DocumentOngoingPublication

2027_EM1 – New approaches to cryogenic LNA testing and calibration

SARAORef: https://www.sarao.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027_EM1-New-approaches-to-cryogenic-LNA-testing-and-calibration.pdf

Official source

Source domain: sarao.ac.za

Collected on 17 June 2026

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What this means

The document describes a Master’s-level engineering research project at the University of Pretoria to test and calibrate cryogenic LNAs using a novel calibration technique that relies on a fixed, known-temperature reference rather than calibrated noise sources. It outlines evaluating the technique in cryogenic conditions and potentially designing a broadband LNA to suit the calibration approach, with iterative data fitting to resolve error terms. The project aims to assess feasibility, accuracy of gain and system noise temperature measurements, and possible LNA design optimizations to facilitate the calibration method.

What this document offers

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Master’s degree research project proposalOngoing

Proposed Master’s degree study: New approaches to cryogenic LNA testing and calibration

A Master’s-level engineering research project is proposed to evaluate a novel calibration technique for low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) in cryogenic conditions, using a fixed known-temperature reference and biasing of a secondary LNA with iterative data fitting. The study also considers optimizing the LNA design, including pursuing a custom broadband LNA design in the second year.

Who it is for: a prospective applicant for a Master’s degree study in Engineering with suitable undergraduate background in high frequency electronics and/or electromagnetics
How to act on it: Contact the supervisor using the email address provided in the document.

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Facts

Places

City of Tshwane, Gauteng

Reference

https://www.sarao.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027_EM1-New-approaches-to-cryogenic-LNA-testing-and-calibration.pdf

Key Takeaways

institution: University of Pretoria
supervisor: Prof Tinus Stander
topic: cryogenic LNA testing and calibration
method: novel calibration using a fixed reference temperature (uncalibrated noise source) with biasing of secondary LNA
application area: radio astronomy receivers
scope: evaluate calibration scheme in cryogenic environment
potential outcome: design of a custom broadband LNA in year two
status: proposal for Master’s degree study
environment: cryogenic; load temperature precisely controlled
research questions: applicability and accuracy of the calibration method in cryogenic LNA systems

Dates

Opening Date

1 April 2026