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Electronics
A family of IoT products
based on the i.MX6 processor
The uniform family of products (repeaters, converters, etc) was developed as the basis for many different solutions. By planning for universality from the very beginning of hardware design and ensuring flexibility in the process of configuring the system kernel, we can implement many new tasks with minimal further work.
Introducing The Ultimate Industrial Microcomputer
At our company, we’ve been quietly innovating something revolutionary—an industrial-grade microcomputer. It’s built with the flexibility and versatility of a Raspberry Pi but designed for industrial environments. Think of it as the powerhouse bridge between machinery and advanced computational systems, offering full customization for a wide range of applications.
A Compact Giant
When we set out to develop the UIM, our goal was to create a microcomputer that could handle the rigorous demands of modern industry. We meticulously designed the UIM to include:
- Multiple Ports and Interfaces: We implemented universal inputs and outputs to ensure the device could manage real-time sensor data, control systems, and data processing with precision.
- Seamless Sensor Integration: Our team developed the UIM with various analog inputs and outputs, making it compatible with a wide array of sensors like distance and temperature gauges.
- Central Computing Hub: We engineered the UIM to serve as a central computing hub, capable of managing both input and output commands in real time.
Our design process was centered around adaptability, allowing the UIM to function effectively in diverse industrial environments, whether it’s on a factory floor or in an automated equipment setup.
User-Friendly Control and Visualization
We understood the importance of usability, so we focused on creating an interface that was as powerful as it was intuitive. Our team developed:
- An Intuitive Graphical User Interface: We designed the GUI to allow engineers and developers to manage connected devices effortlessly.
- Real-Time Data Visualization: We integrated features that enable quick monitoring of sensor performance and system responses through easy-to-read data graphs.
- Customizable Parameters: We added options for adjusting data refresh rates and graph durations, ensuring the UIM meets the specific needs of each user.
For those who require more sophisticated control, our development team incorporated a built-in terminal, allowing seamless integration with custom applications still in development.
Interfaces, Protocols, and Connectivity
To ensure the UIM could integrate smoothly with existing systems, our engineers included support for a range of communication protocols:
- Comprehensive Protocol Support: We implemented RS232, RS485, and One-Wire protocols to allow the UIM to communicate with various industrial sensors.
- Advanced Connectivity: We equipped the UIM with essential ports, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless communication capabilities through an antenna.
- Future-Proof Design: Our team is actively working on integrating HDMI support for external display connectivity and continuously refining the interface and port capabilities to keep the UIM adaptable to the evolving needs of industrial operations.
A Developer’s Playground
From the outset, we envisioned the UIM as a platform for innovation, so we built it with developers in mind:
- Full Programmability: We ensured that the UIM is fully customizable, allowing developers to tailor the device to specific requirements and scenarios.
- Automation and Integration: We designed the UIM to serve as an intermediary between various machines and systems, enabling automation, data collection, and process management.
This open-ended design empowers developers to push the boundaries of what the UIM can do, making it a true playground for creative and technical minds.
Rigorous Testing and Quality Assurance
We didn’t just build the UIM; we rigorously tested it to ensure it could meet the highest standards of reliability and performance:
- Durability Testing: We subjected the UIM to extreme conditions, including temperature variations and exposure to dust and moisture, to confirm its durability in harsh environments.
- Performance Optimization: Our team conducted extensive performance tests to fine-tune the UIM’s ability to handle intensive data processing and real-time operations without compromising speed or accuracy.
Every component of the UIM has been carefully evaluated to ensure it can stand up to the demands of industrial use, providing users with a reliable and powerful tool for their operations.
Hardware
To ensure the highest level of versatility and adaptability in our hardware solutions, we implemented a modular design approach that allows for interchangeable assembly of individual components. We meticulously prepared a database for our entire family of electronic devices, enabling seamless installation of different interfaces based on emerging needs. By making simple adjustments to the production documentation (BOM), we can quickly produce the selected hardware variant tailored to specific applications. Central to our product line is the NXP i.MX6 processor, built on the Arm Cortex®-A7 core, which offers robust support for various interfaces and peripherals. This design allows us to select from different processor variants, depending on the specific tasks required, without the need to redesign the hardware from scratch.
- Modular Design: Interchangeable assembly of components for flexibility.
- NXP UIM with Arm Cortex®-A7 Core: Supports a wide range of interfaces and peripherals.
- Quick Adjustments: Simple changes in production documentation to produce specific hardware variants.
We rigorously tested and implemented several key technologies to optimize system performance and ensure compatibility across all hardware versions. For instance, we incorporated U-Boot, a flexible bootloader, to manage system kernel loading from various data media, such as SATA, flash, and USB drives. U-Boot’s adaptability includes support for OTA updates, enhancing device maintenance capabilities in the field. Additionally, we created a Device Tree structure within the system kernel, ensuring proper configuration for the hardware and adding the necessary drivers as kernel modules. Our process also involved developing flexible tools within the toolchain, modifying libraries, cross-compilers, and debuggers to meet the specific needs of each project.
- U-Boot Implementation: Flexible bootloader with OTA update capabilities.
- Device Tree Structure: Ensures proper hardware configuration.
- Toolchain Development: Custom libraries, cross-compilers, and debuggers for project-specific needs.
This comprehensive approach ensures stability, security, and universality across the entire system, allowing us to efficiently implement subsequent projects within the same family of devices.
What’s Next for UIM?
UIM is still in active development, with many features already in place and more on the way. Our roadmap includes refining the interface further, adding additional protocols, and implementing even more advanced display options. We’re in the process of documenting every aspect of the hardware, providing comprehensive guides for developers and engineers to make the most of the device’s capabilities.
With its durable design, robust set of features, and near-limitless potential for customization, UIM is set to redefine what an industrial microcomputer can do. Whether it’s automating a manufacturing process, serving as the heart of a complex sensor network, or driving data into AI systems, UIM is the versatile tool you didn’t know you needed—but won’t be able to live without.
This is just the beginning for UIM. Stay tuned as we continue to enhance this powerful industrial microcomputer, transforming the way businesses operate with cutting-edge technology tailored for real-world applications.
Conclusion
In summary, UIM is the culmination of our efforts to build a microcomputer designed for industrial versatility and powerful data handling. Whether you’re monitoring temperatures, managing complex machine operations, or collecting real-time data from sensors, this industrial Raspberry Pi-like microcomputer is your ideal solution. The future is bright, and UIM is ready to light the way forward for industries everywhere.
Get in touch with us to learn more about UIM and how it can revolutionize your industrial operations.
