Master Thesis, 30 hp: Hard Real-Time Performance and High-Precision Timestamping in Software-Defined Radar Architectures

Master Thesis, 30 hp: Hard Real-Time Performance and High-Precision Timestamping in Software-Defined Radar Architectures

Are you a student eager to apply your theoretical knowledge and fresh perspectives to real-world challenges? At Saab, we believe that innovation thrives on new ideas, and your master thesis project could be the spark that ignites our next technological breakthrough.

Your role

We recognize the immense value that students bring to our company. Your academic rigor, combined with your enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology, allows you to approach problems with a unique and insightful lens. At Saab, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineers and specialists, gaining invaluable practical experience while making a tangible contribution to our growth and development.

Background

Modern radar systems increasingly use software-defined architectures to improve flexibility and introduce new signal-processing functionality faster. At the same time, radar applications require deterministic timing, low latency, bounded jitter and precise timestamping of data and external events.

This thesis will evaluate a high-end, CPU-based, Linux server and compare it with a traditional FPGA-based solution. The aim is to identify the limits, trade-offs and practical applicability of CPU-based timing in software-defined radar systems.

Description of the Thesis Project
As a thesis student, you will study how scheduling, interrupts, cache effects, power management, memory contention, drivers and workload interference affect timing. You will configure and evaluate real-time Linux mechanisms such as PREEMPT_RT, CPU isolation, real-time priorities and interrupt affinity.

You will develop measurements for latency, jitter, deadline misses and timestamp precision under controlled and stressed conditions. You will compare CPU-based hardware timestamping, PTP and IEEE 1588 mechanisms with FPGA-based event capture and data processing, then translate the results into architectural recommendations.

Expected outcome

• A measurement-based assessment of hard real-time performance on the target system.
• An evaluation of timestamp precision and robustness under realistic system load.
• A comparison of CPU and FPGA approaches across determinism, accuracy, flexibility, complexity and integration effort.
• Recommendations for which radar timing functions suit CPU-based implementation and which should remain in FPGA hardware.

Your profile

The project is suitable for 2 students with an interest in real-time systems, Linux, embedded systems, computer architecture, networking or FPGA technology

You are in the final stage of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics programme or equivalent and are about to begin a 30 hp thesis project.

Experience with C/C++, Linux system programming, performance measurement or hardware interfaces is beneficial.

We provide the support and guidance you need to translate your theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. Join us and become a driving force behind Saab's technological advancements!

This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.

Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and that the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement.

Contact information

Jan Bentzer, Manager

jan.bentzer@saabgroup.com

What you will be a part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defense capability of several nations. Read more about us here.