Full-time study

4 years

prof. Ing. Aleš Prokeš, Ph.D.

Chairman :
prof. Ing. Aleš Prokeš, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
prof. Ing. Roman Maršálek, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Jaroslav Láčík, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Tomáš Kratochvíl, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Stanislav Hanus, CSc.
Councillor external :
doc. Ing. Milan Polívka, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Miloš Klíma, CSc.
Ing. Ondřej Číp, Ph.D.

Provide doctoral education to graduates of a master's degree in electronics and communication technologies. To deepen students' theoretical knowledge in selected parts of mathematics and physics and to give them the necessary knowledge and practical skills in applied informatics and computer science. To teach them the methods of scientific work.

The Ph.D. graduate will be able to solve scientific and complex technical problems in the field of electronics and communications. Graduates of the doctoral program "Electronics and Communication Technologies" will be competent to work in the field of electronics and communication technology as scientists and researchers in fundamental or applied research, as high-specialists in development, design, and construction in many R&D institutions, electrical and electronic manufacturing companies and producers and users of communication systems and devices, where they will be able to creatively use modern computer, communication, and measurement technique.

The doctors are able to solve independently scientific and complex engineering tasks in the area of electronics and communications. Thanks to the high-quality theoretical education and specialization in the study program, graduates of doctoral studies are sought as specialists in in the area of electronic engineering and communications. Graduates of the doctoral program will be able to work in the field of electronics and communications technology as researchers in fundamental or applied research, as specialists in development, design and construction in various research and development institutions, electrotechnical and electronic manufacturing companies, where they will be able to creative exploit modern computing, communication and measuring technologies.

Doctoral studies are carried out in agreement with the individual study plan, which will prepare supervisor together with the doctoral student at the beginning of the study. The individual study plan specifies all the duties given by the BUT Study and Examination Rules, which the doctoral student must fulfill to finish his study successfully. These duties are scheduled into entire the study period. They are classified by points and their fulfilment is checked at fixed deadlines. The student enrolls and performs examination from compulsory subjects (Modern digital wireless communication, Modern electronic circuit design), at least from two compulsory-elective subjects aimed at the dissertation area, and at least from two optional courses such as English for PhD students, Solutions for Innovative Entries, Scientific Publishing from A to Z).
The students may enroll for the state exam only if all the examinations specified in his/her individual study plan have been completed. Before the state exam, the student prepares a short version of dissertation thesis describing in detail the aims of the thesis, state of the art in the area of dissertation, eventually the properties of methods which are assumed to be applied in the research topics solution. The defense of the short version of thesis, which is reviewed, is the first part of the state exam. In the next part of the exam the student has to prove deep theoretical and practical knowledges in the field of electrical engineering, electronics, communication techniques, fundamental theory of circuits and electromagnetic field, signal processing, antenna and high-frequency techniques. The state exam is oral and, in addition to the discussion on the dissertation thesis, it also consists of areas related to compulsory and compulsory elective courses.
The student can ask for the dissertation defense after successful passing the state exam and after fulfilling all conditions for termination of studies such as participation in teaching, scientific and professional activities (creative activities), and a study or a work stay at a foreign institution no shorter than one month, or participation in an international project.

