Implementation of a secure link using PHYSEC based on software-defined radio (SDR)

Pionnier dans les domaines des micro et nano-technologies, le CEA-Leti est un institut de recherche technologique situé à Grenoble au cœur des alpes françaises depuis 1967. Il fait partie du CEA, un des 100 premiers innovateurs mondiaux selon le classement de Clarivate. 

Grand groupe, start-up, PME, ETI... nombreuses sont les entreprises à avoir engagé un partenariat de longue date avec le CEA-Leti. De la preuve de concept à la production industrielle (lab-to-fab), le CEA-Leti accompagne ses partenaires à toutes les étapes clés de leurs projets d’innovation.

S'appuyant sur une expertise reconnue mondialement, il contribue à la création et à la diffusion de nouvelles technologies qui répondent aux enjeux sociétaux liés à : l’énergie bas carbone, le numérique, les technologies pour la médecine du futur, la défense et la sécurité. 

Context :

Physical layer security (PHYSEC) enhances communication confidentiality by leveraging the inherent characteristics of the wireless channel. It protects transmitted data against eavesdropping without relying solely on higher-layer encryption. PHYSEC techniques include secure modulation, coding, and beamforming to exploit channel randomness. It ensures that legitimate receivers can reliably decode messages while making interception by attackers difficult. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the practical feasibility of the PHYSEC concepts developed within the laboratory by implementing and testing them using a software-defined radio (SDR) platform. This study seeks to validate the effectiveness of these security techniques in realistic transmission scenarios, bridging the gap between theoretical research and experimental implementation.

Your missions :

The first task will be to develop, on top of existing work, a Matlab/Python model of a secure transmission chain, including channel coding and modulation. The waveform and security aspects will come from ongoing research conducted by a Ph.D. student. The candidate’s role will be to implement these concepts and all related components for transmission, synchronization, and equalization, with guidance and support from senior researchers in the field. Once the simulation model has been validated, integration onto a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) platform will be carried out. The HiL methodology allows testing of the transmission chain in real-time conditions by interfacing the simulation model with actual hardware components, enabling realistic evaluation of performance under controlled scenarios. Finally, a measurement campaign using a channel emulator, and if feasible over-the-air testing, will be conducted to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed concept.

Required skills:

Proficient in using laboratory instruments

Eleve Ingénieur, Master 2.

Compétences:  traitement du signal, communicaiton numériques, MATLAB/Python/C