Case Introduction: Developing an Embedded System for a custom secure communication platform 

ProMicro was asked to design and deliver an Embedded Hardware solution for a new developed custom-built secure communication platform.

Project Approach: Parallel development

As the mechanical design and outline of the device was already decided upon based on user experience requirements. ProMicro was challenged with implementing it’s Embedded Hardware architecture and batteries with very tight volume restrictions. All development was under time pressure and done in parallel, so work had to be done in close cooperation between ProMicro the mechanical partner and the client’s software team.

The challenge: Lay-out

As more and more feature requests were introduced, the lay-out of the PCB became one of the more challenging parts of the projects. Eventually leading to a design which involved both flex-PCB and rigid-PCB precision technology. Daily meetings with all stakeholders involved led to an elegant and fitting design that perfectly fit together during prototype assembly.

Testing: Test-bench development

During test and integration a lot of work needed to be done in parallel. Therefore ProMicro also built a test-bench that could be used by the software team for debugging and feature testing on the Embedded System.

Development Method: Iterative V-Model (Agile Hardware development)

The project was run using an iterative V-model approach that may be best described as “Agile Hardware development”. Providing flexibility to finetuning requirements and implementation while executing parallel development or so called “Concurrent Engineering”. During development, the progress of realization and impact of changes was monitored closely and reported to the client and other project parties.

Key Takeaway: Structured Development Enables First-Time-Right Results

This project showed that a V-model realization process in electronics design does not mean a rigid and inflexible execution of the project. With good communication and impact analysis a progressive insight in the desired functionality of the product is possible and can still lead to first-time-right results.