Ulm University Research

The research focus of the Institute is the development of fast real-time analysis algorithms for distributed systems. Based on such algorithms, we build new fast system level synthesis algorithms. Additionally, we develop new system level design methodologies mainly focuses on design paths from Matlab/Simulink down to FPGA-Technology or silicon. At the moment, we don't consider application specific processor in our design flow and it will be interesting to investigate how to improve the design of embedded systems in our integrated design flow.

To verify our technology and to test the design methodology, we design some practical systems. Our main case study is an autonomous underwater vehicle totally based on one FPGA platform. This platform is used for the sonar system of the robot, the control and navigation part and the image detection. It is built by 3 FPGA boards connected via ethernet and CAN. The system is a fully hardware software codesign approach. However, it would be nice to use application specific processors, e.g., in the sonar. Additionally, we investigate the implementation of controlling algorithms for power grids directly in hardware. A path using application specific processors are also very interesting.

Courses and Curriculum

• Computer Architecture
  The bachelor course is based on the Hennesey/Patterson approach. However, it will be nice for the students to build their own application specific processors using the Tensilica tools. Last year, we started to implement the MIPS given in the book in VHDL with the students.
• Design Methodology for Embedded Systems
  This master course is a theoretical based lecture mainly focused on the algorithmic approaches for optimization, system level synthesis and real-time analysis.
• Real-Time Systems
  A bachelor course as an introduction to embedded system design containing logic and high-level synthesis. During this course, we will use Altera PFGA boards to introduce FPGA design. However, creating our own application specific processor for embedded systems using Tensilica's technology will be a nice add on in the laboratory.

University of Ulm link

Department of Embedded Systems/Real-Time Systems link

Prof. Frank Slomka