Fast-Tracked Semicon Embedded computing platform
Case Introduction: Developing a Custom Electronics Solution
ProMicro was asked to design and deliver an electronic solution for driving and interfacing with a particle counter. The control unit needed to interface with several sensors over high-speed USB interface and process the data with an industrial MCU module (SOM).
Project Approach: Fast Results with a Two-Phased Development Plan
The project needed results very fast which resulted in a 2-phased approach: the first phase would provide an interface board between a PC application and particle sensors. Within 4 weeks after start, ProMicro delivered the design and production data to produce the interface board which included several serial-based protocols to retrieve sensor data and return the data to the PC via USB. The board itself was powered by USB.
Phase Two: Replacing the PC with an Embedded Processing Unit
The second solution was the design of an unit that would process the data itself and that would replace the PC application. The design, powered by a custom developed high-power PoE injection, used a RPi CM5 module for data processing and human-machine interface.
Development Method: V-Model with Iterative Flexibility
The project was run using an iterative V-model approach that was flexible to finetuning requirements. During development, the progress of realization and impact of changes was monitored and reported to the client in planned and structured meetings. The electronics design, together with the mechanics design of the client resulted in a first-time-right production of a 0-series of products. The traceable requirements of the project led to a test process that proved the operation was within specification.
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.
