Master Thesis (f/m/x) - Development and analysis of a software-based SpaceWire-to-Ethernet bridge

The DLR Institute of Software Technology sees software as a catalyst for research and innovation. The institute's staff, currently numbering around 200, make a significant contribution to advancements in the fields of aviation, space, energy, transportation, and security through the development of state-of-the-art software solutions and innovative research. Our areas of competence include reliable and safety-critical software systems, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and quantum computing, human-system interaction and visualisation, software and systems engineering as well as digital platforms and digital twins.

What To Expect

In the Flight Software Department, we conduct research and develop reliable and resilient (real-time) software for aircraft and spacecraft. With our expertise in this field, we currently support approximately 20 space missions with software engineering and software quality assurance.

Despite the growing significance of the New Space approach and the shift of onboard communication systems toward Ethernet-based connections, the enduring relevance of legacy technologies, particularly the primary interfacing of sensor units via SpaceWire interfaces, necessitates the development of sophisticated integration methodologies for incorporating these components into newly developed system architectures and communication networks to facilitate the technological transition.

The scope of this master's thesis encompasses the design and analysis of a software-based protocol bridge capable of mediating between physical SpaceWire and Ethernet connections.

Your tasks

• define requirements for bridging physical SpaceWire to Ethernet Links
• collect relevant KPIs and define suitable benchmarks
• develop a sophisticated architecture for the realization of a Software based SpW to Ethernet bridge
• implement Prototype for Linux PREEMPT_RT by utilizing modern Linux Kernel Features
• embed configuration and setup in common Linux Networking configuration tools
• perform benchmarks of the defined KPIs on the Prototype and compare with e.g. existing hardware-based solutions
• elaboration of the master's thesis

Your profile

• enrolled as Master Student of Computer Science, Applied Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field of study
• experience in Embedded Software Development
• advanced proficiency in C++/C or Rust Software Development
• experience in Linux Kernel Module Implementation
• experience with Linux Container Technologies (e.g. cgroups, LXC, docker, podman)
• You are able to communicate in English (Supervision can be in English or German).

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 5952) please contact:

Alexander Mildner

Tel.: +49 8153 28 1594