CEO MONTHLY / C-suite Awards 2023 11 Apr23072 Located in the heart of the high-tech development and engineering center in Germany, BitifEye Digital Test Solutions GmbH provides physical layer and protocol test solutions for the conformance, compliance, and characterisation of established and emerging high-speed digital buses, specialising in delivering the world’s best receiver test software for the physical layer test of newly designed semiconductors. The firm has a wide range of partners with which it collaborates very early on in developing a new signal path to find the best solutions for their needs. “Early collaboration is essential in physical layer test to ensure the successful design, development, and deployment of communication systems,” explains Dr. Julien Henaut, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “One of the key benefits of early collaboration inside standard committees is the ability to identify and mitigate risks. By involving all stakeholders in the design and development process, risks can be identified and addressed before they become major problems.” The business outlook for the physical layer testing market is generally positive, as the demand for high-speed and reliable communication systems continues to grow in various industries, such as communications and A privately held company based near Stuttgart, BitifEye Digital Test Solutions GmbH (BitifEye) is the market leader for high-speed digital receiver testing. We find out more from COO, Julien Henaut. transportation. This demand is driven by factors such as increasing Internet usage, growing adoption of cloudbased services, and the need for improved connectivity in the transportation and smart cities sectors. However, the physical layer market is also subject to various challenges and uncertainties. A critical one is the need for continuous innovation to push the limit of copper-based communication systems and reach higher data rates. Another challenge is the profusion of emerging technologies. “Overall, the business outlook is good,” Julien tells us. “However, companies in this market will need continuous innovation, inhouse expertise, and creative thinking to stay ahead of the curve.” Julien joined BitifEye following the death of one of the founders, a recognised industry leader and a significant contributor to the evolution and progression of multiple physical layer specifications. He found an organisation that was undoubtedly successful but experiencing growing pains. “After more than ten years of extraordinary developments, scientific breakthroughs, the company was established as a recognised and respected leader,” he elaborates. “Nevertheless, BitifEye needed more structure on all the product development steps to sustain excellence and pace while maintaining a small team spirit and efficiency.” In his five years with the company, he has, among other things, professionalised the team’s approach to software, modernised the IT infrastructure, and empowered the key stakeholders. Before joining the firm, Julien worked for more than ten years in developing IoT wireless products (innovation engineer, project manager, and system architect) after graduating from the French National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC) and the ISAE-Supaero in electrical and telecommunication engineering for aerospace. “I’m passionate about electronics, engineering, and problem-solving,” he enthuses. “I’m also passionate about human space exploration for the marvel of engineering and team effort it is. Apollo is not the story of 12 men walking on the moon but the 400,000 people working together towards the same goal. “I believe in a comprehensive approach to the various levels of R&D, and I put team empowerment and “lead by humility” at the core of my management style. From the beginning of my engineering career, at the crossroads of research and industry, I have enjoyed developing broad scopes of technical skills and taking on management responsibilities with strong technical implications.” Julien discovered electronics when his dad brought a computer home, and they opened it together to change some parts. Since that day, he has assembled computers and created small electronic circuits/robots. Today he leads an extended team of about 30 software and signal integrity engineers and delights in watching/helping them to push the limits of receiver testing software in over 12 of the most advanced high-speed digital bus standards. “As a conscious leader, I work for the team,” he tells us, elaborating further on his leadership style. “As a manager, I am not only responsible for my own performance but also for that of my team members. My job is to help contributors perform at their best by providing guidance, support, efficient tools, clear goals, and feedback.” Julien is working to infuse some aspects into the company culture, such as responsibility, openness, trust, agility, and a culture where the firm’s success is a shared target. Recently, for his innovative approach and attitude, Julien gained recognition in the C-Suite Awards and was named Electronics Testing COO of the Year 2023 (Germany). As he looks forward, further exciting developments are in the pipeline. “A couple of years ago, BitifEye created a daughter company in a different sector of activity – the fitness and health sector to diversify its activities. Our heart-rate-based training system is a true revolution in how non-athletes can use any eBike to stay healthy. It’s also scientifically proven to help people with cardiac diseases in their rehabilitation training. For our core testing business, we are also exploring using AI and ML to make our SW more powerful and easier to use. Our customers will be able to focus on their core expertise – chipset design - truly.” He adds, “I wish my team to continue growing in a fun and stable environment, become even more diverse, remain curious, and constantly explore new fields. Together we aim to develop SW that is always more efficient to push the limits of wired communications.” Electronics Testing COO of the Year 2023 (Germany): Julien Henaut Contact: Julien Henaut Company: BitifEye Digital Test Solutions GmbH Web Address: www.bitifeye.com
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