Electronics
Transforming public action through digital technology
A business request?
You want to join us?
The electronics sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by major technological innovations: the rise of connected objects, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, and Industry 4.0.
This revolution in the sector has created new challenges for our customers, linked to the growing complexity of embedded systems that incorporate new-generation semiconductors, intelligent sensors and ultra-connectivity.
The growing electrification of many industries (automotive, aerospace, energy) requires new solutions and skills to meet the challenges of the energy transition, eco-design and optimising consumption.
Finally, very early in the value chain, the recent global shortage of electronic components has highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains, requiring new strategies for anticipating and managing risks, while ensuring product quality, safety and regulatory compliance.
At ALTEN, we anticipate all these technological developments and train highly qualified engineers who provide customised solutions to the complex needs of our customers. Our long-standing partnerships with major players in all industries have led us to take charge of the design of sophisticated electronic architectures. As well as defining solutions, we support our customers’ transformation.
Whether the need is local or international, ALTEN offers consistent expertise throughout the project development cycle. We know how to secure the design, qualification and operation of your products.
In an increasingly globalised world, quality and skills need to be consistently high, regardless of location. We are here to bring this vision to life by taking end-to-end customer development back to scale. Our aim is to offer the same high level of quality, wherever you are.
Technological evolution, a frantic race towards the future
The electronics sector is constantly evolving, in line with Moore’s laws, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Competition is fierce, driven by an ongoing quest for performance and innovation, particularly in industries where deadlines are tight and expectations are high. Effective supply chain management is therefore of paramount importance.
The increasing integration of user functions places new demands on electronic design, where optimisation and data security are crucial.
Technological advances in microprocessor performance, new-generation FPGAs and Li-ion batteries are leading to rapid obsolescence and a significant environmental impact. This means that a sustainable design approach needs to be adopted right from the start of a project.
At ALTEN, we support our customers in understanding and integrating these advances to ensure state-of-the-art electronic solutions that meet changing market needs over the long term: solutions that combine innovation, safety and efficiency. Our end-to-end approach, from design to validation, guarantees you a comprehensive offering perfectly tailored to your needs. Our commitment is not limited to technology but extends to the implementation of our customers’ vision.
Advise –Structure –Train
Our expertise
Advise
Objectives
Shape your development strategies to lead your projects to success
At the heart of the Electronics offer, ALTEN has teams of experts capable of bringing your projects to fruition in the 2 main areas of its development:
- Definition of requirements, design and manufacturing follow-up:
- Needs analysis, technical feasibility
- Drafting of specifications, consolidation of specifications in line with sector and business standards
- Architecture and design of printed circuit boards (PCBs), multiphysics approach
- Integration and adaptation of components (FPGAs, microcontrollers, ASICs, memories, etc.)
- Interfacing and communications (I/O ports, protocols, RF-WiFi-Bluetooth connectivity, etc.)
- Optimisation of consumption, miniaturisation of systems, safety
- Performance simulation
- Follow-up with suppliers, equipment manufacturers, etc.
Projects
Practical case
Development of energy management systems on board satellites
As a long-standing partner of the electrical and electronic design laboratory of a major aerospace equipment manufacturer, ALTEN has contributed to the development of energy management systems on board satellites. ALTEN’s teams took charge of the design and programming of critical systems (based on UltraScale+ FPGAs), guaranteeing optimised and secure management of power units through BMS (Battery Management System) software.
Architecture and simulation of electronic boards for space instruments
ALTEN developed and validated the VHDL code on an FPGA target for a scientific space instrument project, in collaboration with international partners. The company designed the digital architecture, the filters for analysing measurements on the moon, and implemented the memory controllers. ALTEN’s expertise made it possible to deliver a high-performance instrument, with simulations and qualification for a lunar mission in 2024.
Integration-Validation-Qualification, operation
- Integration of components and sub-systems in complex systems
- End-to-end unit and functional testing
- EMC and RF testing in constrained environments (thermal cycling and vacuum, vibrations, field tests, etc.)
