OHB System AG Oberpfaffenhofen – Conceptual Design and Implementation of High-speed Digital and Analog Electronics for Time Synchronization in Quantum Key Distribution (m/f/d)

published since: 


In order to distribute generated secure quantum keys with space-based systems, the precise assignment of temporal events between sender and receiver is crucial. A technology demonstrator breadboard for a free-space time basis synchronization below 100ps is currently build up. Its photonic part shall now be complemented with high speed electronics to transmit accurate timing information in very low SNR situations.

Within this internship a conceptual design and implementation of high speed digital and analog electronics for time synchronization in quantum key distribution (QKD) shall be elaborated.

A member of the listed technology group OHB SE, OHB System AG is one of the Top 3 European space companies. Around 2,300 employees work on some of the most important aviation and space programs of our times in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and Sweden. These include low-orbiting and geostationary satellites for earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, science, space exploration and quantum cryptography.

Your tasks will be:

  • Refinement of technical requirements and performance specifications in line with available technology concepts for time synchronization
  • Design and layout of the digital and analog electronics of a technology demonstrator breadboard
  • Firmware implementation of the digital electronics on a FPGA
  • Electronic component selection and PCB design.
  • Start of setting up the Breadboard and establishing a first synchronization between sender and receiver
  • Characterization, evaluation and documentation of the breadboard electrical design and performance limitations

Your skills are:

  • Student in electrical engineering, technical informatics or similar fields
  • Hands on experience in FPGA firmware design (for example in VHDL) with successful implementations in signal processing and high speed electronics
  • First practical experience in an experimental lab environment
  • Ideally experience in analog circuit design for feedback loops
  • Experience in software for laboratory application and data processing (i.e. Python, Matlab, LabView etc.)
  • High motivation, proactive working approach and strong sense of responsibility

Contact details

OHB System AG
Dr. Marcell Gall
marcell.gall(at)ohb.de
Manfred-Fuchs-Str. 1
82234 Weßling/Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

www.ohb-system.de