Call for Papers

Title of the proposal: Efficient Resource Utilization in Dynamically Reconfigurable Multi-processor Embedded Systems

Keywords: Reconfigurable (FPGA) Systems, Partial and dynamic reconfiguration, programming/execution model, Multi-cores, Embedded architectures, energy/power consumption saving.

Author of the proposal: Jean-Luc Dekeyser, Smail Niar, Samy Meftali

Supervisor of the Post-doc: Jean-Luc Dekeyser, Smail Niar, Samy Meftali

Team-Project: DART

Location: LILLE

Scientific context:

The computing industry is trying to improve embedded system performances with parallel execution and reconfigurability[1][2]. If the trend towards the use of multi-cores systems does not need to demonstrate, the use of reconfigurable circuits (RC) is much more recent. This solution represents an alternative to GPPs and ASICs as it offers a good compromise between the GPP flexibility and ASICs performances. Thanks to the technological evolution, the number of logical cells has strongly augmented. The recent Virtex6 Xilinx FPGA family for instance contains 6 times more logical elements and DSPs than the VirtexII family [3] designed 6 years ago, all with a 60% power consumption reduction. According to the ITRS [2] this tendency will grow in the coming years. It will be then possible over the years to put on a RC, hundreds of processors with their interconnection network [4][5].

Another benefit in the use of RCs is their ability to offer partially and dynamic reconfiguration. In the area of MPSoC, this feature can be used to add specialized computing cores on the FPGAs function of the application parameters and running conditions. FPGA flexibility thus allows programmers to reconfigure them as needed. Consequently, multiple low-frequency heterogeneous cores and IPs can be used to provide further power savings by specialization. As a result, customized programmable hardware can significantly improve the execution speed with lower energy budget [6][7].

Goal:

In spite of these achievements, programming and efficient exploitation of these dynamically RC remains a painful and complicated task.

For instance in the past the vast majority of FPGA users were hardware designers with an important amount of knowledge and experience in circuit design. VHDL or Verilog are the most used languages to program these FPGA. These languages are however unfamiliar to the majority of SoC software programmers. In addition, the management of partially dynamically reconfigurable circuits with the existing tools does not allow an efficient and an easy use of the huge FPGA possibilities.

The objective of this post-doc is to collaborate in designing a methodology for a better and easy utilization of current and future FPGA hardware resources. The post doctor must lead to the proposal of a new programming and execution model specific to multi-processor architecture systems on FPGA. Heterogeneity and dynamic reconfigurability are the main features that must be taken into account.

To allow an efficient and dynamic control of the system resources, the model must define new services either at the operating system level or at the hardware level (performance monitoring unit). Through these services, it will be possible for the developer to determine at run time the state of the system and the application needs. This may correspond to application energy consumption, cache or memory activities, and workload at the NoC level, etc. On the other side, and by the using of this information, the application developer will be able to control the dynamic application deployment on the architecture.

Required skills:

Candidates must have (or are about to receive) a Ph.D. in the domain of Embedded Sw or Hw design. He/She must have a strong background either in parallel programming models or in reconfigurable embedded system design.

To apply, please visit:

http://www.inria.fr/travailler/mrted/en/postdoc/details.html?id=PNGFK026203F3VBQB6G68LOE1&LOV5=4508&LG=EN&Resultsperpage=20&nPostingID=3860&nPostingTargetID=8353&option=29&sort=ASC&nDepartmentID=19

Bilbiographical References:

1.     1 M.Duranton and Al., Hipeac roadmap, 2009

http://www.hipeac.net/system/files/lr_3128_hipeac_roadmap-2009-v5.pdf

2.     2 www.itrs.com

3.   3   www.xilinx.com

4.    4  www.eve.com

5. 5 X.Li and O.Hammami, Fast Design Productivity for Embedded Multiprocessor through Multi-FPGA Emulation: The case of a 48-way Multiprocessor with NOC.

6. 6 R. Wain et Al., An overview of FPGAs and FPGA programming, internal technical report, CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory, 2006.

7. 7 A.Donlin, Applications, Design Tools and Low Power Issues in FPGA Reconfiguration, in “Designing Embedded Processors” book.

8. 8 V.M. Sima , K. Bertels, Runtime decision of hardware or software execution on a heterogeneous reconfigurable platform, 2009 IEEE International Symposium on Parallel & Distributed Processing (IPDPS’09).

We are pleased to announce up to 20 available PhD positions in all the research areas of the Advanced Processor Technologies Group (http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/apt). Next deadline for applications is March 19th 2010.

