EUREKA programme launches two new communication projects
The EUREKA cluster programme dealing with the development of interconnection and packaging technologies, PIDEA, has launched two new projects in the fields of professional communication and smart cards. UMANISTA (universal module packaging enhancement for secured telecom applications) aims to enhance high frequency RF packaging technologies for professional radio communications in the future mobile terminals and base stations. Working together are partners form five European countries, led by EADS Defence and Security Networks from France. ACSIP (active silicon protection) will improve the security level of smart cards by developing the physical protection of integrated circuits against invasive attack, chemical, physical or energetic. Packaging technologies developed in the project will also be used in other applications, such as mobile telecom, tagging and micro electromechanical systems. The project will involve partners from three European Countries and will run for 30 months with a budget of four million euro. The PIDEA programme has now been running for two and a half years and has labelled 20 projects. Representatives from the different national public authorities meet biannually to discuss labelling those projects most likely to receive funding.