Student (m/f/d): Python development: Constant propagation for optimizing digital circuits

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: 2026-03-31

Reference number: IMMS_STUD_ME_0126

Optimizing digital circuits in terms of area and performance is a crucial process in modern hardware development. At IMMS, a custom-developed Python framework is used to automatically read, analyze, and modify netlists. A key aspect of this optimization is what is known as “constant propagation.” Currently, the tool can simplify gates where all inputs are constant. In the following, this functionality will be extended to more complex cases: An algorithm is to be implemented for gates where only some of the inputs are constant. Using the laws of Boolean algebra, these circuit components should be efficiently reduced and the constant signal correctly propagated so that the output circuit is further optimized in terms of area requirements. The scope of responsibilities includes familiarization with the existing software architecture, systematic analysis of gate logic (i.e., which cases can be optimized), and the corresponding implementation and documentation of the new features in Python. Advanced programming skills in Python and a basic understanding of digital circuits are required.

WHAT TO DO:

Familiarization with existing framework
Analysis of the behavior of primitive gates when only some of the inputs are constant (e.g., if one input of an AND gate is “0,” then the output is always “0”) and development of optimization rules based on the laws of Boolean algebra
Implementation of the developed optimization rules, including documentation

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:

Advanced Python skills
Basic knowledge of digital circuits
Basic knowledge of working with Git

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

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.

Address:

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

Contact: Eric Schäfer

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