Examples of current research projects follow:

- SpiNNaker: a universal Spiking Neural Network architecture http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/apt/projects/SpiNNaker/

- Research in Transactional Memory and Many-cores http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/apt/projects/TM

http://www.teraflux.eu

- SEDATE: Algorithms and Tools for the synthesis of self-timed datapaths http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/apt/projects/sedate

- GALAXY: Globally asynchronous, locally synchronous interface for complex digital system integration.

http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/apt/projects/galaxy/

- iTLS: Intelligent run-time parallelization in managed virtual environments (e.g. Java Virtual Machines).

http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/apt/projects/iTLS

Silistix (http://www.silistix.com/) and Transitive (recently acquired by IBM) are two spin-off companies commercializing research carried out by the APT group.

More information about the members of the group and their research interests can be found at http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/apt/people/

Specifics about the PhD studentships can be found at http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/phd/funding/

FP7 Project TERAFLUX: Research Position Openings

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Applications are invited for two research positions (Special Scientist) in the Computer Architecture Group at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Cyprus (UCY). The successful applicants will join an EU framework 7 project (TERAFLUX) working on the computer architecture, execution model, and simulation of a many-core system. TERAFLUX is a Future Emerging Technologies integrated project with emphasis on exploiting Data-Flow Parallelism throughout the system. It runs for 4 years (Jan 2010 ? Dec 2013) and takes on the challenging problem of providing a complete solution to integrated computer architectures with more than 1000 cores, or Teradevices. The Computer Architecture group of UCY is leading the Computer Architecture work-package and is contributing to other work-packages such as Applications, Programming model, and Simulation. For further information on TERAFLUX you may consult the website of the project at www.teraflux.eu <http://www.teraflux.eu/>.

We are seeking two motivated researchers with BS in Computer Science or Computer engineering. Graduate degree in these areas will be considered an advantage. Applicants should have extensive knowledge and experience in any of the following areas: Computer Architecture, Parallel Execution Models, Parallel Processing, Linux administration and Systems Programming.

The posts are for one year with the possibility of annual renewal for up to four years. The salary will depend on the qualifications.

Informal enquiries may be made by email to teraflux@cs.ucy.ac.cy <mailto:teraflux@cs.ucy.ac.cy>. The applications should submit a detailed CV, contact information for at east two recommendations, and an one page research statement in electronic format (PDF) by email with subject "UCY TERAFLUX Special Scientist" to teraflux@cs.ucy.ac.cy <mailto:teraflux@cs.ucy.ac.cy> by March 22nd.

A postdoctoral position is available at the High Performance Computing Architecture and Technologies (HPCAT) Lab at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson. The position is available immediately.

The research focus for this position is on the development and design of network-on-chips (NoCs) for multi-core architectures with particular focus on analysis of power- performance trade-offs, design of fault-tolerant circuits router architecture optimizations, and utilization of  emerging technologies (e.g. optical interconnects, wireless, 3D).

Applicants should have earned a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science and Engineering. Experience in computer architecture, interconnection networks, multi-core designs, and reliable computing is highly desirable.

Please submit, by email, a single attachment, that includes your CV, a brief statement of your research accomplishments and interests, a sample of a publication, and the contact information for three references, to:

Prof. Ahmed Louri

Director, HPCAT

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721

Tel: 520-621-2318

Fax: 520-621-8076

E-mail: vtbhat@email.arizona.edu

Applications are invited for a PhD position in Networks on Chip/Communication Systems at Simula Research Laboratory in Oslo, Norway. The position is funded by an EU prosject under the 7th Framework Programme (call 4) and the position will therefore be tied to this project. The project contains partners from six different European countries and will explore design methods for system on chip (SoC) solutions. Simulas role in the project will be to design a flexible Network on Chip technology which can be adapted to application and design constraints. The PhD position lasts for three years and the chosen candidate will be enrolled in the PhD-program of Simula School of Research and Innovation. The final degree will be awarded by the University of Oslo, Norway.

Candidates should preferably have a strong background in Networks on Chip and computer networks in general. In particular, we look for candidates with experience with network on chip design and evaluation. Eligible applicants are people with:

• A Master of Science in computer science or a related area.
• A strong background in computer networks and computer architecture.
• Strong programming skills.
• A good ability to cooperate with others.
• A good ability to work independently on challenging problems.
• Good written and spoken English skills.

The ideal candidate would be able to show evidence of her interest in network research and technology through scientific or other types of publications, or through extracurricular activities. Successful applicants will be part of a dynamic and highly competent team in the ICON group at Simula.  More information about the group is available at http://simula.no/research/networks/projects/ICONPRO/.