The doctoral studies of a student follow the Individual Study Plan (ISP), which is defined by the supervisor and the student at the beginning of the study period. The ISP is obligatory for the student, and specifies all duties being consistent with the Study and Examination Rules of BUT, which the student must successfully fulfill by the end of the study period. The duties are distributed throughout the whole study period, scored by credits/points and checked in defined dates. The current point evaluation of all activities of the student is summarized in the “Total point rating of doctoral student” document and is part of the ISP. At the beginning of the next study year the supervisor highlights eventual changes in ISP. By October, 15 of each study year the student submits the printed and signed ISP to Science Department of the faculty to check and archive.
Within the first four semesters the student passes the exams of compulsory, optional-specialized and/or optional-general courses to fulfill the score limit in Study area, and concurrently the student significantly deals with the study and analysis of the knowledge specific for the field defined by the dissertation thesis theme and also continuously deals with publishing these observations and own results. In the follow-up semesters the student focuses already more to the research and development that is linked to the dissertation thesis topic and to publishing the reached results and compilation of the dissertation thesis.
By the end of the second year of studies the student passes the Doctor State Exam, where the student proves the wide overview and deep knowledge in the field linked to the dissertation thesis topic. The student must apply for this exam by April, 30 in the second year of studies. Before the Doctor State Exam the student must successfully pass the exam from English language course.
In the third and fourth year of studies the student deals with the required research activities, publishes the reached results and compiles the dissertation thesis. As part of the study duties is also completing a study period at an abroad institution or participation on an international research project with results being published or presented in abroad or another form of direct participation of the student on an international cooperation activity, which must be proved by the date of submitting the dissertation thesis.
By the end of the winter term in the fourth year of study the students submit the elaborated dissertation thesis to the supervisor, who scores this elaborate. The final dissertation thesis is expected to be submitted by the student by the end of the fourth year of the studies.
In full-time study form, during the study period the student is obliged to pass a pedagogical practice, i.e. participate in the education process. The participation of the student in the pedagogical activities is part of his/her research preparations. By the pedagogical practice the student gains experience in passing the knowledge and improves the presentation skills. The pedagogical practice load (exercises, laboratories, project supervision etc.) of the student is specified by the head of the department based on the agreement with the student’s supervisor. The duty of pedagogical practice does not apply to students-payers and combined study program students. The involvement of the student in the education process within the pedagogical practice is confirmed by the supervisor in the Information System of the university.

1. Advanced microwave systems for space communication

   At present, there are new interesting MIO based on GaN, discrete devices and new materials which allow to find solutions of microwave parts of the ground as well as the space segments on new principles. These are namely antenna feeds with integrated low noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, quadrature frequency converters, local oscillators with low phase noise, frequency filters, frequency synthesizers, modulators and demodulators. A part of the project will be studies of application possibilities, parameters analysis and designs of extensional units of a satellite communication chain.

   Tutor: Kasal Miroslav, prof. Ing., CSc.

2. Advanced signal processing for LPWAN technologies

   The new generation of Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) considers a huge amount of connected IoT devices that can be employed in various application scenarios. Hence, to extend features of LPWAN technologies on physical layer (PHY) level with focus on the requirements of application scenarios, advanced signal processing techniques will be necessary. This dissertation thesis deals with the research of emerging signal processing techniques for different LPWA technologies (e.g. LoRa) with focus on various use case scenarios. Attention should be devoted to multiple modulation schemes (e.g. Turbo-FSK) and techniques that can increase the signal bandwidth and data rate of different LPWA technologies without significant change of the basic features of LPWAN (e.g. reliable long-range communication, high energy efficiency, resistance against interferences). The aim of this work is to verify the proposed solutions and their analysis with appropriate simulation models (e.g. in MATLAB). Verification of the theoretical (simulation) results by measurements of real RF signals in laboratory conditions (e.g. SDR-USRP radio) is also considered. The outputs of the work should offer complementary trade-offs to match the range and data rate requirements of applications.

   Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Analysis and simulation of a shared transmission channel for future wireless communication systems

   Doctoral thesis is focused on analysis of the modern and future wireless communication systems and their coexistence in a shared transmission channel. During the analysis, the systems like digital television broadcasting (eg. DVB-T/T2, NGH), standards for mobile communications (eg. GSM/UMTS/LTE), wireless communication systems (eg. ZigBee, BT, WLAN, WPAN) etc., have to be taken into account. Prerequisite of the successful solution is definition of the statistical model of the transmission channel with variable parameters and then its verification including simulated coexistence with various wireless services. The aim of the work is not only the model of the transmission channel, but also innovative algorithms of the wireless services separation that are optimized for the verified and shared transmission channel model.

