Summary of PARALIA activities during the 1st Reporting Period (M01-M18)
The main achievements for this reporting period per active work package (excluding WP1) are summarized below:
WP2: System architecture design, specifications, and use-cases
• Definition of PARALIA’s system architecture.
• Definition and refinement of the overall system architecture
• Detailed refinement of module specifications to ensure consistency with the operational use-case scenarios
• Established assembly process flow: A sequential assembly process for the demonstrators was validated, with built-in flexibility to adapt the bonding order of components to minimize mechanical stress and increase yield.
• Qualified materials and processes: Preparatory work was completed, including the qualification of 1 mm ceramic support substrates and the selection of specialized adhesives like OPTOCAST 3553 for optical bonding.
• Upgraded alignment infrastructure: Custom component handling tools were fabricated , and the 6-DOF hexapod coupling station was upgraded with an integrated UV curing system and active alignment capabilities to achieve sub-micron precision.
• Validated thermal management: Comprehensive simulations confirmed a robust thermal management solution, reducing the maximum predicted temperature from a critical 191°C to a safe 37.4°C.
• Finalized high-frequency design: The host PCB design was validated via simulation, confirming excellent signal integrity with a predicted attenuation of only 0.32 dB at 6 GHz. Preliminary PCB layouts for both demonstrators were completed.
• PARALIA’s ML algorithms were benchmarked through simulated and experimental data, confirming the adequacy of the system design and its alignment with the project’s technical objectives and performance targets
WP3: Photonic circuit design, development, and characterization
• Fabrication of InP 1st Gen. actives completed.
• Complete characterization of 1st generation optical radiators.
• Simulation and design of 2nd generation of optical radiators.
WP4: LiDAR and RADAR prototype development and characterization
• Designed and fabricated LiDAR package: The first-generation LiDAR subsystem package is complete, providing a robust, thermo-mechanically stable platform ready for the integration of optical components.
• Integrated key hardware features: The package successfully integrates a custom housing with a W/Cu heat sink, a preliminary host PCB based on high-frequency simulations, and an X-Y-Z microstage system for precision, post-assembly lens alignment.
• Established characterization plan: A multi-stage validation plan has been defined to systematically test performance from the individual PIC level up to the full, functional LiDAR system.
• Prepared for final assembly: The project is positioned to begin the full optical and electrical assembly of the demonstrator immediately upon the availability of the first-generation photonic components.
• All K-band radar boards are fabricated and operational.
• Integration started with the FPGA.
• The 2nd fabrication gen. FR circuitry has been initiated.
WP5: Multi-sensor system prototype development and validation
• Host PCB design for LiDAR systems completed
• Experimental setup for the validation of the Photonic Xbar multi-beam PIC in RADAR/LiDAR FMCW operations
• Development of the experimental setup for the automated driving use-cases.
WP6: Communication, dissemination and Exploitation
• • PARALIA’s presence at prestigious conferences.
• PARALIA’s website is constantly updated.
• The roadmap for PARALIA sensor exploitation has been established.
• PARALIA’s sensor market potential has been analyzed.
• An IPR board has been established to identify potential patent applications.
• A patent on “Optical Beam Forming Device With Crossbar as Beamformer and Its Method of Use” has been already issued by Hellenic Industrial Property Organization, whereas an application on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (no. 18/635,483) has been done.
• A standardization board has been established to identify potential standardization activities.
WP7: Ethics Requirements
• PARALIA’s deliverable D7.1 “OEI - Requirement No. 1” has been submitted.