- Drafting and managing qualification plans and test resources requirements
- Organisation and conduct of tests, management of non-conformities and quality
- Drafting of reports and justification files / compliance with technical requirements & standards, data packs
- Commissioning and Maintenance in Operational Condition ationnelle
Practical case
Development of renewable energy management systems
ALTEN worked with a major player in the energy sector to design products for managing photovoltaic generators. Our multidisciplinary team was responsible for the design, component integration and test management of products such as PV Boxes (Photovoltaic Boxes). Working closely with the customer, we optimised the products while guaranteeing compliance with cost, robustness and electrical safety requirements.
Development and validation of new control systems
ALTEN supported a development centre specialising in low and high voltage solutions by validating products before they were industrialised. Our team participated in the development of test plans, qualification tests and the development of critical functionalities. Thanks to a collaborative approach, we improved the simulator’s performance and rapidly adapted the test tools to this complex project.
Intégration et tests de systèmes spatiaux complexes
ALTEN, with its AIT (Assembly-Integration-Test) service centres, supports the largest space players in the integration and testing of complex space systems, extending its expertise and innovation to the many companies in NewSpace.
Practical case
Framework contract in Assembly-Integration-Testing for CNES (French Space Agency)
ALTEN has intervened in satellite assembly and testing at CNES since the early 2000s. ALTEN is involved in the integration and validation phases of a wide range of missions, optimising processes while ensuring continuous improvement. Expertise covers all stages, from reception of satellite components to launch, including environmental testing (thermal vacuum, EMC, vibration, etc.).
Service centres for international leaders in the aerospace sector
For more than twenty years, ALTEN has been working with the major players in the space sector, in their clean rooms, for the integration (AIT) of satellite platforms and payloads. This partnership has been strengthened with the creation of dedicated service centres covering all satellite activities and all professions (electrical, RF, mechanical, optical, management, methods & quality, etc.) and providing continuous 24/7 support. The teams contribute to major satellite programmes in the fields of telecommunications, Earth observation and scientific missions.
Design, validation and operation
Our expertise extends beyond traditional methods by adopting an innovative approach, both in terms of:
- Design
- AI-assisted design
- Three-dimensional integrated circuits and optimised placement/routing
- AI integrated into our electrical/electronic systems: more intelligent & autonomous systems, advanced HMIs, Chatbots & Cobots, Deep Learning, etc.
- Neuromorphic circuits
- Miniaturised systems
- Integration of new functionalities: ultra-connectivity, optronics & computer vision, etc.
- Eco-design: just-in-time design, energy optimisation, greencoding, sustainability and recycling
- Software optimisation
- Validation, Operation
- AI-assisted simulation & validation
- Highly representative digital twins & simulators
- Automated tests and virtual validation
- Advanced analysis of data and non-conformities, via data science & AI
- Remote validation and MCO (heavy remote resources)
- AI-assisted Command-Control / Monitoring, Predictive Maintenance
Practical case
dBird project: Green Edge solution to protect biodiversity
We have developed an intelligent IoT system using embedded AI to preserve the local biodiversity at wind farm facilities through the monitoring of agricultural and ornithological activities. Using intelligent cameras and sensors, this system assesses the risk of collision and suggest an action to the control system of the wind farm. The eco-responsible architecture, based on STM32 microcontrollers and Jetson Nano mini computer, optimizes computational resources and reduces latency. Thus, the system is highly responsive, helping to protect birdlife and managing alerts systems for wind turbines efficiently.
Advanced electronic architecture for autonomous vehicles integrating AI and critical task management
One interesting example is a project we’re developing in our Alten Delivery Center in Romania inside R & D Lab is the development of an electronic architecture for an autonomous vehicle integrating Aurix TC38 and Jetson Nano boards, combining artificial intelligence and management of critical tasks. The system uses sensors such as cameras and LIDARs to acquire environmental data, with Ethernet and CAN interfaces for fast, reliable communications. Thanks to artificial intelligence models, the project includes real-time prediction of steering angle and detection of objects and signals, ensuring precise and safe autonomous driving, even in varying weather conditions.
