ASTEP is a dual academic research and R&D platform founded by STMicroelectronics, JB R&D and L2MP-CNRS in 2004. The current platform, operated by IM2NP-CNRS (formerly L2MP-CNRS), is dedicated to real-time soft-error rate (SER) testing of semiconductor circuits and systems. Located in the French Alps on the desert Plateau de Bure at 2552m, in a low electromagnetic noise environment, the platform is hosted by the Institute for Radio-astronomy at Milimeter Wavelengths (IRAM).

ASTEP is operational since March 2006 and is now opened to both industrials and academic laboratories which wish to perform qualification tests or research works. Referenced in the standard JESD89A, the platform is also supported by the French industrial competitiveness cluster SCS (ASTEP2 project).

In complement to SER testing facilities, ASTEP provides in situ real-time neutron monitoring (super 3-NM64 neutron monitor) and underground measurements in association with the ultra-low noise Modane underground Laboratory (LSM, CEA-CNRS) located in the Fréjus Tunnel (-4800m water equivalent).

Since 2004, the ASTEP platform operation has been supported by the European Commission, the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur Regional Council, the Hautes Alpes Department Council, the City of Saint-Etienne en Dévoluy, STMicroelectronics, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, the Université de Provence and the Institut Universitaire de France.

Since 2006, the operation of the Plateau de Bure Neutron Monitor has been more specifically supported in part by the MEDEA+ Project #2A704 ROBIN ("Robust Design for Efficient Use of Nanometer Technologies") and by the French Ministry of Economy, Finances and Industry under research conventions #052930215 and #062930210.