   Tutor: Kratochvíl Tomáš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Analysis and simulation of the transmission in the second generation digital television using spatial diversity technique

   The next generation of terrestrial digital video broadcasting standard (DVB-T2) incorporates the option of using multiple-input single-output (MISO) spatial diversity transmission technique. This dissertation thesis focuses on the exploring and analysis of signal transmission in the second generation terrestrial digital television standard (DVB-T2/T2-Lite) uses spatial diversity transmission techniques MISO and in the future MIMO. A prerequisite of such analysis is a creation of an appropriate simulation model, allows simulating and analysing of the signal transmission which consider multipath propagation with selective fading, and adjustable system parameters of the transmitter and receiver system blocks. A possible verification of theoretical (simulation) results by measurement either in a real environment or in laboratory conditions is also considered. The main aim of this work is the definition of the influence of the system parameters on the bit error rate (BER) and on the quality of the signal transmission.

   Tutor: Kratochvíl Tomáš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Analysis of nonlinear electronic systems using Volterra series theory

   The aim of the project is to elaborate ways of description of nonlinear electronic systems using Volterra series theory and find effective methods of their solution. In theoretical part, existing methods will critically be evaluated and computationally more efficient procedures searched, including multivariate Laplace transform approach and related numerical techniques. Attention will be focused on use in the analysis of systems with distributed parameters with nonlinearities. In experimental part, dependencies between Volterra series kernels and X-parameters measured by nonlinear vector network analyzer are supposed to be exploited. Potential candidates should have an interest in applied mathematics and programming in MATLAB.

   Tutor: Brančík Lubomír, prof. Ing., CSc.

6. Analysis of Planar Nano-Structures by Time-Domain Integral-Equation Techniques

   The thesis aims at the development of fundamentally new time-domain integral-equation techniques capable of analyzing the transient electromagnetic scattering from planarly layered structures with applications to (micro- or nano-scale) integrated circuits. The validity of the proposed computational approaches will be demonstrated by means of closed-form analytic solutions of selected benchmark problems.

   Tutor: Štumpf Martin, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Analysis of stochastic changes of interconnects parameters

   The aim of the project is to develop techniques of the analysis of stochastic changes of interconnects parameters in electronic systems on a basis of the theory of stochastic differential equations (SDE). The subject of the research will be devoted partly to the application of ordinary SDEs, useful to describe models with lumped parameters, and partly to the study of the applicability of partial SDEs, useful for continuous models based on the telegraphic equations. It is expected generalization of some proposed techniques towards the analysis of hybrid electronic systems based on stochastic differential-algebraic equations (SDAE). Effectiveness of the proposed methods will be evaluated by comparison with standard statistical approaches such as Monte Carlo method. Potential candidates should have an interest in applied mathematics and programming in MATLAB.

   Tutor: Brančík Lubomír, prof. Ing., CSc.

8. Applications of electronically controllable bilinear two-ports for approximation of functional blocks with fractional order character

   This work deals with synthesis/approximation of network building blocks (integrator, derivator, etc.) of the fractional order circuit by help of chains of subparts employing bilinear transfer sections of the integer order where independent electronic control of the zero and pole location is allowed. This approximation (valid in limited frequency bandwidth) allows to obtain fractional exponent of the Laplace operator s and construction of the so-called “half integrator” (1/s^0.5) for example. The work in this topic is focused to circuit theory but partial results will be verified experimentally with attention to suitable practical applications and applications in smart components of physical layer of communication systems.

   Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Automatic detection of alcohol from voice

   The project is focused on the detection of alcohol in speakers based on the analysis of telephone speech signal. The aim is to develop special algorithms for determining alcohol intoxication to a degree that is not yet audible in the voice, but already affects the behavior of persons, especially the speed of reaction and the way of decision-making. Algorithm development will be based on robust DSP methods applicable to both real-time and stored signal analysis. A part of the project will be the creation of suitable databases of speech signal in real situations. Practical application of created software is expected by insurance companies.

   Tutor: Sigmund Milan, prof. Ing., CSc.