About Simula Research Laboratory AS

Simula Research Laboratory AS was established in 2001 as a limited company with the Norwegian Government as the principal shareholder.  Simula conducts basic research in the fields of communication technology, scientific computing and software engineering with a focus on fundamental scienfic problems that have a large potential for important applications in society.  We offer a competitive salary that reflects that we are hand-picking only top candidates. The successful candidate should not need additional funding.

Simula maintains an open, international and diverse work environment, and seeks applications from outstanding scientists regardless of their national origin or citizenship. Female applicants are encouraged to apply

Simula School of Research and Innovation delivers education in partnership with the industry and the universities in Norway. The School actively supports and creates the conditions necessary for the establishment of businesses based on the research it conducts. The PhD students will be formally employed by – and enrolled in the PhD-program of Simula School of Research and Innovation. However, the PhD degrees will finally be awarded by the University of Oslo, Norway.

Enquiries and Further Information

To apply for these positions, email a short application letter, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts and grades and a publication list to jobs@simula.no. You can find the position opening online at http://simula.no/jobs/jobs-0940.

Important

The subject of the email must contain JOBS 0940 ICONPRO. The application deadline is January 31, 2010.

Please direct any questions regarding these positions to Dr. Frank Olaf Sem-Jacobsen (frankose@simula.no). Note that only questions should be sent to this address. Applications and documents must be sent as described above.

Manchester Metropolitan University

The Department of Computing and Mathematics at Manchester Metropolitan University has a leading reputation for research excellence. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, 75% of Computer Science Informatics research was judged to be at least "internationally recognised", and 35% was deemed to be at least "internationally excellent". As a result of this, the Department has secured significant research funding, and, with the support of the MMU Dalton Research Institute, we are able to offer four fully-funded* Ph.D. studentships in the following areas:

Novel Computation (http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk/RESEARCH/ncg)

• Simulation of Biologically-inspired Computational Models (Dr  Andy Nisbet and Dr Martyn Amos)
• Synchronization in Coupled Systems with Time Delays (Dr Jon Borresen and Dr Martyn Amos)

Logic and Computation (http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk/RESEARCH/logicgrp)

• Logical Consequence Relations and Inference Rules in Logics Originating in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science (Prof. Vladimir Rybakov)

Intelligent Systems (http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk/RESEARCH/Intelgrp)

• Optimisation by Quantum Annealing (Dr Alan Crispin)

For further details of each of these projects, please see http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk/RESEARCH/ncg/phd.pdf

Applicants for each studentship should possess a good (2.1 or above) honours degree (and preferably a higher degree such as an M.Sc.) or equivalent industrial experience, in any appropriate scientific or technological discipline (e.g. mathematics, physics, computer science). Each studentship fully covers University tuition fees (at EU/UK level*) and provides a tax-free bursary of £12,000 per year, in line with the UK Government (EPSRC) recommended rate, for a 3-year duration. *EU/UK fees £3,390 per annum. Overseas students are welcome to apply, but should be aware that they will be required to self-fund the difference between EU/UK and international fees (international fees are currently £9,065 per annum).

In order to apply for any of these studentships, in the first instance please send your up-to-date CV, along with a cover letter and details of two academic referees,  directly to the first-named supervisor of the project in which you are interested (to whom informal enquiries should also be addressed):

• Dr Andy Nisbet: A.Nisbet@mmu.ac.uk
• Dr Jon Borresen: J.Borresen@mmu.ac.uk
• Prof. Vladimir Rybakov: V.Rybakov@mmu.ac.uk
• Dr Alan Crispin: A.Crispin@mmu.ac.uk

The deadline for receiving initial applications is Friday 29th January 2010. Studentships will commence as soon as possible after that date.

For further information on the Department and its research groups, please visit http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk

The School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) announces one doctoral position in electronic and computer systems.

KTH is the largest technical university in Sweden. Education and research cover a broad spectrum within natural sciences and engineering, as well as architecture, industrial engineering and management, urban planning, work science and environmental engineering. There are circa 12,000 full-year undergraduate students, 1,400 postgraduate students and 3,100 employees.

The School of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, conducts research and education in the areas Material Physics, Electronics, and Information Technology. We work with the scientific and mathematical foundation, with the technical infrastructure as well as with systems and services. We have an internationally competitive profile in research in nano electronics, photonics, electronic and computer systems, software technology and communication as well as systems sciences and software construction technologies. The collaboration with the surrounding companies and society takes place e.g. in Kista Science City. We offer a broad spectrum of education programs, for the Swedish titles “civilingenjör” and “högskoleingenjör”, as well as candidate programs. We also offer a number of master programs entirely taught in English for advanced undergraduate studies with a separate, highly competitive recruitment from a predominantly international student base.

