Sector
Digital Electronics Security

Electronics industry Digital infrastructure

This sector breaks down into two sub-sectors:

  • the electronics industry, which brings together all players involved in electronics manufacturing in France: production of electronic components, connectors and circuit boards; design and assembly of electronic boards and sub-assemblies; distribution or publishing of embedded software and software applications for designing electronic systems.
  • digital infrastructure: covers all activities and businesses involved in production of the products and services needed to deploy the networks of tomorrow, i.e., very high-speed mobile broadband – including bandwidth required for the Internet of Things – and fixed high-speed broadband for connecting local territories.

L'activité de conception, construction et maintenance de leur réseau par les opérateurs Télecom est incluse dans ce secteur.

Examples of partnerships with companies in the sector

Latest fingerprint reader for a more accurate and secure identification

Partnership Télécom & Société numérique Carnot Institute - IDEMIA

The Télécom & Société numérique Carnot Institute and IDEMIA teams have developed, over a 18-month collaboration, a device which analyses and compares the external and the internal fingerprints.

Close
Partnership Télécom & Société numérique Carnot Institute - IDEMIA

Latest fingerprint reader for a more accurate and secure identification

The Télécom & Société numérique Carnot Institute and IDEMIA teams have developed, over a 18-month collaboration, a device which analyses and compares the external and the internal fingerprints.

Supporting Innovation

Since their general application in 2003, fingerprint readers have been the target of increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.
At the same time, a few ‘genuine’ but too damaged fingerprints were not properly recognised by these devices.
To overcome these two subjects Telecom SudParis* researchers relied on the so-called optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging technique. They used the correlation between the external fingerprint, consisting of an embossed outer layer, and the internal structure of the fingertip skin combined with the sweat pores layout.
The relevant biometric data acquisition is performed by the BioDigital device through a contactless light beam. Incoherent diagrams alert on fake finger prints.
Any damaged-skinned eroded fingers are offset by a complete and reliable sub-cutaneous print.

*An entity of the Télécom & Société numérique Carnot Institute.
copyright : IDEMIA

The client needs

IDEMIA, a recognised leading player in the field of biometric identification, was born from the merger between Oberthur Technologies** and Morpho+ in 2017.
To build on and consolidate its position as a global leader, the company’s 13000 employees – including 2000 R&D engineers – have to be able to anticipate any fraudulent attempts at biometric data.
To determine, to this end, the effectiveness of the BioDigital solution conducted by Bernadette Dorizzi and Yanek Gottesman from Télécom SudParis, IDEMIA made a specific algorithm and a reference database available.
The first finding was that Biodigital improves indeed the precision and reliability of fingerprint comparison with a near 100% false print detection rate.
A relevant patent has been registered and close collaboration between the teams made it possible to finalise a product design for a contactless fingerprint reader based on such patent.

** French-based specialist in digital security
+ French-based specialist in security and identity solutions

Partnership

The Télécom & Société numérique Carnot Institute incorporates Télécom SudParis, an engineering school whose Cybersecurity platform stands out for its ability to enable various realistic situations to be simulated.
The BioDigital technology was developed within the Biometrics unit. It makes it possible to obtain a high-quality image reconstruction of the internal fingerprint once light wavelengths are projected across the finger pulp layers.
The specific lighting into the fingers sends various echoing information to the reader depending on depth. These data allowed to reconstruct a high-resolution 3D image of the internal fingerprint, which is then compared with the embossed external fingerprint.
Between these two fingerprints, the additional rebuilt of the sweat pores network makes the process safer.
The Carnot teams have really taken up the technical challenge and transferred the technology to IDEMIA, thus improving the latter’s competitive advantage in the field of ‘Augmented Identity’.

January 2019

Officially launched in June 2018 by Inventec, the soldering paste expected by the high-tech industry comes to fruition

Partnership Chimie Balard Cirimat - Inventec

The Chimie Balard Cirimat Carnot Institute’s expertise in the field of materials allows it to fulfil the most stringent requirements  for electronic components used in both the aeronautical and space industries.