10. Coexistence between LPWAN and WLAN networks in shared radio frequency bands

    In the near feature, there is considered a massive utilization of Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) in a wide range of radiofrequency (RF) spectrum. Hence, different LPWAN technologies (e.g. LoRa, Ingenu), originally developed for sub-1 GHz bands, can be exploit in the RF bands, where technologies like IEEE 802.11 (WLAN) and 802.15.4k/g are utilized. This dissertation thesis focuses on the definition and analyzing of possible coexistence scenarios between systems LPWAN and systems especially employed in the 2.4 GHz ISM bands. Such coexistence scenarios can be critical (a partial or full loss of wireless services, provided by communication systems) and non-critical (both communication systems can coexist without significant performance degradation). Based on the obtained results, recommendations and practical steps for a coexistence-free operation of these wireless communication systems in common RF bands will be defined.

    Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

11. Communication with OTFS and NOMA techniques for 5G/6G

    For future communication systems, the use of NOMA (Non Orthogonal Multiple Access) or OTFS (Orthogonal Time Frequency and Space Modulations) seems to be promising. The topic is oriented towards the signal processing methods for these or similar approaches with accent on the robustness to RF front-end impairments such as power amplifier nonlinearity, I/Q mismatch or phase noise.

    Tutor: Maršálek Roman, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

12. Deep learning for the design of planar microwave circuits

    The project is focused on the development of deep learning methods to be able to design selected classes of planar microwave circuits (filters, hybrids, power dividers, etc.). The deep learning is supposed to be implemented as a publically accessible web application. The design ability of the deep learning will be successively improved with the increasing number of performed designs. When developing deep learning, simple structures will be started (e.g., stepped-impedance filters), and more complicated structures will be continued (e.g., coupled resonators). Surrogate training patterns will be based on closed-form simplified models. Training will be corrected by wave numerical models and suitably selected experiments. After the publication on the web, the pre-trained deep learning will be monitored in detail. An influence of users’ interactions on the gradually improving ability of the design will be monitored in detail and statistically evaluated. On the basis of the evaluation, we will work out a generalized methodology for the development of the deep learning for the microwave design.

    Tutor: Raida Zbyněk, prof. Dr. Ing.

13. Determination of the limits of the quantitative parameters in optical wireless communication

    The work is focused on the study of atmospheric turbulence, which is an important factor affecting the properties of optical radiation. The work consists of detailed analysis of the turbulent media and describes horizontal and vertical models of the atmosphere. The methodology for quantification of the degree of turbulence considering the needs of optical wireless communication is the next point of the work. The main goal of the work is to determine the maximum achievable transmission rate in the optical wireless links. The dependence of the transmission rate on the degree of atmospheric turbulence and on the wavelength of the optical carrier for the various types of optical beams with respect to the used modulation and coding techniques will be examined. The analysis of bit error rate during the operation of optical wireless link in turbulent atmosphere should be a part of the work. The project is in large part experimental.

    Tutor: Hudcová Lucie, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

14. Distributed receiving system for satellite communication

    The project is aimed at study of synchronized distributed SDR receivers performance and at their application for satellite communication. The proposed system should allow simultaneous reception and data extraction from multiple signals. The main target of the study is enhancement of error-free data reception probability, exploitation of distributed system gain and stations redundancy. System is determined for data reception from experimental satellites in UHF band.

    Tutor: Urbanec Tomáš, Ing., Ph.D.

15. Evaluating quality of service in mobile networks through crowdsourcing

    Usually, measurement of mobile cellular network quality parameters is done through measurement campaigns, where a large number of measurements are performed at pre-selected sites using dedicated measurement devices. The results of such analyzes have only such predictive power, how not only is the measurement methodology suitable, but especially the choice of measuring locations and the frequency of measurements. Because the network operating parameters are greatly affected by the instantaneous load, it is virtually impossible to determine the actual data rate achieved by the user based on conventional tests. The crowdsourcing concept is based on taking measurements from the users themselves, who, through the application on their mobile device, receive a sample of measurements and send it automatically to the experimenter. However, this comes at the price of including the tariff of the user and other aspects into the measurement making it complex to derive a network benchmark. The project is focused on the research of methods of measurements performed in this way in order to understand the limits and strength of each approach, in order to enable an increase of accuracy and informative value of the results obtained by the classical approach.

