Collection of shop floor data

Collection of shop floor data

Fail-safe hardware with RFID

For the collection of shop floor data as well as for complex logging systems, small, fanless devices are required that operate 24/7. Beyond aspects like compact shape, low energy consumption and a virtually maintenance-free system, multiple other challenges are posed by additional requirements from process reliability and operational safety as well as legal requirements.

By way of semi custom design, highly compact, fanless devices can be manufactured at very affordable prices, highly modular and in an efficient manner. The components most suited to this purpose are Qseven or SMARC modules with their powerful and scalable x86 and ARM processors. Here, the modular approach ensures that the solution is future-proof and adaptable at all times. On top of that, it is more cost-efficient than full custom design. For the collection of shop floor data, iesy developed an all-in-one system consisting of baseboard, Qseven module, casing and touch screen. From planning to hardware development and any and all issues about conceptual design and layout, iesy performed all those tasks. Other tasks included the entire electronics development, manufacturing of prototypes and functional models, all questions related to certification as well as key aspects of software development, e.g. design and creation of operating systems, programming and integration of customer-specific drivers and libraries or the creation of important testing and configuration tools to connect and embed the project specific application software.

A unique aspect of this solution is the interconnection of an RFID reader with an infrared proximity sensor. The latter is permanently active and checks any movement or activity within short distance of the touch screen, e.g. when an RFID chip is held in front of the device. The RFID reader is only activated when an activity occurs in front of the screen. There are three benefits to this approach: One the one hand, less energy is consumed. On the other, the specific activation of the RFID reader reduces potential interferences to a minimum and increases the precision of RFID targeting. This application was developed, tested and put to series production within the shortest span of time and particularly proved iesy’s expertise in safety critical applications. The result: A highly satisfied customer and a follow-up project with new challenges.

Technical data

  • Processor (ARM architecture, optional in extended temperature range)
  • Qseven module with ultra low-power Freescale ARM® Cortex™ A9 DualCore
  • Cooling: passive, without moving parts with mechanical wear
  • Memory: 1 GB DDR3 RAM onboard
  • Flash: optional 4 GB onboard eMMC
  • Operating system: embedded Linux
  • Dimensions: 107 mm × 129 mm × 2.8 mm
  • Power supply: with 12VDC on 2-pin Molex connector
     
  • Functions & Interfaces:
    • 1 × wired Ethernet, RJ45, 10/100 Mbit
    • 1 × fiber optic bound Ethernet, LC Duplex, 10/100/1000 Mbit, via SFP module
    • 2 × USB 2.0 4 × LED for status display
    • 1 × SD card socket
    • 3.5" touch display
    • RFID module
    • IR proximity sensor

We take care of your solution, too...

The iesy product offering ranges from consulting to project management, the development of hardware and software and the series production of embedded systems for industrial applications. Looking back on our longstanding experience in this field and our strategic partnerships with leading embedded manufacturers, we support you in the development of your industry 4.0 and IoT projects. Use the following form to tell us about your project and requirements.

Collection of shop floor data - Fail-safe hardware with RFID