Close
Partnership Chimie Balard Cirimat - Inventec

Officially launched in June 2018 by Inventec, the soldering paste expected by the high-tech industry comes to fruition

The Chimie Balard Cirimat Carnot Institute’s expertise in the field of materials allows it to fulfil the most stringent requirements  for electronic components used in both the aeronautical and space industries.

Supporting Innovation

Inventec has been an established leader in the field of chemical solutions for the high-tech industry for more than 50 years. Its offering as regards electronic assemblies has just grown with the latest introduction of its EcorelTM Oxal AG product.
While being high-temperature resistant, this silver-oxalate-based soldering paste stands out by its ability to be worked at low temperatures, without emitting any particulate pollutants or nano-scale particles.
It meets the strict requirements of the high-tech electronic industries: miniaturisation, an outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity,  mechanical resistance. It is also a lead-free product complying with the highest EU environmental standards (both the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals regulation (REACH)).
It is a key element to ensuring high quality of surface-mount technology (SMT)2 solder joints by attributing excellent electrical, mechanical and thermal properties to the soldering.

The client needs

Electronic circuits, in particular aerospace and power electronics, are getting much smaller and are subjected to ever higher temperatures (300° C and above).  
In such cases, the brazing material must be highly thermally conductive to enable heat dissipation.
None of the products sold by the competition is really satisfactory.

Cirimat have opened up a new way through the development of an innovative brazing process using silver-oxalate micro-particles. This process has allowed to generate Ecorel TM Oxal AG, a new product which has been showcased in June during the SMTconnect fair in Nuremberg. The competitively priced product responds to strong expectations from the manufacturers of electronic products subject to very high temperature. By anticipating the latest set of regulatory and environmental constraints planned to be introduced in 2021, Inventec guarantees a significant business edge to customers.

Partnership

As a CNRS-affiliated research centre, Cirimat’s know-how is based on an extensive expertise in material science. The research team has based the new brazing process by combining his knowledge of metal organic precursor and powder metallurgy. Inventec enjoyed the benefits of a patent license resulting from a partnership between Thales group and Chimie Balard Cirimat Carnot Institute, while participating to the Bravoh* programme, a project supported by the French Government Defense Procurement and Technology Agency (Direction générale de l’armement, DGA) in which were also involved Gaches Chimie** and ISP System***. It is under such context that Inventec could determine the formula of such soldering paste. which is operated at a low temperature for highly thermally conductive and environment compliant solders.
The 2011-registered license patent allows Inventec to market the very innovative brazing material, which constitutes a significant progress and engine for the industry. Hence consolidating, through such novelty, its leading position across the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North-America regions.

* BRAsing microVOid free and High thermal conductivity
** French distributor of commodity chemicals
*** French-based key player in the field of mechatronics, precision engineering and robotics

September 2018

Iskn capitalises on current scientific research related to magnetic fields to streamline interface between traditional drawing and digital graphic design.

Partnership Leti - iskn

Three researchers have transformed more than 50 years of research on magnetoresistance by the Leti Carnot Institute into an app dedicated to raise public awareness of the arts, the design and education.

Close
Partnership Leti - iskn

Iskn capitalises on current scientific research related to magnetic fields to streamline interface between traditional drawing and digital graphic design.

Three researchers have transformed more than 50 years of research on magnetoresistance by the Leti Carnot Institute into an app dedicated to raise public awareness of the arts, the design and education.

Supporting Innovation

The production of a digital graphic usually requires the use of a graphic tablet or the scanning and editing of a paper drawing. The Slate system allows to use of a standard pad with  a simple drawing tool. It is equipped with a sheet of paper laid on an adjustable support and a pen fitted with a magnetic ring.
To record the drawing, each movement of the pen is sensed by the 32 tri-axial magnetometers embedded in the support. The data are sent over to a Smartphone or tablet in both real-time and off-line modes.
The associated software allows both the drawing to be manipulated, edited and exported for common formats.
Intended for the general public, the Slate system is distributed in more than 350 points of sales including the major French brands. After Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, the Asian markets see in Slate a way to match the Art of Calligraphy with prospective digital teaching materials.