    Tutor: Slanina Martin, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

16. Forensic speech analysis

    The project is focused on the analysis of speech signals and the recognition of mental states of the speaking people based on the speech. The aim is to create special algorithms for recognition of selected psychological states, especially those that negatively affect the behavior of persons such as fear, depression and stress. Algorithm development will be based on robust methods applicable to both real-time and stored signal analysis. A part of the project will be the creation of suitable databases of speech signal in real situations. Practical use of developed algorithms can be found in security and forensic applications.

    Tutor: Sigmund Milan, prof. Ing., CSc.

17. GNSS authentication based on the rf front-end imperfections

    Many current applications rely on knowledge of data from geolocation systems. But can we really rely on them in all cases and cannot the data be spoofed? The project is oriented towards authentication of GNSS data based on the HW and channel impairments. Such methods have already been proposed and verified for IoT or mobile devices authentication, but for GNSS the situation is more complicated (SNR, HW quality, correlation processing). The project is suitable for student eager for signal processing methods.

    Tutor: Maršálek Roman, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

18. Channel models for future generations of communication systems

    Current trends in wireless communications tend to transfer continuously growing volumes of data in very complex time-varying urban environments, specially indoor and outdoor areas. For the successful design of appropriate communication systems it is necessary to thoroughly know the nature of the transmission environment. The aim of the project is to investigate the properties of non-stationary transmission channels in millimetre waves. It will be examined the temporal and spatial characteristics of the channel based on the measured data as well as evaluation of their statistical properties. Based on the data it will be designed and experimentally validated models of channels.

    Tutor: Poměnková Jitka, doc. RNDr., Ph.D.

19. Channel models for future generations of mobile networks

    Steadily growing number of communication devices per area and increasing quality of services require allocation of more frequency resources. Millimeter wave (MMW) frequencies between 30 and 300 GHz have been attracting growing attention as a possible candidate for next-generation broadband cellular networks. Specific limitations of MMW signal propagation, extremely large bandwidth and time variable environment caused by mobile users connected to a backhaul networks traveling in rugged municipal environments create unprecedented challenges to the development of broadband communication systems using advanced technologies for eliminating the undesirable time varying channel features. The aim of the project is measurement and modelling of the broadband non-stationary MMW channels between mobile users and infrastructure dominantly in time and spatial domain to analyze the effects of environment and weather conditions and evaluate feasibility of advanced techniques such as beamforming or massive MIMO spatial multiplexing implementation.

    Tutor: Prokeš Aleš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

20. Impact of dynamic environmental phenomena on the quality of service in wireless networks

    Wireless communication systems are characterized by their sensitivity to environmental influences - such as changes in network properties, change of propagation conditions (temperature, humidity, vegetation, solar activity), radio environment (interference, multipath propagation), load (multiple access and capacity) and interference from neighboring cells. Each of these dynamic phenomena is characterized by slower or faster state changes. When evaluating the quality of service and the quality of experience in wireless networks, we usually do not consider the effects of these phenomena because they change orders of magnitude more slowly compared to the acquisition time of network benchmarking measurements. However, without an in depth understanding of this process it is not feasible to fuse measurements collected over a very long period of time, e.g., years of crowdsourced data The aim of the experimental part of the project is to propose a suitable methodology for obtaining a sufficiently large number of measuring observations characterizing the selected radio link or selected site in the cellular network. The analytical part of the work will focus on the use of other data sources (satellite data from Earth, weather data, traffic information) to formulate models of influence on a selected type of wireless system in order to maximize the accuracy of service quality prediction at a given time and place.

