A Systematic Design and Hardening of a High-Speed Transimpedance Amplifier in 65nm CMOS

High-speed communication systems used in satellites and advanced physics experiments face a significant challenge: they must be both incredibly fast and resilient enough to survive intense radiation. Often, the techniques used to make microchips radiation-proof also make them slow. This research project aims to solve this dilemma by designing a specialized microchip that acts as the “front-end” for optical signals. The central goal is to study the trade-off between speed and durability systematically. By applying state-of-the-art radiation-hardening techniques and precisely measuring their impact on performance, I will develop a clear design guide that helps future engineers build circuits that achieve the best possible balance of both. This collaboration benefits both institutions by advancing cutting-edge research at Polytechnique Montréal in electronics for harsh environments, while transferring valuable skills and knowledge back to Zewail City of Science and Technology. Crucially, it establishes a new international research partnership, paving the way for future joint projects and student exchanges.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ahmad Hassan

Student:

Partner:

Zewail City of Science, Technology and Innovation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Information and Communications Technology

University:

Polytechnique Montréal

Program: