, it is virtually impossible to determine the actual data rate achieved by the user based on conventional tests. The crowdsourcing concept is based on taking measurements from the users themselves, who, through the application on their mobile device, receive a sample of measurements and send it automatically to the experimenter. However, this comes at the price of including the tariff of the user and other aspects into the measurement making it complex to derive a network benchmark. The project is focused on the research of methods of measurements performed in this way in order to understand the limits and strength of each approach, in order to enable an increase of accuracy and informative value of the results obtained by the classical approach.

    Tutor: Slanina Martin, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  13. Channel models for future generations of mobile networks

    Steadily growing number of communication devices per area and increasing quality of services require allocation of more frequency resources. Millimeter wave (MMW) frequencies between 30 and 300 GHz have been attracting growing attention as a possible candidate for next-generation broadband cellular networks. Specific limitations of MMW signal propagation, extremely large bandwidth and time variable environment caused by mobile users connected to a backhaul networks traveling in rugged municipal environments create unprecedented challenges to the development of broadband communication systems using advanced technologies for eliminating the undesirable time varying channel features. The aim of the project is measurement and modelling of the broadband non-stationary MMW channels between mobile users and infrastructure dominantly in time and spatial domain to analyze the effects of environment and weather conditions and evaluate feasibility of advanced techniques such as beamforming or massive MIMO spatial multiplexing implementation.

    Tutor: Prokeš Aleš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  14. Impact of dynamic environmental phenomena on the quality of service in wireless networks

    Wireless communication systems are characterized by their sensitivity to environmental influences - such as changes in network properties, change of propagation conditions (temperature, humidity, vegetation, solar activity), radio environment (interference, multipath propagation), load (multiple access and capacity) and interference from neighboring cells. Each of these dynamic phenomena is characterized by slower or faster state changes. When evaluating the quality of service and the quality of experience in wireless networks, we usually do not consider the effects of these phenomena because they change orders of magnitude more slowly compared to the acquisition time of network benchmarking measurements. However, without an in depth understanding of this process it is not feasible to fuse measurements collected over a very long period of time, e.g., years of crowdsourced data The aim of the experimental part of the project is to propose a suitable methodology for obtaining a sufficiently large number of measuring observations characterizing the selected radio link or selected site in the cellular network. The analytical part of the work will focus on the use of other data sources (satellite data from Earth, weather data, traffic information) to formulate models of influence on a selected type of wireless system in order to maximize the accuracy of service quality prediction at a given time and place.

    Tutor: Slanina Martin, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  15. Methods for approximate symbolic analysis

    The project is focused on research and implementation of methods for symbolic and semi-symbolic analysis of linear or linearized electronic circuits. The aim is to develop new methods for so-called approximate symbolic analysis of large systems based on topological approach that respects physical relations in circuit. The methods have a potential to provide simply interpretable results. It is expected the new methods will be used in the process of integrated circuit design and testing. Part of the project consists in implementing of developed algorithms and their inclusion into the SNAP program.

    Tutor: Kolka Zdeněk, prof. Dr. Ing.

  16. Methods of multiple access and beamforming for future mobile networks

    Ever increasing demands for high-speed transmission in mobile networks lead to the use of increasingly higher frequency bands. In the area of millimeter wave band there is a sufficient bandwidth but extremely growing path loss. The short wavelengths, however, allow to realize tiny antennas and combine them into arrays offering a large gain, that are able significantly eliminate the path loss. The project is aimed at the research and development of algorithms for adaptive beamforming in combination with massive MIMO that would be able to combine optimally both approaches depending on the channel state and user requirements. The project includes study of a possible hardware implementation of the proposed algorithms and methods of antenna arrays control.

    Tutor: Prokeš Aleš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  17. Microwave structures on synthetic substrates

    The project is focused on the investigation of microwave structures based on synthetic substrates. The attention should be mainly focused on the development of substrates with desired spatial distribution of electromagnetic properties. For that work, optimization algorithms should be exploited or developed. Created substrates should be exploited for novel concepts of microwave circuits and antennas.

