Christopher Spies

Scientific and Professional Education:

October 2001 – October 2004 Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication Technology at Technische Universität Darmstadt

October 2004 – August 2006 Master of Science in Information and Communication Technology at Technische Universität Darmstadt

August 2006 bis November 2006 Internship at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Cajeme, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexiko

since February 2007 Research and Teaching Assistant at the Microelectronic Systems Research Group at Technische Universität Darmstadt

Research Interests:

  • High Level Modelling
  • System Level Modelling
  • Model-Based Analysis and Optimization
  • Design Space Analysis of Cyber-Physical Systems
  • Particle Accelerators

Publications:

2011

  • Christopher Spies: “Model-Based Feasibility Analysis of Digital Beam Phase Control in a Heavy-Ion Synchrotron”. In: Design Automation and Test in Europe Conference (DATE), PhD Forum, Grenoble, France, March 2011

2008

  • Christopher Spies, Peter Zipf, Manfred Glesner, Harald Klingbeil: “Bandwidth Requirement Determination for a Digitally Controlled Cavity Synchronisation in a Heavy Ion Synchrotron Using Ptolemy II”. In: Proc. IEEE / IFIP International Symposium on Rapid System Prototyping (RSP), pp. 196-202, Monterey, USA, June 2008

2007

  • Christopher Spies, Leandro Soares Indrusiak, Manfred Glesner: “Comparative Analysis of Multitasking Scheduling Algorithms for Reconfigurable Computing regarding Context Switches and Configuration Cache Usage”. In: Proc. Southern Conference on Programmable Logic (SPL), pp. 239-242, Mar del Plata, Argentina, February 2007

01-Aug-2011

Hiwi wanted!

Simulation of particle accelerator control systems

We are looking to hire a student assistant (Hiwi) to assist in one of our research projects.

21-Mar-2011

Open Study / Diploma / Bachelor / Master Theses

FMEA for real-time communication systems

Background: In a joint research project with the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung (GSI), we are working on distributed closed-loop real-time control systems, in which spatially distributed local controllers communicate over a fiber-optical network.

Objectives: In order to be able to evaluate the robustness of the overall system, a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) has to be performed. The influence of different kinds of errors on the communication is to be analyzed. In particular, it is to be examined whether there errors can lead to invalid states which the system is unable to leave without human intervention.

Prerequisites: No particular previous knowledge is required. Basic knowledge in communications engineering and digital systems design is desirable, but not mandatory.

Contact: Christopher Spies, Surapong Pongyupinpanich

21-Mar-2011

Open Study / Diploma / Bachelor / Master Theses

Comparative Analysis of Directed Design Space Search Algorithms

Background: Engineers are frequently confronted with the problem of having to optimize the design parameters of a system according to a quality function that can be evaluated numerically but not analytically. This is especially true in model-based design and optimization approaches. Since the optimum can't be found analytically, one has to resort to trying several candidate solutions and comparing them to each other.

Objectives: Directed design space search algorithms (e. g. Hill Climbing or genetic algorithms) are better than random (Monte-Carlo) strategies. Different algorithms are to be implemented and compared to each other with respect to their ability of finding good solutions and the number of steps required.

Prerequisites: Some programming experience (preferrably in Java) and a general interest in optimization techniques are required.

Kontakt: Christopher Spies

10-Aug-2011

Open Studienarbeiten & Bachelor-Theses

Suitability of different field bus protocols for a given control application

Background: In a joint research project with the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung (GSI), we are working on distributed control systems for particle accelerators. Multiple network protocols are being used.

Objectives:In order to ensure the mutual compatibility of the networks and to reduce the maintenance overhead, we are interested in whether the existing networks could be replaced by a readily available field bus system. First, the requirements of the applications using the network are to be collected. Based on that, the suitability of different field bus systems can be determined.

Prerequisites:Basic knowledge of communication technologies and control theory is required. Experience with field bus systems is desirable but not mandatory.

Contact: Christopher Spies