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Multi-channel precise current control for magnetic propulsion of micro and nanorobots
Leuven | Just now
Enable precise actuation of magnetic microrobots for healthcare applications
Manipulation at the microscale is attracting significant attention in biomedical applications, especially as microrobots are directed towards real clinical scenarios such as microsurgery and drug delivery. This manipulation is usually ensured by large external hubs that generate magnetic fields by driving currents in coils forming electromagnets, allowing controllable and precise magnetic gradients. One example of such system is the OctoMag [1], initially developed at ETH Zurich, and composed of eight coils actuated from a power supply stage. Based on a physical fitted model and computations in a computer, a current is independently actuated in each coil and is set by a switched current amplifier at 150kHz. This thesis proposal aims to develop an integrated circuit with multiple channels for the control of the power stages. The student will design (1) a precision analog-front end for sensing feedback from the power stage; (2) a high-resolution DAC for the setpoint current; and (3) a controller to generate low ripple, high-accuracy currents in the coils. Such system will be composed of multiple channels to generate different field configurations within the desired workspace. With accurate sensing and a custom controller enabling closed-loop operation, current ripple at the coils may be reduced, thus improving spatial control at the microscale with reliability.
[1] M. P. Kummer et al., “OctoMag: An Electromagnetic System for 5-DOF Wireless
Micromanipulation,” IEEE Trans. Robot., vol. 26, no. 6, pp. 1006–1017, Dec. 2010.
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 6-12months
Required educational background: Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering
University promotor: Georges Gielen (KU Leuven)
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Joao Frischenbruder Sulzbach (Joao.FrischenbruderSulzbach@imec.be)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-146. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
- resume
- motivation
- current study
Incomplete applications will not be considered.