| Course ID | Title | Type | Weekly Hours | Teachers | Rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9008 | Rechnerarchitektur (IN0005) | PR | 3 | Martin Schulz, Anna Mittermair, Tobias Forster, Robert Wille | weekly |
Content:
Over the first half of the course, lecture videos, tutorials, and homework are used to teach fundamental topics in computer architecture, including:
In the second half of the semester, students work on a practical project relating to one of the two branches (System Design and Assembly Language Programming). Projects are implemented in groups of three and finished with a presentation at the end of the semester.
Further information:
| Course ID | Title | Type | Weekly Hours | Teachers | Rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1090 | Introduction to Emerging Computing Technologies | VI | 3 | Robert Wille | weekly |
Lecturer(s): Marcel Walter, Robert Wille
Content:
Computer technologies will change in the near future. The exponential growth of conventional technologies (according to Moore’s Law) will come to a halt since physical boundaries will be reached soon. At the same time, further system concepts beyond pure electronics emerge. As a consequence, researchers and engineers are currently considering alternative (emerging) computer technologies that work differently from established (conventional) computation paradigms. Examples include quantum computing, reversible circuits, microfludic devices (also known as Labs-on-a-Chip), or field-coupled nanotechnologies. This module provides an overview of these technologies and the corresponding paradigms. This covers an introduction to the respective concepts as well as possible applications. Afterward, questions of how to efficiently design applications/solutions for these technologies are discussed.
Further information:
| Course ID | Title | Type | Weekly Hours | Teachers | Rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 | Seminar on Topics in Design Automation | SE | 3 | Tobias Forster, Robert Wille | weekly |
Lecturer(s): Robert Wille
Content:
In this seminar, current topics from the area of Design Automation are discussed among the participants. A structured
introduction into scientific literature regarding paper reading, literature research, presentation techniques, and
scientific writing is given. The participants are enabled to independently perform all required steps to present a
scientific topic in form of a review paper and an oral presentation.
Further information:
Note: If you are studying Computer Science, please use this link instead to sign up for this course.
| Course ID | Title | Type | Weekly Hours | Teachers | Rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1256 | Machine Learning for Electronic Design Automation and Manufacturing | VI | 3 | Lorenzo Servadei | weekly |
Lecturer(s): Lorenzo Servadei, Robert Wille
Content:
The complexity of modern chips significantly impacts the cost and capabilities of design and manufacturing for traditional Design Automation Toolkits. This issue is exacerbated by the increased relevance of software and applications running on modern SoCs and their co-design. Current Design Automation methodologies often struggle to fully capture and optimize complicated designs or reduce them to the initial specification. However, advancements in data-driven algorithms, particularly in Machine Learning, can address these shortcomings. This course teaches how to apply Machine Learning to enhance and improve the chip design process.
This module provides an in-depth exploration of machine learning for design automation, including:
Further information:
| Course ID | Title | Type | Weekly Hours | Teachers | Rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2925 | Logic Synthesis and Physical Design | VI | 4 | Marcel Walter, Robert Wille | weekly |
Lecturer(s): Marcel Walter, Robert Wille
Content:
Modern computer chips consist of billions of transistors, making them some of the most complex systems ever created by humans. How does one design such intricate architectures? The answer is algorithms developed and fine-tuned over decades. In this course, students will learn about the techniques that automatically obtain computer chip designs from specifications. To this end, we will explore logic synthesis and optimization as well as partitioning, floorplanning, placement, and routing. Many of these algorithms are meta-heuristics that can be applied in completely different fields, too, like resource allocation, city planning, logistics, compilers, etc. Additionally, students will gather hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools in logic synthesis and physical design, with the opportunity to participate in an international contest.
The students will get to know data structures and algorithms, and will be able to implement them, e.g.,
Additionally, the students will learn to operate open-source industrial-strength tools in the field, like ABC, Yosys, OpenROAD, or iEDA.
| Course ID | Title | Type | Weekly Hours | Teachers | Rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3008 | Quantum Computing Software Lab | PR | 4 | Laura Herzog, Robert Wille | weekly |
Lecturer(s): Robert Wille, Laura Herzog
Content:
Quantum computers are becoming a reality. They offer new and powerful paradigms while also introducing new challenges, which, in turn, need different tools and methods to develop with the new paradigms. Accordingly, the design and realization of corresponding quantum computing solutions differs significantly from the conventional design and, hence, requires new software solutions and design methods. This module provides an introduction into the quantum computing paradigms as provides hands-on experiences on corresponding software tools and design automation methods. Different frameworks focused on quantum computing are presented and used to realize selected quantum algorithms in practice.
Further information:
Note: If you are studying Computer Science, please use this link instead to sign up for this course.
| Course ID | Title | Type | Weekly Hours | Teachers | Rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WI001258SE | Quantum Entrepreneurship Laboratory | SE | 4 | Andrea Capogrosso, Rosaria Cercola, Aaron Sander, Philipp Sonnenschein | weekly |
Content:
Quantum technologies are emerging as a new computing paradigm with significant potential for science and industry. However, transforming advances in quantum research into practical applications and commercial products requires interdisciplinary collaboration between technical and business experts. This course introduces students to this process by combining applied quantum research with entrepreneurial thinking.
In the first part of the course, students with technical backgrounds work in small teams on industry-relevant research topics in quantum computing and quantum-inspired technologies. These topics may include quantum software tools, compilation techniques, quantum-inspired machine learning methods, or applications of quantum technologies in data science and optimization. Students explore the underlying concepts, evaluate possible research directions, and develop prototype solutions or proof-of-concept implementations.
In the second part of the course, business students join the teams to form interdisciplinary groups. Together, the teams analyze the commercial potential of the developed technologies, assess market opportunities, and design potential product and business models. The course concludes with a startup-style pitch presented to a panel of academic and industry experts. Throughout the semester, invited talks and workshops from researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners provide insights into the current quantum technology ecosystem and the challenges of developing deep-tech startups.
Students will gain experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and project-based research and will learn to:
Further information: