RF ADC Architect - France

My client is seeking a Senior ADC IC architect who will define and drive the design of high-speed high-performance wideband Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) functions to be integrated into our next RF SoC product dedicated to the 5G Communication market.

In close collaboration with the analog/mixed-signal, digital and layout engineers, and the silicon evaluation team, the candidate will be particularly involved in the architecture definition of the ADC including mixed-signal and/or fully digital calibration techniques, the definition of the sub-blocks specification, the floorplan strategy, and the test strategy.

The ADC IC architect will report to CTO.

Work description

* In close relation with the RF SoC architect, translate the customer requirement into an ADC specification (resolution, Noise Spectral Density, harmonic Distortion, SFDR).
* Benchmark Time-Interleaved ADC state of the art.
* Define the ADC architecture and the calibration techniques to meet the dynamic specification with the lowest power consumption.
* Work closely with the RF SoC architect and other designers to specify the interface characteristic.
* Define the specification of the AMS and digital sub-blocks of the ADC including calibration circuits.
* Create a high-level ADC behavioral model.
* Discuss with the layout team floor planning and an isolation strategy to protect the sensitive analog/RF portions of the ADC against the noisy aggressors.
* Contribute to the definition of a simulation strategy to validate the ADC performances and the calibration techniques with the rest of the ADC sub-blocks.
* In close collaboration with the silicon evaluation team, contribute to the definition of integrated test points/pattern, the evaluation plan and production test strategy.
* Participate to design reviews.
* Participate to characterization.
* Write documentation.

Qualification and Experience

* MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with at least 10 years of experience in designing and evaluating high-speed high-performance ADC functions.
* Experience in specifying time-interleaved Analog-to-Digital Converters in advanced CMOS process is mandatory.
* Experience in designing mixed-signal functions such as ADC and/or DAC is mandatory.
* Deep understanding of error mechanisms that affect the linearity and noise performance of time-interleaved ADC.
* Experience in the definition and implementation of calibration techniques to compensate for the interleaving spurs in time-interleaved ADC architectures.
* Experience in the definition and implementation of calibration techniques to compensate for the static and dynamic errors of a single-channel Nyquist-Rate ADC such as Pipeline, Pipelined-SAR and SAR architectures.
* Good understanding of digital and analog signal processing PRO/CONS to leverage the best of the two worlds.
* Very good vision of the entire analog & mixed-signal IC design flow.
* Strong leadership and communication skills to work with AMS, Digital and layout teams as well as the silicon evaluation team.
* Experience with product development cycles from concept to production.
* Team player with a critical attitude and sense of initiative.
* Fluent communication in English (oral and written) is a must

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