Areas of Research

• Modular instrumentation for radio wave applications and environmental sensing
• Model-based hardware design and verification
• Embedded signal processing
• In-situ configurable circuits for high-precision, highly resilient, and energy-efficient operation in unconventional environments
• Environment-aware signal and power integrity (SI/PI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of high-speed digital systems

Professional Affiliations and Licenses

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists New Brunswick (APEGNB)
• Amateur Radio Operator License, Advanced (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)

Upcoming Event: Academic Visitor Dr. Ulf Kulau from TUHH, Germany

14 Oct 2026: Let's talk about Europa: Challenges for space electronics and why Europa is worth a visit

• Location: IUC Physics, room 204
• Time: 14 Oct, 2026, 14:30 – 15:30
• Abstract: Space electronics face extreme challenges, such as radiation, extreme temperatures, and limited power and communication capabilities. These challenges need to be considered for a potential mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, where harsh environmental conditions require highly reliable and resilient electronics.
  In this talk, we will discuss these challenges and why Europa is a particularly interesting destination for future space exploration.

  Presentation followed by Q&A then snacks and coffee

15 Oct 2026: Undervolting Investigation on Low-Power FPGAs in Space

• Location: tbd
• Time: 15 Oct, 2026, 13:15 – 14:15
• Abstract: Semiconductor circuits have become essential in many industries including space. However, their faulty operation may occur as a result of their exposure to environmental impacts. In this seminar talk, we will review some of their physical principles and observe how these can intervene with reliable operation in orbit. Equipped with this understanding, we will take a look at the opportunities of undervolting and introduce a feasibility study in the context of the payload RISA (Reliability Investigation of Low Power FPGAs for Space Applications) for the PLUTO technology demonstrator satellite.
  RISA tests the suitability of low-power FPGAs for use in space missions and evaluates mechanisms for detecting errors. RISA payload will provide important findings for the reliable use of Low-Power FPGAs in space environments.

About...

Smart Sensors Group The Smart Sensors Group at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) specializes in the design of resource-efficient digital systems for operation under extreme environmental conditions. The general research areas include digital data and signal processing on smart sensors, real-time data processing, low-power processing, as well as reliability, fault tolerance, and embedded fault diagnosis. Numerous previous projects demonstrate the group’s expertise in these areas (PotatoNet, REAP, INGA, 5GSatOpt, TRIPLE-nanoAUV/TRIPLE-MoDo). Furthermore, the group has more than 10 years of expertise in research on the energy efficiency of embedded systems, with the aim of enabling energy-autonomous operation of sensor systems through low-power processing strategies at both the hardware and software levels.

One focus of the Smart Sensors Group’s research is sensors operating in space environments, where extremely high reliability is required. In the projects AuRelia and SArES, methods for the autonomous yet reliable operation of an SCG sensor under space conditions are currently being researched and developed, complemented by the SatelLight project for intra-satellite communication using LiFi. In the EduSat project, a CubeSat is currently being developed together with students as part of a teaching and research project.

The Smart Sensors Group is currently involved in numerous IOV missions, including the MAPHEUS-15, MAPHEUS-17 campaigns, REXUS Student Project and the contribution of a payload for the DLR satellites PLUTO I and PLUTO II.

Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) is a public university in Hamburg, Germany and is one of the youngest technical universities in Germany. It was founded in 1978. Around 100 professors teach approximately 7,400 students in 35 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. A distinctive feature of the university is its organization into research fields and schools of study rather than faculties, which enables closer collaboration between the various institutes.

There are six schools of study (Civil Engineering; Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics; Management Sciences and Technology; Mechanical Engineering; Technology and Innovation in Education; and Process Engineering), as well as the interdisciplinary study area Interdisciplinary Engineering and Technologies.