Student (m/f/d): Implementation of hardware Key-Value data structure for O(1) lookup

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, Thesis or Student Research Assistant

Research field: Integrated sensor systems

Time scope: By agreement

Start: As soon as possible

Application deadline: 2026-06-30

Reference number: IMMS_STUD_ME_0526

Many hardware systems rely on on-chip SRAM for key/value structures, typically using sorted tables and binary search. However, the O(log N) lookup time bottlenecks wide parallel interfaces, and maintaining sorted order requires costly host CPU intervention during insertions.
This project aims to investigate and implement fully hardware-managed alternatives that provide O(1) average lookup times, low deterministic latency, and eliminate CPU-driven reordering. Since insertions are infrequent, increased complexity during updates is an acceptable trade-off for faster, predictable lookups.
Candidate algorithms include Cuckoo Hashing, Hopscotch Hashing, and Bloom-filter-augmented structures. The chosen algorithms will first be prototyped and evaluated in Python. Subsequently, they will be implemented as synthesizable hardware using noRTL, a Python-embedded DSL that automatically converts sequential algorithms into finite state machines and Verilog code. Finally, the resulting hardware block will be verified and benchmarked within a representative test system consisting of an AHB master, DMA, and an SRAM model.

WHAT TO DO:

Research potential algorithms and/or data structures
Implement one or more hardware modules
Document the developed hardware

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:

Knowledge of Python and (System) Verilog
Basic knowledge of Git
A basic understanding of automata theory and hardware description languages is an advantage

AND THIS IS US:

We strengthen enterprises with application-oriented research and development in microelectronics, systems engineering and mechatronics and transfer the results of basic research into applications and products. We support companies in launching internationally successful innovations for health, the environment and industry and provide solutions from the feasibility study to series production.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!

We thank you for your interest in working with us.

Please only apply once – for your favourite topic or for the one that comes closest to your interests. This is the quickest way for us to process your application and get back to you. If you are interested in more than one topic, please include this in your cover letter. In case our current suggestions are not suitable, please send us your with a topic you would like to work on.

WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU:

An attractive workplace in a modern, very 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

We value and promote equal opportunities and are committed to the goals of equality and diversity.

Applications for the listed positions and existing working conditions are welcome regardless of gender and/or any physical disabilities.

IMMS ensures gender equality in the workplace and strives to increase the proportion of the under-represented gender. Women are under-represented in this field. Applications from women are therefore expressly encouraged.

People with severe disabilities will be given preference if they have the same qualifications, skills, and professional performance.

Address:

IMMS Institut für Mikroelektronik- und Mechatronik-Systeme gemeinnützige GmbH (IMMS GmbH)
Ehrenbergstraße 27
98693 Ilmenau
Germany

Contact: Eric Schäfer

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