    Tutor: Slanina Martin, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

21. Machine learning and uncertainties in V2V networks

    The vehicle-2-vehicle (V2V) communication will enable considerable increase in terms of efficiency and safety of the personal transportation. This dissertation thesis will research the uncertainty of the quantities relevant for the ultra-reliable V2V networks (BER, throughput, latency). Utilizing the artificial intelligence methods, the aim is to predict and with appropriate tools (relaying, resource allocation) minimize the detected uncertainties. The aim of the project is to contribute to the development of the machine-learning based V2V prediction and uncertainty optimization. The project will be realized in continuity with national or inter-national projects and collaboration with industry is expected.

    Tutor: Blumenstein Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

22. Methods for approximate symbolic analysis

    The project is focused on research and implementation of methods for symbolic and semi-symbolic analysis of linear or linearized electronic circuits. The aim is to develop new methods for so-called approximate symbolic analysis of large systems based on topological approach that respects physical relations in circuit. The methods have a potential to provide simply interpretable results. It is expected the new methods will be used in the process of integrated circuit design and testing. Part of the project consists in implementing of developed algorithms and their inclusion into the SNAP program.

    Tutor: Kolka Zdeněk, prof. Dr. Ing.

23. Methods of multiple access and beamforming for future mobile networks

    Ever increasing demands for high-speed transmission in mobile networks lead to the use of increasingly higher frequency bands. In the area of millimeter wave band there is a sufficient bandwidth but extremely growing path loss. The short wavelengths, however, allow to realize tiny antennas and combine them into arrays offering a large gain, that are able significantly eliminate the path loss. The project is aimed at the research and development of algorithms for adaptive beamforming in combination with massive MIMO that would be able to combine optimally both approaches depending on the channel state and user requirements. The project includes study of a possible hardware implementation of the proposed algorithms and methods of antenna arrays control.

    Tutor: Prokeš Aleš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

24. Microwave structures on synthetic substrates

    The project is focused on the investigation of microwave structures based on synthetic substrates. The attention should be mainly focused on the development of substrates with desired spatial distribution of electromagnetic properties. For that work, optimization algorithms should be exploited or developed. Created substrates should be exploited for novel concepts of microwave circuits and antennas.

    Tutor: Láčík Jaroslav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

25. Modeling the Interaction of Pulsed Wave Fields with Highly Contrasting Thin Layers

    The time-domain analysis of wave field propagation in strongly heterogeneous media is of high practical importance in electromagnetics (with applications to finely layered integrated circuits and their signal integrity and EMC/EMI analysis) as well as in elastodynamics (with applications to oil and natural gas exploration). Accordingly, the present thesis aims at developing efficient computational models for calculating pulsed wave field responses of high-contrast thin-sheet onfigurations accounting for their relaxation behavior (e.g. plasmonic/meta-material thin layers).

    Tutor: Štumpf Martin, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

26. New active elements combining more ways of electronic control and their applications

    This topic is focused on study of novel principles of electronic control in the frame of internal architecture of an active element. It extends performances of existing active elements such as: current conveyors, transconductors, current and voltage amplifiers, etc. These elements offer only one adjustable parameter in most cases. Main goals are identification of hitherto unpublished possibilities of the control in the frame of one block or simple combination of several basic sub-blocks. Investigation of this active device will be provided by ideal models, behavioral models (emulators) based on commercially available devices and their realization in suitable CMOS technology. Verification of usability of these active elements in suitable standard and smart circuit applications is also supposed.

    Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

27. Novel analog blocks and concepts for processing of electrical and nonelectrical quantities

    The integrated circuits are very important for processing of signals from sensors and sensor readouts as a part of modern physical layer of communication systems. They offer significant minimization of system area and low power consumption. Therefore, these concepts are highly useful for biomedical applications (blood analysis – presence of various chemicals, bioimpedances measurement and evaluation, etc.), in mechanics (distance influences capacity), etc. This topic includes study of utilization of of-the-shelf as well as custom integrated active building cells and blocks (amplifiers, converters, generators, flip-flop circuits, etc.) and study of features of currently available types of sensors for various physical quantities. The recommendations, requirements and methodologies for active sensor readouts in processing of signals are expected to be formulated. Works in this topic supposes implementation of own novel integrated cells or utilization of already available devices (designed in ON Semiconductor/AMIS 0.35 um or TSMC 0.18 um CMOS process) at the workplace.

    Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

28. Perspective methods for precise positioning of persons and wireless devices

    Nowadays, there are numerous methods to monitor, track and localize of person and wireless devices in indoor and outdoor environments. In the future, it is assumed that current localization methods and techniques will need improvement or extension due to features of emerging wireless communication systems (e.g. field IoT or communication link in millimeter wave bands). This dissertation thesis focuses on the research of methods and algorithms for precise localization of persons and wireless devices indoor buildings. Development and realization of algorithms should be based on techniques evaluating parameters like RSSI, ToA and AoA. It is assumed that features of machine learning methods to improve accuracy of localization algorithms and methods will be also employed. Testing and verification of the proposed methods and algorithms to ensure precise localization of a position should be realized by a set of measurements under laboratory and real conditions (indoor environment).

    Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

29. Picture and video quality in multimedia systems with a support of virtual reality

    Nowadays, demand to multimedia systems supporting technology virtual reality (VR) in different application fields is rapidly increasing. Thanks to progress in display technology and affordable end user devices, there are numerous Head-Mounted Devices (HMDs) and accessories to watch 180/360-degree pictures and videos. For massive providing of multimedia services with such content in appropriate quality, video compression algorithms with high efficiency are vital. Next, standardized methods to assess quality of panoramic picture/video on both objective and subjective level are also important. This dissertation thesis focuses on the research of signal processing in multimedia systems with a support of media contents in VR, with attention to the conventional and emerging compression algorithms for 180/360-degree pictures and videos. Attention should be also devoted to the study of objective and subjective metrics to assess quality of 180/360-degree pictures and videos. The outputs of this work, besides the definition of requirements on the picture and video compression algorithms, should present appropriate methods for picture and video quality assessment with high reproducibility on both objective and subjective levels.

    Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

30. Probabilistic models for communications of autonomous vehicles

    The autonomous vehicles will need to cope with unpredictable behavior of other, non-autonomous, objects (pedestrians, conventional vehicles). To maintain the safety requirements, usage of so-called Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) as a part of 5G communication standards is expected. The focus of the work will be on research of probabilistic models (Gaussian processes, Markov chains, time-frequency point processes etc.) and analysis of their suitability for modeling of communications between autonomous vehicles.

    Tutor: Maršálek Roman, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

31. Receiving of very weak radiofrequency signals

    Reception of microwave signals coming from the universe is characterized by very low Eb/N0 ratio. That is mostly concerned with phase or frequency shift keying of a carrier or sub-carrier. Reduced bandwidth is applied for AWGN elimination as the signal’s source increases. For this reason very high frequency stability has to be achieved by locking to an atomic frequency standard as well as precise compensation of Doppler shift. Basic requirement is a low value of equivalent system’s noise temperature achievement, related to optimized radiated pattern of the parabolic reflector feed. A part of the project is also methodology of the system sensitivity measurement by means of extraterrestrial noise sources.

    Tutor: Kasal Miroslav, prof. Ing., CSc.

32. Sensor networks for vehicles

    One of the ways reducing the cost and consumption of cars, aircrafts, and other transport vehicles is the replacement of expensive and relatively heavy wiring harness interconnecting tens to hundreds of sensors and actuators with control unit by a wireless network. Multipath propagation of signals in a noisy environment and coordination of a mutual communication, however, requires the use of special techniques and signal processing algorithms. The aim of the project is design and optimization of the multi-hop sensor network. The appropriate modulation, methods of equalization and error correction, etc. on the physical layer and methods of communication resources allocation and coordination of data transfer at higher layers will be investigated.

