GRK 1103:  Embedded Microsystems

• Subject Area: Systems Engineering ; Computer Science
• Term: from 2005 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 455518

Embedded systems are hardware and software systems that are integrated into compact technical units and that perform complex control and data processing tasks. The miniaturisation of embedded systems and the addition of sensing and actuating capabilities leads to embedded microsystems. These are envisioned to play an important role in a range of application areas, e.g., in automobiles, aerospace, telecommunication, monitoring and control of manufacturing processes, medical diagnostics, and instrumented homes. For embedded microsystems to be able to satisfy the requirements of these applications, there is a strong demand for the systematic development of fundamental methods for the design, operation, and testing of embedded microsystems. The corresponding research effort has to take into account the severe constraints imposed by the minuscule dimensions of the microsystem components, by resulting resource limitations, and by the often harsh environments to which microsystems are exposed. In parallel, the academic goals have to be translated into a teaching programme taylored for the education of engineers and scientists highly qualified in the area of embedded microsystems.
By the unique combination of the Department of Computer Science IIF and the Department of Microsystem Technology IMTEK, the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Freiburg offers an ideal setting for addressing these tasks. Multiple synergies have already resulted from this constellation, providing a fresh perspective on the intricate connection between software and hardware in miniaturised technical systems.
The Research Training Group builds on thirteen research topics grouped into the following four research areas: modelling and design; diagnostics and testing; localisation of microsystems; distributed microsystems. The strong cross-linking between the two departments is promoted by assigning each research trainee two advisers, one from each institute.
Similarly, the educational programme crosses the traditional borderline between computer science and microsystems engineering and offers a sound basis for the progression of the candidates towards a PhD degree in embedded microsystems. It combines a large selection of elective courses, a research seminar, a colloquium, regularly held workshops, and the interaction with guest scientists broadly covering the various research topics by their expertise.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Susanne Albers; Professor Dr. Bernd Becker; Professor Dr.-Ing. Yiannos Manoli; Professor Dr. Oliver Paul; Professor Dr. Leonhard Michael Reindl; Professor Dr. Christian Schindelhauer; Professor Dr.-Ing. Christoph Scholl; Professor Dr. Peter Thiemann; Professor Dr.-Ing. Gerald A. Urban
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Wolfram Burgard, since 4/2009