Modernizing Embedded Electronics and Software for Advanced Optical Equipment

Introduction new, advanced features in compact, modern edition

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About the client

Our client, a global leader in optical and microscope production, asked us to design and modernize the electronics and embedded software for their latest generation of high-precision microscopes. The goal was to fit the same functionalities of their legacy product into a more compact, modern enclosure, while adding new features enabled by hardware upgrades.

Business challenge

The challenge lay in compressing the functionality of an older, larger system into a smaller housing, without sacrificing performance. Additionally, the client sought to introduce new, advanced features that the upgraded hardware would enable, all while ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards (FCC, CE, EMC). It was crucial to keep hardware changes minimal to reduce development time and costs, while also improving user experience and product performance.

Team composition

  • Electronics Design Engineer
  • Embedded Software Engineer
  • Technical Project Manager

Our solution

Our team encountered several key challenges that required innovative technical solutions:

  1. Fitting into the Existing Enclosure:
    Challenge: The new electronics had to fit into the existing, smaller product housing with minimal modifications.
    Solution: We used Altium Designer’s Multiboard Assembly feature to precisely place components and avoid internal collisions. This ensured that the structural integrity of the housing was maintained, and that we could make the necessary upgrades while keeping modifications to a minimum. This approach allowed the client to avoid the cost of a full redesign of the enclosure.
  2. Meeting Global Market Standards:
    Challenge: Ensuring compliance with multiple market regulations such as FCC, CE, and EMC was essential for global product distribution.
    Solution: We incorporated ferrite beads and ESD protection into the design to filter out electromagnetic interference and enhance compliance with international standards. These components greatly improved the chances of passing all necessary certification tests, allowing the product to meet the diverse regulatory demands of markets worldwide.
  3. Software Optimization:
    Challenge: Enhancing user experience by optimizing the software to operate seamlessly with the new hardware.
    Solution: By leveraging the camera’s On-Screen Display (OSD) capabilities, we iteratively fine-tuned the software to achieve optimal visual performance and responsiveness. This provided a smoother, more intuitive interface for users, significantly improving the overall product experience.
  4. Hardware Integration:
    Challenge: Integrating the new hardware with legacy components from the previous generation product.
    Solution: Our team successfully ensured compatibility between the upgraded electronics and the existing legacy equipment, allowing the client to reuse certain components without compromising on the new product’s functionality.

Technologies used in this project

  • Embedded C/C++
  • ARM Cortex-M7 i.MX uC
  • USB HID
  • VISCA protocol
  • Altium Designer 24
How about repeating the /success/ of our clients?

Value we added

The integration of new functionalities into the existing housing allowed the client to offer a completely upgraded device with enhanced features, without the cost and time of redesigning the enclosure. The product not only complied with stringent global standards but also became more competitive due to its updated capabilities. The enhanced compliance with regulatory standards opened up new international markets, positioning the client to increase sales and target premium customers. Additionally, the product’s improved durability and performance made it a stronger contender in its market segment.

Future perspective

This project sets a foundation for further collaboration with the client. With the success of the new product design, we anticipate future projects that will continue pushing the boundaries of optical technology and innovation. Our solutions ensured the client could maintain their reputation as a market leader, while also preparing them for future growth and expansion into new markets.