Intelligent Optical Monitoring and Adaptive Timing Control for High-Speed Power Electronic Devices

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6-year part-time PhD project.

The PhD will be undertaken within the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and supervised by Dr. Mahsa Mehrad and Dr. Abdul Tawfik.

The transition towards net-zero energy systems is driving increasing demand for highly efficient, reliable, and scalable power electronic converters for applications such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, energy storage technologies, and smart grids. Modern power electronic systems increasingly rely on high-speed power semiconductor devices capable of operating under high voltage, high temperature, and fast-switching conditions.

However, the overall performance of these systems is strongly dependent on accurate switching control. Variations in temperature, and manufacturing tolerances can introduce switching-delay drift and timing mismatches, resulting in increased switching losses, reduced efficiency, and lower system reliability.

This project proposes the development of an intelligent optical monitoring and adaptive timing control architecture capable of observing switching events with high temporal resolution and compensating for timing variations in real time. The research aims to move beyond conventional gate-driver and monitoring approaches by introducing timing-aware optical sensing and adaptive control techniques that continuously track switching behaviour and maintain optimal system operation.

The proposed research will contribute to the development of next-generation intelligent power electronic systems with improved efficiency, reliability, and operational lifetime.

The increasing deployment of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and energy storage technologies is creating demand for power electronic converters that operate with higher efficiency, greater reliability, and improved power density. The performance of these converters is strongly influenced by the switching behaviour of power semiconductor devices and the capability of control systems to maintain precise timing under varying operating conditions.

Conventional gate-driver and monitoring systems typically rely on fixed switching assumptions and electrical feedback signals. However, switching delay can vary significantly due to different factors. These variations can lead to timing mismatches, increased switching losses, thermal stress, and reduced system lifetime.

This PhD project proposes a novel intelligent optical monitoring and adaptive timing control framework for high-speed power electronic devices. The research will investigate the use of optical techniques to capture switching events and extract high-resolution timing information that reflects the dynamic behaviour of the device during operation.

The extracted timing information will be processed using digital timing analysis techniques. Predictive delay estimation methods will then be developed to identify switching-delay drift caused by changing operating conditions. Based on this information, an adaptive control mechanism will dynamically compensate for timing variations and maintain accurate switching synchronisation.

The project will include the design of optical hardware, timing extraction circuits and adaptive control strategies. Experimental validation will be carried out using a laboratory-scale power electronic platform operating under varying temperature, load, and switching conditions.

The expected outcomes include improved switching accuracy, reduced switching losses, enhanced reliability, and extended operational lifetime of power electronic systems. The research has potential applications across electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, industrial power converters, and future intelligent energy infrastructures.

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only - eligibility criteria apply).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Mahsa Mehrad ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

If you want to be considered for this self-funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SEM10770529 when applying.