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Technology platforms

Europ platform

The EUROP platform enables the entire network architecture (ADSL, fibre optics, etc.) and services (Internet access, telephone, TV) of a major telecom operator (such as Orange, Bouygues, SFR, Free, etc.) to be recreated in one room.

EUROP consists of physical equipment from the collection network (Internet box, DSLAM, etc.) which uses either the old copper cabling of our telephone lines (ADSL, ADSL2+, SHDSL, VDSL2), or the fibre optic cabling currently being deployed (GPON or point to point), then via the core network (MPLS routers) to finally arrive at the datacenter equipment (virtualisation servers, hyperconvergence).

EUROP is both a tool for our partner companies and a training tool for our students. The projects with the companies are in the fields of operator networks, optical technologies (Point to Point and GPON) and the Internet of Things. EUROP can recreate the complete chain of an operator network and thus allow companies to come and test their materials, services or equipment by simulating the data path from a low-speed end customer (such as a private individual in the countryside) to a fast professional connection (company optical fibre in the city centre).

Another example is projects in the field of the Internet of Things (IoT). Hardware or software is installed on the EUROP platform which supports LoRaWAN technology (the most popular long range wireless technology for IoT) and objects can connect and send data to the Internet.

From a pedagogical point of view, the EUROP platform allows our students to implement all the hardware and software bricks of an Internet operator, from access to a private home or company, to the configuration of final services such as IP telephony or TV broadcasting, including security and quality of service of the core network (MPLS, etc.). The latter also enables them to gain a practical understanding of the cloud computing and virtualisation technologies used in data centres. It also enables practical work on IoT to be carried out.

Finally, EUROP is used for student and research projects on the themes of intelligent cities, IoT, or innovative technologies (“in-network computing”, P4 language, etc.).


Image platform

Composition

A robotic cell with a 6 axis Staübli robot. A camera is fixed on top of the robot and allows to localize objects by calculating the centre of gravity for example. The information is transmitted to the robot to pick up the objects and move them. These “pick and place” operations enable objects to be sorted according to criteria calculated by image processing.

An assembly consisting of a belt conveyor, a 3 ccd linear camera and an ejection system using pneumatic solenoid valves. This station allows the development of dynamic sorting algorithms by shape and colour.

A set of 2 conveyors and 1 robot. This unit is currently being rebuilt. It contains all the elements present on a production line: presence sensors to trigger image acquisition, mechanical ejection system, safety sensors. These tools are used to simulate the automation of a production line: quality control with sorting by robot. Samples are placed on the starting conveyor, they are routed under the acquisition station and then, from the verdict indicated by the image processing, the objects are positioned or not on the reject conveyor.

Teaching

This platform is used in the Image & Photonics, Smart-Industries apprenticeship

For 2nd year students “Robotics” module

The objective of this module is to provide second year students with a global vision of the technological developments related to robotics, and the associated challenges. At the end of this course, the apprentices have a general overview of these techniques and the associated advantages, both in an industrial and service context.

For 3rd year students: “Robotics application” module

The objective of this module is to present the methods for applying image analysis and processing tools to robotics. At the end of this course, the trainees know how to use the results of an image processing control to drive a robot in an industrial context. For example, sorting parts by shape and colour.


Optical platform

Télécom Saint-Etienne offers a total of more than thirty experiments in optics-photonics for the school’s students and apprentices, including

Manipulations in :

– Wave and Fourier optics (Michelson interferometer, bi-prism, Young’s slit device, optical image processing, optical holography, etc.)
– Guided/integrated optics (fibre characterisation, transmission of an audio signal by optical fibre, wavelength multiplexing, simulation of classic integrated optics structures, etc.)



Photonics (study of laser systems: laser diode, Nd:YAG laser, He-Ne laser, beam cleaning, M² measurement, etc.)
– Photometry (spectral characterisation of sources, secondary sources, study of Bouguer’s law, etc.)




Instruments or study benches

– Phase contrast microscope,
– Fringe projection profilometer,
– Spatial phase modulator,
– Shack
– Hartmann type wavefront analyser,
– UV/visible spectrometer,
– Bragg grating fibre optic sensor

We also have :

An optical holography room for recording and developing holograms on transmission and reflection holographic plates. A room dedicated to practical training, consisting of 7 identical benches to illustrate numerous concepts of geometric and wave optics presented by the teacher and reproduced in real time by the students. A marking laser that can be used to make markings (identification number, data matrix, logo, etc.) on many types of materials.

Each year, we propose projects associating optics-photonics with other themes of the school such as: image, vision, electronics, computing, etc., which allow us to implement technical solutions or to set up specific instrumentation benches. Among these projects, we can mention: laser microphone, air flow measurement by interferometry, roughness measurement by speckle interferometry, 3D laser triangulation..

Also to be read

Supporting laboratories

The school is supported by 3 research laboratories. Discover the Hubert Curien Laboratory, the Camille Jordan Institute and the Elico Laboratory.

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