    Tutor: Láčík Jaroslav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  18. New active elements combining more ways of electronic control and their applications

    This topic is focused on study of novel principles of electronic control in the frame of internal architecture of an active element. It extends performances of existing active elements such as: current conveyors, transconductors, current and voltage amplifiers, etc. These elements offer only one adjustable parameter in most cases. Main goals are identification of hitherto unpublished possibilities of the control in the frame of one block or simple combination of several basic sub-blocks. Investigation of this active device will be provided by ideal models, behavioral models (emulators) based on commercially available devices and their realization in suitable CMOS technology. Verification of usability of these active elements in suitable standard and smart circuit applications is also supposed.

    Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  19. Novel analog blocks and concepts for processing of electrical and nonelectrical quantities

    The integrated circuits are very important for processing of signals from sensors and sensor readouts as a part of modern physical layer of communication systems. They offer significant minimization of system area and low power consumption. Therefore, these concepts are highly useful for biomedical applications (blood analysis – presence of various chemicals, bioimpedances measurement and evaluation, etc.), in mechanics (distance influences capacity), etc. This topic includes study of utilization of of-the-shelf as well as custom integrated active building cells and blocks (amplifiers, converters, generators, flip-flop circuits, etc.) and study of features of currently available types of sensors for various physical quantities. The recommendations, requirements and methodologies for active sensor readouts in processing of signals are expected to be formulated. Works in this topic supposes implementation of own novel integrated cells or utilization of already available devices (designed in ON Semiconductor/AMIS 0.35 um or TSMC 0.18 um CMOS process) at the workplace.

    Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  20. Perspective methods for precise positioning in wireless sensor networks

    Nowadays, we have numerous methods for localization of persons or wireless sensors in networks. In the future, due to emerging wireless communication techniques (e.g. IoT communication and protocols, communication in mmW bands), it is assumed that current methods and techniques used for localization will need improvement or extension with new ones. Utilization of Machine Learning in this field seems to be a promising way. This dissertation deals with the research of methods (SW and HW systems) for a precise localization of wireless sensors and persons. The work should focus on the analysis of current methods and their optimization for different wireless communication techniques, utilized in a wide range of radio frequency bands. Utilization of the basics of Machine Learning and their application in this field to achieve high localization accuracy is assumed. Verification of the theoretical results by measurements in laboratory and real conditions (indoor and outdoor environment) is considered.

    Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  21. Receiving of very weak radiofrequency signals

    Reception of microwave signals coming from the universe is characterized by very low Eb/N0 ratio. That is mostly concerned with phase or frequency shift keying of a carrier or sub-carrier. Reduced bandwidth is applied for AWGN elimination as the signal’s source increases. For this reason very high frequency stability has to be achieved by locking to an atomic frequency standard as well as precise compensation of Doppler shift. Basic requirement is a low value of equivalent system’s noise temperature achievement, related to optimized radiated pattern of the parabolic reflector feed. A part of the project is also methodology of the system sensitivity measurement by means of extraterrestrial noise sources.

    Tutor: Kasal Miroslav, prof. Ing., CSc.

  22. Sensor networks for vehicles

    One of the ways reducing the cost and consumption of cars, aircrafts, and other transport vehicles is the replacement of expensive and relatively heavy wiring harness interconnecting tens to hundreds of sensors and actuators with control unit by a wireless network. Multipath propagation of signals in a noisy environment and coordination of a mutual communication, however, requires the use of special techniques and signal processing algorithms. The aim of the project is design and optimization of the multi-hop sensor network. The appropriate modulation, methods of equalization and error correction, etc. on the physical layer and methods of communication resources allocation and coordination of data transfer at higher layers will be investigated.

    Tutor: Prokeš Aleš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  23. Smart coexistence of wireless communication systems

    Nowadays, different wireless communication systems are available that, in the future, will share a high part of RF bands with each other. Hence, coordinated coexistence of these systems will be necessary. Cognitive radio, RF spectrum sensing and Machine Learning are emerging techniques in this field. This dissertation thesis deals with the research of emerging methods that enable a smart coexistence of wireless communication systems, utilized in a wide range of RF bands. The work should focus on the analysis of current methods and their optimization to a right evaluation of the interfering signal, types of interfering systems and parameters that describe the wireless system. Based on the obtained results, there should be proposed steps to minimize possible interference between coexisting systems. Verification of the theoretical results by measurement either in a real environment or in laboratory conditions (e.g. SDR-USRP radio) is considered. Based on the obtained results, recommendations for a coexistence-free operation of wireless communication systems in shared RF bands will be defined.

    Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  24. Space time characteristics of optical transmission channel

    The object of the research project consists in developing the temporal and spatial properties of the optical transmission channel for optical wireless links. The research will be focused on the non-stationarity and inhomogeneity of the atmosphere affecting signal transmission. Atmospheric phenomena affecting optical beam parameters will be analyzed and modeled. The experimental work will be focused on obtaining data showing the degree of non-stationarity and inhomogeneity of the atmospheric transmission environment. Subsequent synthesis will create a model of the optical channel for the horizontally split transmission route.

    Tutor: Wilfert Otakar, prof. Ing., CSc.

  25. Tunability range extensions in electronically controllable circuits

    Decreasing value of power supply voltage creates limited conditions for electronic tuning of circuits (for example active filters) in comparison to standard current systems operating with high DC power supply. The main task of this work focuses on research and study of methods of electronic control of applications (for example filters and oscillators) working as components of modern communication systems. Suitable combination of features for control of active elements and change of character of dependence (e.g. oscillation frequency vs. adjustable parameter) serve for substantial improvement of tunability range of application. Verification of intended methods supposes PSpice and Cadence IC6 (low voltage technologies AMIS 0.35 um, TSMC 0.18 um) simulations and experiments.

    Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  26. Wideband Vector Measurements

    The aim of the project is the study of operation theory and proposition of new solutions for wideband microwave vector measurement system with the main orientation to the sixport measurement methods. Actual used systems are dedicated to lower microwave frequencies and from technological point of view they are not applicable to higher frequencies. Research of the necessary calibration sets and basic function methods is also included in the project. Also the study of parameter details of measurement systems and modeling of their behavior with the changes in environment, long term stability etc. will be contained in the research project.

    Tutor: Urbanec Tomáš, Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 01.04.2019 to 15.05.2019)

  1. Passive localization of experimental satellites in low earth orbits

    The aim of the project is a study of actual signals from experimental satellites and its influence on localization. Part of the work will be a study of error sources as atmosperic influence and parameters of SDR receivers. Measurement with multiple of SDR receivers will follow to get experimental data for localization implementation. The research then will be targeted to optimal solutions for high precision, resolution and other parameters of realized system.

    Tutor: Urbanec Tomáš, Ing., Ph.D.

  2. Wideband linearization of RF power amplifiers

    The topic of dissertation is oriented into the domain of RF amplifier linearization by input signal predistortion. The goal is to design the linearizer able to work with wide bandwidths of hundreds of MHz.

    Tutor: Maršálek Roman, prof. Ing., Ph.D.


Course structure diagram with ECTS credits

1. year of study, winter semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DBM1AAdvanced methods of processing and analysis of imagesen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DTK2AApplied cryptographyen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DET1AElectrotechnical materials, material systems and production processesen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DFY1AJunctions and nanostructuresen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DEE1AMathematical Modelling of Electrical Power Systemsen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DME1AMicroelectronic Systemsen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DRE1AModern electronic circuit designen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DAM1ASelected chaps from automatic controlen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DVE1ASelected problems from power electronics and electrical drivesen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DTE1ASpecial Measurement Methodsen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DMA1AStatistics, Stochastic Processes, Operations Researchen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DJA6AEnglish for post-graduatescs4General knowledgeDrExCj - 26no
1. year of study, summer semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DMA2ADiscrete Processes in Electrical Engineeringen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DME2AMicroelectronic technologiesen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DRE2AModern digital wireless communicationen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DTE2ANumerical Computations with Partial Differential Equationsen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DTK1AOptimization Methods and Queuing Theoryen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DET2ASelected diagnostic methods, reliability and qualityen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DAM2ASelected chaps from measuring techniquesen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DBM2ASelected problems of biomedical engineeringen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DEE2ASelected problems of electricity productionen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DFY2ASpectroscopic methods for non-destructive diagnostics en4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
DVE2ATopical Issues of Electrical Machines and Apparatusen4Optional specializedDrExS - 39no
1. year of study, both semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DQJAAEnglish for the state doctoral examcs4CompulsoryDrExno