Internship - Design of a compact solder joint resistance sensor
NXP SemiconductorsJob Title
Internship - Design of a compact solder joint resistance sensor
Role Summary
Design and tape-out a prototype on-chip solder-joint resistance sensor for safety-critical automotive and robotics applications. The objective is to measure a 0–200 mΩ range with ~100 μΩ resolution while minimizing force current and ensuring long-term accuracy.
The project covers circuit design, layout, verification, and prototype tape-out in a 160 nm CMOS technology.
Experience Level
Entry-level internship (student or recent graduate). No specific years of professional experience specified.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities for this internship:
- Design analog/mixed-signal measurement circuitry capable of resolving ~100 μΩ in a 0–200 mΩ range.
- Develop ratiometric measurement approaches using an on-chip reference resistor to maintain accuracy over time.
- Minimize required force current while meeting resolution and accuracy targets.
- Perform circuit simulations, verification, and error-budget analysis.
- Create layouts and prepare the design for tape-out in a 160 nm process.
- Characterize and test prototype silicon; analyze measurement results and iterate the design.
- Document design decisions, test procedures, and results.
Requirements
Must-have and useful skills for the role:
- Practical experience with analog or mixed-signal IC design and circuit simulation (e.g., SPICE).
- Experience with low-resistance measurement techniques, precision instrumentation, or precision analog design.
- Familiarity with layout and tape-out flow for CMOS processes; experience with 160 nm or similar is desirable.
- Ability to set up and run lab measurements and analyze small-signal voltage/current data.
- Good documentation and collaboration skills.
- Nice-to-have: experience with automotive robustness requirements, sensor interfaces, or on-chip reference techniques.
Education Requirements
Not specified.
About the Company
Company: NXP Semiconductors
Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands
NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.
