Student (m/f/d): Energy‑Efficient Chip Design: Module Detection for Dynamic Power Management

Student (m/f/d): Energy‑Efficient Chip Design: Module Detection for Dynamic Power Management

During your studies, you can contribute to our ongoing research projects. Join us in pushing the limits of what is technically feasible and be part of breaking new ground together. We offer a variety of challenging and practice-oriented topics for mandatory internships, Bachelor’s or Master’s theses or for student research assistants. You will analyse important scientific preliminary questions and support the project teams with development activities.

Place of work: Erfurt

Team: Microelectronics

Career level: Mandatory Internship or Student Research Assistant

Research field: Integrated sensor systems

Time scope: By agreement

Start: As soon as possible

Application deadline:

Reference number: IMMS_STUD_ME_0326

In complex integrated circuits, multiple clock domains are common. The intricate logic blocks on the clock path, such as clock multiplexers that switch between Domains, are problematic. These blocks must be identified and treated separately during a clock‑path analysis. Until now, this has been handled by simply skipping such modules, which is not optimal from an energy‑efficiency standpoint. Manually modifying each of these modules by the user does not scale with larger designs.

At IMMS, a plugin was developed for the Netlist Carpentry Tool that automatically implements clock gates. Clock‑gating turns off the clock to inactive flip‑flops, thereby saving power. To achieve optimal energy savings, the tool traces back to the clock source at the block level.

The resulting task is to develop a concept for automatically detecting such complex blocks on the clock path and performing intra‑module clock‑path tracing using the Netlist Carpentry Tool. Additionally, a concept for automatic clock‑gating of these blocks should yield further energy savings.

Responsibilities

• Concept for automatic module detection & modification
• Development of a Python package (Netlist Carpentry plugin)
• Documentation

Qualifications

• Advanced Python skills
• Basic knowledge of digital circuits
• Basic Git proficiency

Benefits

• An attractive workplace in a modern, well‑equipped and industry‑oriented research institute
• Work directly at the interface between university and industry
• Work in a flexible and creative team and on innovative and challenging topics

Equality and Diversity

For the tasks described in the job offer and with the existing working conditions, an application is possible irrespective of gender and/or any physical disabilities. We foster professional equality of women and men. We invite women in particular to apply. As women are underrepresented at IMMS, they will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional performance.