Inspire

INSPIRE.Lab Platform
INnovative Sensing Platform for Intelligent and Resilient Electronics

Général présentation

The INSPIRE.Lab research platform (INnovative Sensing Platform for Intelligent and Resilient Electronics) is
dedicated to the development of organic sensors, specifically designed for real-time detection of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). Operating under a philosophy focused on optimizing device electrical performance, the
platform enables their seamless integration into communicating and intelligent electronic systems.
Our core strategy is driven by a multidisciplinary research environment established in close synergy with platform
resources and our main partner, the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN).
INSPIRE.Lab is structured into two main operational entities: a scientific research space focused on experimental
testing, low-voltage and radiofrequency electrical characterization, and sensor data processing; and an innovation
and technology transfer space dedicated to electronic prototyping and device integration, thereby facilitating a fluid
transition from fundamental research to proofs of concept.

Financial Support

The establishment and structuring of the INSPIRE.Lab facilities were supported by key regional and institutional
funding programs:
COSMOS2 Project (STImuLE-STIP): Funded by the Hauts-de-France Region to acquire specialized research
equipment for sensor characterization and electronic development.
CREATIVE Project (ERDF / FEDER): Jointly carried out by ICAM and TechShop Lille, supported by the Hautsde-
France Region to set up the dedicated prototyping area.
Icam Internal Resources: Direct internal funding demonstrating the institution’s strong commitment to applied
research and technological development.

Mission and objectives

Research & Innovation: Develop high-performance organic sensors for real-time VOC detection and integrate
them into smart, resilient electronic systems.
Technology Transfer: Bridge the gap between fundamental research and industry through prototyping and
proof-of-concept realization.
Education & Training: Serve as a strategic educational resource for multidisciplinary academic programs (e.g.,
mechatronics projects and the I4.8 Engineering for Life Sciences module).

Définition/périmeter

The platform’s perimeter encompasses two physical and functional spaces:
Research & Characterization Space: Includes six specialized workstations dedicated to radiofrequency
characterization, controlled-atmosphere gas testing, electrochemical material deposition, and embedded system
data processing.
Prototyping & Integration Space: Covers the full printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication chain, surfacemounted
device placement, reflow soldering, and advanced wire-bonding integration.

Areas of expertise

INSPIRE.Lab brings together advanced multidisciplinary expertise bridging materials science, microelectronics, and
systems engineering. Key fields of expertise include:
Radiofrequency (RF) characterization (up to 40 GHz)
DC electrical characterization (I–V, C–V)
Impedance spectroscopy
Controlled-atmosphere characterization (gas,
pressure, temp, humidity)
Surface functionalization & electrochemistry
Development of embedded electronic systems
Sensor data science and processing

Keywords

Semiconductor materials Conducting polymers Piezoelectric substrates PCBs (rigid/flexible)
Bio-inspired devices (Transistors / Memories / Memristors)

Facilities

The laboratory contains six specialized research workstations and a complete prototyping chain:
RF Characterization Station: Probe station equipped with a Rohde & Schwarz ZVL6 Vector Network Analyzer
(VNA).
Controlled Atmosphere Gas Station: Gas control setup with temperature/humidity regulation, Mass Flow
Controllers (MFC), and an RF probe station up to 40 GHz.
Electrochemical Deposition Station: RF and DC probe station connected to a PalmSens potentiostat.
Embedded Systems Workstations (x3): Tailored to SAW sensors, capacitive sensors, and impedimetric
sensors, equipped with digital oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and computing stations.
Prototyping Equipment: Technodrill 3, CIF 40 laser system, Surface-Mount Technology (SMT/CMS)
placement, reflow oven, electronic verification setup, and an ASM Eagle Xtreme wire-bonding machine.
Test benches (Links to Benches fiches):
Links to test bench fiches are not available in the source document.
PARTNERS
Academic & Research Partners: Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN), ICAM.
Institutional & Regional Partners: Hauts-de-France Region (STImuLE-STIP / ERDF CREATIVE projects).
Industrial / FabLab Partners: TechShop Lille.
Scientific & Technical Committee Members (Labs and firms):
Information not specified in the source document.
Links to Partner Fiches:

Links to partner fiches are not available in the source document.

Publications and communications

List of publications with external links: Not specified in the source document.

Projects

COSMOS2 Project (STImuLE-STIP): Focused on acquiring research equipment for sensor characterization
and data processing.

CREATIVE Project (FEDER): Joint Icam / TechShop Lille project focused on setting up electronic board
prototyping capabilities.
Links to Project Fiches:
Links to project fiches are not available in the source document.