Within the framework of a new EU project we are seeking two PhD students to the department of software and computer systems at KTH School of Information and Communication Technology. The department has a well recognized research and PhD education within computer systems and architecture, distributed systems and software systems. The positions will be placed with Kista Multicore Center which is a research group common for KTH and SICS, the Swedish Institute of Computer Science.

The research project is about enabling technologies for efficient programming of future manycore processors. The project includes experimental implementations evaluated scientifically with the help of existing parallel computers and simulations of future computer systems.

Qualifications

Suitable background is a master degree in computer science and engineering, electrical engineering or within similar areas. Furthermore we assume that the successful applicant is self-going, curious and with a raving interest in computer systems. We expect that the applicant has very good knowledge in computer engineering and architecture, digital design, programming (including programming of parallel computers) and in system software such as operating systems, run-time systems and compilers. Good knowledge in written and spoken English is mandatory and working knowledge of Swedish is a merit.

Employment

Form of employment: Time limited following the nominal PhD program (~4 years)
Start: To be agreed.
The salary follows the directions provided by KTH.

Application

The application must include the following documents:

• Full curriculum vitae
• Exam papers and transcripts from university /university college
• Brief description of why the applicant whishes to become a doctoral student
• Letter of recommendation and contact information for two reference persons
• Copy of Master Thesis (or other publications) in English

Deadline for application: January 31, 2010
Please refer to the reference number I-2009-0768 in your application.

Applications via e-mail (PDF-files) are to be sent to

• registrator@ict.kth.se

The CV, etc. shall be sent as PDF attachments if the application is sent in electronically.

We also accept applications via ordinary post sent to:

KTH – ICT, Registrator
Forum 105
S-164 40 Kista, Sweden

Contact

For more information about the position, please contact
Professor Mats Brorsson
Phone: +46-(0)8-790 41 21

• matsbror@kth.se

Union representatives

Trade union representative
Rikard Lingström, SACO
Phone: +46 8 790 8292

• rlm@kth.se

ARM R&D is looking for 2 full-time research engineers in Cambridge office. The positions are as follows:

1) R&D Engineer – Memory and Interconnect Architect

Job Description

The candidate must have a strong background in processor microarchitecture, memory and interconnect architectures, memory controllers, preferably with some knowledge in 3D integration technologies.

For more details, please click http://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_arm/external/jobDetails.do?functionName=getJobDetail&jobPostId=1628&localeCode=en-us

2) R&D Engineer – Physical Interface Architect

Job Description

The candidate must have a strong background in physical interface design for memory controllers, preferably has some knowledge in 3D integration technologies.

The purpose of this job is to be an integral part of a project team designing next-generation PHY designs for 3D Integrated Circuits at ARM.

For more details, please click http://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_arm/external/jobDetails.do?functionName=getJobDetail&jobPostId=1630&localeCode=en-us

If you are interested, you could follow the links and send your application/CV.

• Discipline: Biology, EngD / Engineering Doctorate, Engineering, Maths & IT, Physics, Other
• Categories: PhD/Studentships
• Location: Germany
• Organisation:  Bernstein Center For Computational Neuroscience
• Supervisor: Various Supervisors
• Posted Date: 07 December 2009 10:49:33

EuroSPIN – A PhD programme in Neuroinformatics, including Computational Neuroscience
The objective of this doctoral training programme is to provide top quality training within the Neuroinformatics area, including Computational Neuroscience. Excellent scholarships are available for EuroSPIN PhD students.
EuroSPIN is short for "European Study Programme In Neuroinformatics". Neuroinformatics combines neuroscience and informatics research to develop and apply computational tools and approaches that are essential for understanding the structure and function of the brain.
Four partners participate in EuroSPIN:
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
- University of Edinburgh (UoE), UK
- National Centre for Biological Science (NCBS), India
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (ALUF), Germany
Each PhD candidate will persue an interdisciplinary research project during 3-4 years, leading to a joint (or a double) PhD degree from two of the above partner universities.

This position spans two projects studying ways to balance high performance and power efficiency in both software and hardware. On the software side, we are developing on-line power estimation and performance models to drive power-aware, intelligent software resource managers on server-class machines and embedded DSP chip multiprocessors. On the hardware side, we are studying power-efficient adaptable architectures.

Excellent communication skills (both in speaking and writing) in English are essential. Leadership skills are also necessary.

The ability to identify important problems, formulate a research agenda, and carry out that agenda independently or in close collaboration with others is important.

Please see the below URL for more information and instructions on how to apply:

http://www.chalmers.se/cse/EN/news/vacancies/positions/postdoctoral-position-in

All applications must be electronic.

Email Sally McKee (mckee@chalmers.se) with any questions.