These optimised solutions benefit from our global organisation, structured around centres of expertise that enable us to mobilise the best of our engineers, in every region of the world and for every customer. In electronics, our presence is multidisciplinary on every continent, and we can mobilise experts with 30 years’ experience in our Alten Delivery Centres in India, for example.
Thanks to our exceptional skills pool of over 2,500 electronics engineers worldwide, we are able to support our customers in all areas of electronics and on-board systems:
- Digital electronics and microelectronics, semiconductors, components
- LF analogue electronics
- HF/ RF, antennas and EMC
- Power electronics, electric motors, harnesses
- Instrumentation, optics and optronics
- On-board SW
- Test facilities
- IVVQ – Monitoring and Command-Control
- Standards (sectors & professions)
Structure
Objectives
Guarantee the performance and reliability of each project
At the heart of our Electronics offering lies our commitment to providing expert advice that transcends traditional boundaries. At ALTEN, we structure our electronics projects reliably and efficiently using a multi-tiered strategy that combines local expertise, Nearshore and Offshore solutions, and international collaboration.
- Local expertise
Our approach is based on leveraging local expertise. ALTEN has teams of engineers specialised in electronics and electrical engineering in the various regions where we operate. These experts master all key technologies, from integrated circuit design to power management and embedded systems development. This local presence means we can respond quickly and understand the specific local requirements of each project, guaranteeing high-quality execution.
- Offshore solutions
In addition to local service, ALTEN has Offshore Delivery Centres in several countries around the world and we have developed electronic skills centres in strategic regions, particularly in Asia, Eastern Europe and North Africa. This flexibility in geographical areas and time zones enables us to meet our customers’ specific needs while optimising costs and guaranteeing competitive delivery times. Our offshore centres work in close collaboration with local teams, ensuring seamless service continuity and consistent quality, wherever the project is carried out.
- Centre of excellence and international coordination
ALTEN also relies on a global network of national and international skills centres. This network enables us to rapidly mobilise cutting-edge expertise at the local or global level, particularly in India (via our subsidiaries ALTEN Global Technology and ACL Digital – Insérer les liens vers leurs sites), for large-scale projects requiring a strong commitment to electronic expertise. This synergistic organisation between our skills centres guarantees not only great flexibility in resource allocation, but also rapid ramp-up on complex projects.
Project
Development and validation of the electric and hybrid powertrain
ALTEN is supporting a major automotive manufacturer in the design and validation of the powertrain for electric and hybrid vehicles. The project covers the development of critical components (DC/DC converter, inverter, input module), as well as EMC test management and system validation in the customer’s laboratories. Thanks to its expertise in power electronics and its certified processes, ALTEN ensured the rapid ramp-up of the project and the integration of the necessary skills at several international sites.
Train
Objectives
Continuously fuel the engine of excellence and innovation
Training is a crucial issue for ALTEN, where all of our engineers are specialised in demanding professions and sectors. In order to remain at the forefront of technology and innovation, we have set up skills centres dedicated to each engineering profession. These centres enable us to carry out a continuous technology watch, develop a comprehensive training package, and organise webinars and workshops to share experiences.
In particular, in the electrical and electronics professions, training is essential to master new technologies (semiconductors, FPGAs, AI, IoT, etc.) and associated tools, while guaranteeing compliance with safety and industrial standards.
Our skills centres work daily with our innovation department and our Labs to stimulate creation, anticipate trends and offer Proof-of-Concepts to our customers.
The Electronics Competence Centre can rely on ALTEN’s internal training structure, Amplify Ingénieurs, which provides optimised, large-scale support for training deployment: documentary accessibility, content creation assistance (face-to-face or webinar), training of trainers, right through to performance evaluation and continuous training improvement.
These training efforts, in line with our consultants’ expectations, ensure that our teams remain competitive, capable of delivering innovative, high-value-added solutions.
Tech Talks by ALTEN
Tech Talks by ALTEN” are interactive sessions led by experts, offering a time for exchanging and sharing innovation, expertise and news. Available for replay via a regularly updated video library, these webinars cover several key topics and allow employees to contribute by speaking out and submitting their ideas. They are organised by the Innovation Department and the Skills and Practices Department.