The client needs

In a highly competitive sector, iskn illustrates the need for further R&D to be carried on to turn such innovative project into an economic success.
Indeed, digital drawing software programs have been efficiently applied for nearly 30 years.
The Leti Engineers who have brought the research to where it stands today wanted to give back the right to determine what tools are needed as appropriate to any human operators. They, for the most part, were betting on the links between physical objects and digital world.
A crowdfunding campaign has allowed the gathering of an amount significantly higher than the level of financing needed. However, moving beyond the announcement effect and great deal of interest generated, the technological leadership had to be safeguarded. By constituting a common laboratory with Carnot CEA LETI, iskn has grown from 12 patents upon their establishment in 2014 to 20 today.
This type of multi-year collaboration is essential to make it possible for the SME of 38 employees to respond favourably to increasing public and professional expectations alike, while turning to the world of interactive entertainment products and applications of business functional practices.

Partnership

As part of the CEA Tech Institute, the Grenoble-based Carnot CEA LETI has taken a pioneering role in studying and facilitating the uptake of discoveries on antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic fluctuations. The work of 1970 Nobel Laureate French physicist Louis Néel has been very determining in this regard. The Leti Institute is a major player in terms of dynamic R&D in the area, thanks, in particular to the Grenoble Innovation for Advanced New Technologies (GIANT) campus.
The intelligent Slate pen tablet uses a matrix of ultra-sensitive magnetometers and signal-processing algorithms carried out under the partnership and protected by 22 valid and enforceable patents.
With 50.000 “Slate” sold since the beginning, a growth in revenue by almost 300% against 2017 and the doubling of the number of employees in 2018, the long-lasting collaboration and closeness of interactions with researchers provide iskn the means to strengthen an already solid case.

March 2018

From the treatment of blindness to Super Bowl

Partnership Voir et Entendre Carnot Institute - Atis

Atis, from Research to global industrial success.

Close
Partnership Voir et Entendre Carnot Institute - Atis

From the treatment of blindness to Super Bowl

Atis, from Research to global industrial success.

Supporting Innovation

ATIS is a camera whose system core works in a similar way to the eye retina. The bio-inspired vision sensor operates in an asynchronous mode on a stream of per-pixel incoming events rather than displaying conventional split-action movement by superimposition of successive images. The sensor performance in terms of data acquisition, encryption and energy consumption makes it an essential and unique choice for applications requiring capture of real-time data.

The client needs

This technology was first applied to respond to the specific needs related to the development of bionic vision systems (artificial retina). Such systems require an expedite processing of images associated with encoded information adapted to the specific retinal and cortical features.

The IRIS2* device, which is going through a clinical assessment, is currently being developed by Pixium Vision, a leading player in the treatment of blindness. The device, combining both an ATIS sensor and a retina implant, allows observed subjects with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to perceive certain patterns of light and some shapes of objects and acquire a greater degree of autonomy in their day-to-day lives.

Beyond the more constant  medical activity, ATIS high potential was the key reason for setting up French spin-off Chronocam, to further develop its use across all image sensor markets (haulage, robotics, security, video games), and in the not too distant future improve instant replays at major sporting events such as the Super Bowl!

*Intelligent retinal implant system, second generation

Partnership

The ‘Voir et Entendre’ Carnot Institute is one of the leading integrated Eye Research centresin Europe. It was in this Institute that the team of researchers and mathematicians designed the sensors and algorithms in co-operation with Pixium Vision. On top of this, the Institute is concurrently working in close collaboration with Chronocam. These various exchanges show the Carnot Institute’s ability to effectively integrate into the economic and industrial realities of innovative enterprises.

  

July 2016