We are looking for a student assistant to support schematic design, PCB layout, and prototype testing for an FPGA-based real-time wireless video transmission and control research platform.

The project aims to combine low-latency video transmission and bidirectional data exchange in a reconfigurable wireless system. The proposed hardware includes a compact processing unit based on a Kintex-7 FPGA and a receiver and control unit based on a Zynq-7000 SoC, with AD9361 RF transceivers. You will work with the project team to translate system requirements into practical board designs.

Tasks

• Support component selection, schematic capture, and PCB layout for the processing and receiver units.
• Design power supplies, clock distribution, configuration circuits, and debugging interfaces.
• Route high-speed digital interfaces, including DDR memory and camera/display interfaces, as required by the selected hardware architecture.
• Support RF transceiver integration, with attention to impedance control, grounding, and isolation between RF and digital circuits.
• Prepare manufacturing and assembly files, bills of materials, and design documentation.
• Assist with board bring-up, measurements, troubleshooting, and design revisions.

The initial scope will be agreed upon based on your experience and the project priorities.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in electrical engineering, information technology, or a related field.
• Practical experience with schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer, KiCad, or a comparable tool.
• Good understanding of electronic circuits, power supplies, and PCB layout principles.
• A careful, structured working style and an interest in hands-on hardware development.
• Ability to document design decisions and communicate within the project team.

The following experience is a plus

• Multilayer PCB design, BGA fan-out, or FPGA/SoC board design.
• DDR routing, differential pairs, controlled impedance, and signal or power integrity.
• RF PCB layout or integration of RF transceivers.
• MIPI CSI-2/DSI, Ethernet, PCIe, or similar high-speed interfaces.
• PCB manufacturing, assembly, soldering, and board bring-up.
• Use of oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or RF measurement equipment.

Please send your CV and a short description of your PCB design experience to Jiayi Chen. If available, please include an example of a board you have designed and briefly describe your contribution.