Mandatory Internship/Thesis: Power over Ethernet Integration for 3D Safety Sensors (Waldkirch (near Freiburg), Waldkirch (near Freiburg), Waldkirch (near Freiburg), Waldkirch )

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This winter 2026/2027 internship thesis at SICK Sensor Intelligence in Waldkirch offers a chance to develop a PoE integrated supply concept for safety sensors, working with the team to analyze standards such as IEEE 802.3af/at/bt, compare architectures, and implement a hardware concept with an evaluation PCB. You will compare PoE with direct supply, assess effects on digital safety outputs, and perform measurements on efficiency, switching, robustness and EMC, finishing with documentation. Ideal candidates are enrolled in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or Embedded Systems, with analog and digital design basics, an interest in power electronics and communications, and PCB experience. How to apply: tailor your CV to PoE topics, highlight relevant projects, and show analytical, independent approach. Contact: Sarah Disch

Winter semester 2026/2027 – fixed term of 5–6 months

Our 3D safety sensors are among the core technologies in Factory Automation – and integrating Power over Ethernet opens up new possibilities for their power supply. In this internship/thesis, you actively contribute to the development of a forward-looking supply concept, working closely with our development team.

YOUR TASKS:

• You research and analyze relevant PoE standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3af/at/bt)

• You compare various PoE architectures and supply concepts for industrial sensors and evaluate them against the current power supply concept of a high-resolution 3D safety sensor

• You develop a suitable hardware concept for PoE integration and implement it in a circuit design and an evaluation PCB

• You examine compliance with relevant PoE requirements and standards

• You analyze and evaluate a switching concept between PoE and direct supply (power OR-ing)

• You investigate the effects on digital safety outputs (OSSDs) and their supply concept

• You conduct measurements regarding efficiency, power loss, switching behavior, robustness, and EMC influences

• You document and present your results

YOUR PROFILE:

• You are enrolled in a degree program in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Embedded Systems, or a comparable field

• You bring foundational knowledge in analog and digital circuit design

• You have an interest in power supplies, power electronics, and industrial communication

• Initial experience with PCB design tools is an advantage

• Familiarity with lab and measurement equipment is desirable

• An independent, structured, and analytical way of working sets you apart

Contact: Sarah Disch