Gradient sequence analysis application for high field MRI Systems at Prodrive Technologies

Category: Internship

Education level: MSc Computer Science / BSc Computer Science

Context

Prodrive Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of world-class electronics. It comprises over 1100 employees and is one of the fastest growing companies in Europe. Our organization is mostly based on two groups: Development and Operations. The Development department is oriented at developing first-class electronic, mechanic and software solutions. The operations department is responsible for production, assembly, testing and life-cycle-management of electronic products and systems in the range of 1 to more than a million pieces per year.

Prodrive Technologies has developed a series of gradient amplifiers that is being used in 3 axis gradient systems for MRI scanners. The gradient amplifier generates the current through the gradient coils and therefore consists of 3 amplifier modules that share a common power supply. In order to have fast and large enough variation in the field, high voltage and high current is required (e.g. 2100V, 1150A for NG2200). Accuracy, reliability and lifetime are very important for gradient amplifiers.

Assignment

Gradient amplifiers have some limits in handling gradient sequences. You will design an application (Qt/C++) to advise the user of the limits of the gradient amplifier. The software will analyze the gradient sequence (i.e. current setpoint over time) and some other input parameters (e.g. load inductance/resistance, coolant temperature, etc.), which are provided by the user. The model to analyze the data will be provided by Prodrive Technologies. Based on the output, the application will generate useful graphs/statistics to the user about the capabilities and performance of the gradient amplifier at every point in time during the entire sequence. Major challenges will be to keep the performance of the application high enough to process vast amounts of data and to keep the I.P. from Prodrive Technologies (i.e. analysis model) protected. The application will be added to the “NG Tool Suite” and can be used by customers to analyze their gradient sequences. Prodrive Technologies provides test facilities for this project and the gradient amplifier development team is available for support and reviews.

Deliverables

• Design of the application and GUI.
• Implementation of the application.
• Tests to verify the implementation.

Important note: all our graduation assignments are dependent on time. Please see them as an example of the many great things you can do at Prodrive Technologies. If you have the same passion for technology as we do, we always have an assignment for you!

Benefits as a student

Next to the benefits which are true for every Prodriver that are listed below, some special benefits must be highlighted for students. First of all you will be treated as a real Prodriver. Your opinion and ideas will be heard and treated as full. Next to this you will get the chance to work with colleagues with a very high level of knowledge in their field and get the chance to use our world class lab and production facilities for your graduation assignment.

Your benefits

When you are able to prove that you are the perfect fit for our job, you will be rewarded in many ways: you will get the chance to develop yourself as a person, gain extensive knowledge and develop your career in multiple directions. Besides that, you will “naturally“ be offered a market competitive salary and outstanding secondary conditions. Your salary growth is in line with your own professional development so it can grow fast and you will even get the opportunity to become a shareholder. All this at an employer that has achieved an average annual growth of 25% over the last 20 years!

Organization

There are only few companies in the world of technology which stand out. According to our customers Prodrive Technologies is one of them. Our company was founded in 1993 by technical professionals from the Eindhoven University of Technology. Since then every year Prodrive Technologies has shown a steep growth rate due to a very successful business concept in a young and dynamic organization (average age 28 years). Currently the total Prodrive Technologies organization consists of over 2.200 (1800 FTE) employees which are highly skilled, highly motivated, and focused on results.

Apply here!