Mission
VIRTU-CHIP aims to demystify semiconductor fabrication by offering an immersive and interactive learning environment. You can explore cleanroom facilities, discover the different stages of chip fabrication, and configure production machines.
VIRTU-CHIP
An educational platform developed at ESIEE Paris to explore, step by step, the design, fabrication, and operation of a microelectronics chip.
Start the experienceWhat is VIRTU-CHIP?
VIRTU-CHIP is an interactive educational platform that immerses you in the world of microelectronics through a concrete use case: designing and using a chip fabricated in the ESIEE Paris cleanroom.
This chip plays a key role: controlling temperature with high precision on an area of just a few square millimeters. It is a major technological challenge in many applications, including PCR testing.
Where it starts: an educational kit
VIRTU-CHIP originates from an educational kit dedicated to electronics and microelectronics.
This kit is based on the principle of PCR tests (Polymerase Chain Reaction), used to detect the presence of a specific gene in a virus or a biological cell. These tests rely on a succession of very precise temperature cycles repeated dozens of times.
To perform these cycles, the kit integrates the full electronic chain, from the microelectronic chip to the control system.
A chip at the heart of the system
The chip, fabricated in the ESIEE Paris cleanroom, acts as an integrated thermocycler:
- a temperature sensor
- a heating element
- all on a surface of only a few square millimeters
Around this chip, the kit makes it possible to drive the temperature cycles required for PCR through a microcontroller and a touch interface.
What you will discover on the site
As you explore VIRTU-CHIP, you will be able to:
- Discover the environment and operation of a cleanroom
- Explore the technological processes used in microelectronics
- Understand each stage of chip fabrication, from layer deposition to final testing
- Study how the chip works inside the educational kit
- Program and use the electronics to carry out the temperature cycles of a PCR test
Whether you are simply curious or already familiar with the topic, the journey adapts to your level.
A platform designed for learning
Audience
The service was initially designed for ESIEE students, but anyone curious can use it to learn more.
Usage
The platform was designed for desktop use. We recommend avoiding phones. However, some features, such as cleanroom discovery, remain accessible on mobile devices.
About
The platform is a service created by three IMAC students (E4 ESIEE) as part of a supervised project. The project is designed to mobilize each student’s skills within an interactive educational platform, in close collaboration with the supervising team.
Supervising team
Tutors
Olivier FRANÇAIS
Research professor at ESIEE Paris - Gustave Eiffel University
Applied physics, microsystems, and biosensors
Email 
LinkedIn 
Website 
Patrick POULICHET
Research professor at ESIEE Paris - Gustave Eiffel University
Instrumentation, EMC, and embedded systems
Lionel ROUSSEAU
Head of the ESIEE Paris Cleanroom, engineer - HDR
Cleanroom processes, neurotechnologies, and diamond
Student team
IMAC - Image, Multimedia, Audiovisual and Communication
Max Braudel
Student at ESIEE Paris
Software systems development, automation, and interactive applications, with a strong interest in AI and complex architectures.
Key contributions
Web developmentInfrastructurePedagogical structuring
Mathéo PALAZZOLO
Student at ESIEE Paris
Specialized in project coordination and user interface design. Passionate about photography.
Key contributions
UI/UXPhoto and video captureWeb development3D scanning
Quentin LEGROS
Student at ESIEE Paris
Coming soon...
Key contributions
Video captureVideo editing3D content cleanup
Ready to begin?
Use a desktop computer for the best experience.
Start