    Tutor: Prokeš Aleš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

33. Smart coexistence of wireless communication systems

    Nowadays, there are different wireless communication systems, which, in the future, will share a high part of common RF bands. Hence, a coordinated coexistence of these systems will be necessary. This dissertation thesis deals with the research of methods and techniques that enable a smart coexistence of wireless communication systems utilizing common RF bands. Cognitive radio, RF spectrum sensing and Machine Learning are perspective techniques in this field. Attention should be devoted to conventional and emerging methods as well as on their optimization with a focus on the right identification of the interfering signal, kind of interfering system and its characteristics parameters. Based on the obtained results, steps to minimize possible interference between coexisting systems should be proposed. Verification of the theoretical results by measurements in laboratory and real environment conditions (e.g. SDR-USRP radio) is considered. Based on the obtained results, recommendations for a coexistence-free operation of wireless communication systems in shared RF bands will be defined.

    Tutor: Polák Ladislav, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

34. Tunability range extensions in electronically controllable circuits

    Decreasing value of power supply voltage creates limited conditions for electronic tuning of circuits (for example active filters) in comparison to standard current systems operating with high DC power supply. The main task of this work focuses on research and study of methods of electronic control of applications (for example filters and oscillators) working as components of modern communication systems. Suitable combination of features for control of active elements and change of character of dependence (e.g. oscillation frequency vs. adjustable parameter) serve for substantial improvement of tunability range of application. Verification of intended methods supposes PSpice and Cadence IC6 (low voltage technologies AMIS 0.35 um, TSMC 0.18 um) simulations and experiments.

    Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

35. Wideband Vector Measurements

    The aim of the project is the study of operation theory and proposition of new solutions for wideband microwave vector measurement system with the main orientation to the sixport measurement methods. Actual used systems are dedicated to lower microwave frequencies and from technological point of view they are not applicable to higher frequencies. Research of the necessary calibration sets and basic function methods is also included in the project. Also the study of parameter details of measurement systems and modeling of their behavior with the changes in environment, long term stability etc. will be contained in the research project.

    Tutor: Urbanec Tomáš, Ing., Ph.D.

36. 5G and NOMA and massive MIMO algorithms

    Bringing enormous effectivity and safety increase in transportation, industry, medicine, etc., the 5G and beyond 5G systems have huge commercial potential. One of the critical aspects of wireless communication system is its physical layer (PHY). Namely, the non-orthogonal multiple access methods combined with massive MIMO are promising area of research. The aim of the project is to contribute to the development of the beyond 5G systems in terms of MIMO-NOMA. The project will be realized in continuity with national or inter-national projects and collaboration with industry is expected.

    Tutor: Blumenstein Jiří, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

1. round (applications submitted from 01.04.2020 to 15.05.2020)

1. Electronically controllable oscillators of higher and fractional orders

   Research is focused on modeling, simulations and experimental verification of circuit realizations of higher-order harmonic oscillators and inharmonic generators for structures of physical layer of communication systems working in base and inter-frequency band. The main task is to found features and application possibilities of circuits with higher order than 3 and circuits defined by differential equations of fractional order. An attention will be concentrated on frequency tunability, phase and magnitude relations between generated signals and suitable amplitude stabilization especially. Part of the work deals with detailed description of signal generation based on linear and nonlinear mathematical operations that are allowed by implementation of so-called constant phase elements producing constant phase shift between excitation signal and response.

   Tutor: Šotner Roman, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. The Unexploded Ordnance Detection and Identification Based on Transient Radar Response Approximations

   The prospective research will focus on the imaging potentialities of far-field monostatic pulsed radar returns from a buried unexploded ordnance. A successful completion of the thesis will result in (a) efficient analytical or/and numerical methods for transient EM scattering response calculations; (b) the reliable interpretation of target signatures and in (c) proposing a monostatic radar prototype with its pulse generator and transmitting/receiving antenna system.

   Tutor: Štumpf Martin, doc. Ing., Ph.D.