PhD in the field of AI methods for CMOS circuit design

The Fraunhofer Society is one of the world's leading organisations for application-oriented research. 75 institutes develop groundbreaking technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 32 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. You know, who comes to Fraunhofer wants and can change something. For yourself, for us and the markets of today and tomorrow. At the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF we know our technologies like our Western Bag. As one of the few scientific institutions worldwide, we are researching along the entire semiconductor value chain and customized synthetic diamonds. Whether high-frequency circuits for communication technology, voltage converter modules for electromobility, laser systems for measuring methods, or novel hardware and software for quantum computers as well as quantum sensors: We develop technology from morning to day for a sustainable and safe society. Become part of our AI team in the brand new “Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence” at our office in Heilbronn (ipai campus). Together with leading partners from industry and science, we explore and develop electronic Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor digital circuits with the help of artificial intelligence. Expand your potential in an inspiring environment that focuses on research and development of the latest automotive, robotics, space and security applications. Worldwide, high pressure is being used to improve the use of artificial intelligence. Both the basic hardware components are continuously optimized and the methods for their development are refined. The design flow of these circuits and (sub) systems, which is considered a key to the realization of ground-breaking applications, is particularly important. This doctoral thesis aims to examine and develop innovative circuit concepts. With the aid of AI design tools, the CMOS design flow is to be improved and kept transparent and verifiable at the same time.

We are looking for AI methods for the digital circuit design. The following activities are carried out: You analyze design and layout flows of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) Silicon Digital circuits. You perform the design of (part) components of digital circuits. This focuses on the deployment and development of automated and new design tools with AI support. For your research, you can use access to state-of-the-art CMOS-based IC technologies.

Completed academic degree programme (Master) in electrical, communications, computer science or microsystem technology or comparable discipline Knowledge of the functioning of CMOS digital circuits and technologies for the realization of CMOS First experience in the digital field with regard to circuit design of CMOS components (e.g. with VHDL or SystemVerilog) Knowledge in the digital design process from RTL to GDSII is desirable Knowledge of how to use design flow tools (e.g. Xcelium, Genus, Innovus) siw with script languages (in particular Python) and AI frameworks (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch) are advantageous Self-employed, scientific work and quick incorporation into new problems Good English, team and communication strength as well as joy in experimental work

The latest research infrastructure with unique facilities along the entire value chain Widely disciplined research areas enable both specialization and interdisciplinary work Modern and internationally shaped work environment with space for independent work and creative design Continuous participation in the current research debate and freedoms in their own research 100% Remuneration by TVöD Exchange with colleagues within the Fraunhofer Society and other scientific institutions and industry Professional and personal development opportunities through a wide range of further education and participation in international specialist conferences Extensive additional services such as an occupational pension scheme (VBL) and a grant to the Deutschland-Ticket/Jobticket