TM4C1294NCPDT: Product and application ideas for an Industrial Meter based on Tiva

That's a nice slab of aluminum - carved to accommodate the OLED.    (and a nice-sized OLED - as well.)

As to: "Suggestions, Applications, Comments" - without knowing the target market (there must be one), competitive postures, price-points and "Regulatory agency requirements" - meaningful input is difficult.     Numerals on display signal "RF" - particularly the VHF/UHF frequency spectrum - which often require agency testing/approval.

Staff/I did note - especially for client ease - a 3x4 keypad (or larger) trumps the 6 panel switches - there (for now.)

Thanks Bruno! The meter is a concept thing I've been playing with the past couple years on the side. Partly it's been a learning platform for the Tiva TM4C1294 and TI-RTOS. The motherboard and bus is fairly generic and the I/O cards will define it's applications. Currently I'm working on a dual channel RTD 3-wire temperature probe board using the AD7793, but still in progress. The first card on the left hand slot is the RTD card. The second is a dual small signal relay board with three opto-coupled inputs. Third card is a RS232/RS422 card and fourth is a Bluetooth module. Other than that it has the Ethernet, USB and SD card stuff supported by the Tiva. There's an Atmel serial number eprom and another generic eprom for storage also. The -12V switcher supply has problems unfortunately, but none of my card are currently using this rail.

Here's a picture of the relay and RTD temp boards. The cards all use 2mm connectors on the motherboard.

Here's an earlier shot testing the OLED display running grlib for the mono graphics.

Here's some shots of the motherboard...

Greetings - newly arrived - "concept thing" producing (w/excellence & attention to detail - I'd say) Robert.     (aka Bob II)     In Hollywood - where we are now - "aka" morphs to "pka" (professionally known as) 

Our small Tech firm has long designed/sold to: Studios: "TV, Movie, & Recording" - the fact that "Bruno's clandestine photo" - and your neat additions - overlap our current "studio meetings" may prove fortuitous.    (while skill/effort/experience are important - "luck" plays a key role too!   (though hard to "count upon")

The use of, "6 switches" is the major weakness - to my mind - of this prototype.      I suggested a 3x4 keypad (i.e. telephone style) as this (far) better accommodates numeric entry.    (2 non-numeric keys may serve "Clear & Enter.")    If space allows - a 4x4 keypad enables Scrolling (line & page) & "dual valued" keys (via a shift key) nearly doubling the keypad's direct entry capability!   

I'm also fan of RTDs (over thermistors).    It would be interesting to learn how you chose (and qualified) the RTDs.     (Bruno can advise how he/I "PM" here - for material (beyond) general forum interest.)

Many may be intrigued by your (relatively) big, bright OLED.    I'm estimating that as a graphic - 128x64 - possibly even larger.     Perhaps you can supply that OLED's spec - and comment upon your connection method to your TM4C?      And - as we are "at/around" Vendor's space - might you describe, "How you chose the TM4C?"     (note to Bruno - "tiva" est passé)     There are (many) ARM MCUs - even different categories: M0, M0+, M3, M4, M7 - and our new, "Autonomous Auto Destined, "R-52."

Your "card-slots" are described as "generic."     Does that mean they follow some connection "standard" - so that "boards from others" may be accommodated?     (i.e. simply plugged in - Great Sales Aid!)

Finally - did your screen shot list various RF frequencies "in play" for "ISD" and other, general use?    As your "slot population" did not include RF devices - my earlier "sense" of RF capability has diminished.

And ("finally # 2") while there is undeniable "coolness" to Aluminum slab for front panel - firm/I have long found that "Delrin" is easily machined - and far "quicker & easier" carved/cut to (always) changing - client spec requirements...    Good job - while Bruno (likely) has your European rights - others (somewhat active here) (may) warrant your USA consideration...

Hi cb1_mobile, thanks for the feedback, comments, info and kind words!  The display is cool and I chose it for it's high brightness and ease of viewing as my vision fades with age. The display is from FEMA Electronics part number G12864F-24-OC3Y. It's sorta fragile mounting and won't take more than a bend or two on the flex, but works great otherwise. I'm not that good of a bit banger coder, but I managed to get a driver working following examples in the grlib source. The driver is not optimized and prints to the offscreen buffer and updates pretty quickly over SPI. I'll be glad to share the grlib driver if anyone wants it and wants to improve it. I think FEMA is located in CA somewhere near you, give'em a search on the web.

I guess six switches would be nice, but space was limited as I was trying to keep it in a standard DIN meter sized case. Originally my hope was to find a niche for some sort of industrial type applications. My first thought we temperature monitoring, logging and ability to monitor/control across the web. Thus I was drawn to the TM4C1294 with it's strong communications capabilities and features. Originally I started out playing with the Stellaris parts from Luminary on another project, then TI bought them out and I eventually landed in the Tiva world. I was working with FreeRTOS on the Stellaris, but soon moved to TI-RTOS since it readily supported all the Tiva hardware and I wouldn't have to spend my life coding/debugging device drivers for Ethernet, USB, serial, etc, etc. I like to code RTOS environments and have been looking for a solid small form factor RTOS for years and TI-RTOS seems to fit the bill.

Yes, it has four slots. The first two slots share one quad SPI bus and the second two slots share a second quad SPI bus. The last two slots have a number uart pins and the rest of the GPIO's are spread out across the connectors. I think I have only one GPIO left on the CPU. I envisioned other processors on the I/O cards communicating via the SPI bus if needed. Should be lots of room to do tricky things coding if needed.

I work independently as a PCB layout guy in Eagle and do sheet metal design in Geomagic(formerly Alibre). A couple friends with laser and CNC capabilities helped me with the enclosure and faceplate for the prototype. Yes, plastic would be cheaper, but Delrin ain't cheap either (probably higher than aluminum) at Protolabs. I've done similar type parts in ABS and found that was cheapest for CNC milled parts. Maybe 3D printing would be cheaper. Assuming a market/application existed for said meter, injection molded plastic faceplate would be the way to go perhaps.

Lastly, regarding RF possibilities, I have another I/O card I've designed but not build for small signal RF power measurements using a AD8362 part. Thought of making an SWR monitor for tower sites to monitor transmitters of some sort. It could send alerts and such over the net and log SWR readings and data to SD drive.

Thanks!

Bob

Thank you, Robert - appears we are (both) detail guys.

Swear to God I saw "just three" card slots - looked again - indeed there are four. (or - you updated the original photo!) I then edited my 2nd post - asking if those card-slots follow any connection "standards" - so that "boards from others may be added." Reading you most recent posting - your mother-board & slots appear (primarily) a "Robert Starr" production! Might you confirm?

We well know of Fema - although we are mid-west based - and travelling up west coast on one of our periodic "Client Calls/Visits." Our suspicion of 128x64 was confirmed - thanks for that.

I'm searching for photos of surprisingly similar products our firm has designed - although "few" w/that size OLED. Some of the challenges we've had to recognize - then overcome - may prove helpful to you. (or others - here)

I've well noted the neatness & organization of your pcb layouts. Have you background in laying out "High Current (~100A) "Half-Bridge, Power FET designs - which include (closely placed) gate-driver ICs?" We (still) have hundreds of past LX4F & even LM3S MCUs - and have found a growing market for "inspired & "sweat the details" High-Current - Half-Bridge Implementations. (Two FETs (Hi & LO Sides - joined so that the full supply voltage may be switched)

Such a design may bode well for your panel - vendor's MCUs (both past & present) - and our new, advanced, High Current Power FETs (and unique driving circuitry) when (properly & exactingly) "Pcb" placed & routed...

The bus is my design based on the best I could come up and what seemed to suit the TM4C1294 best. I wanted to leave as many I/O's and functions of the Tiva as open as possible, but also had to support the base peripherals on the board (Ethernet, USB, flash, OLED, etc).

Would love to see any similar type designs you might want to share using similar parts/displays.

Regarding PCB layout, I've been doing PCB layout work for around 12 years and worked on all sorts of power, high-current, RF, analog, digital etc. I can't afford the high-end CAD tools, so I've stuck with Eagle and Geomagic and specialized in small business applications. I have another friend that contracts for JPL and designed the receiver at the Goldstone site for tracking asteroids. I was lucky enough to work with him and do the PCB layouts on that job. You can see more of my work online at bobstarr.net if interested. Feel free to shoot me an email or give me a call if needed.

Below is the pinout for slot 1 of the meter board, it's pretty generic.

Thanks!

Bob

Robert - you ARE "off the charts" responsive - very much appreciated.

If I may - look at the "wealth of boards" and (near standards) which have so served - in the benefit of (pardon) Arduino?     That ability to readily accept (even welcome) the existing "work/efforts" of others - proves a powerful Sales MULTIPLIER!      (it is not (always) ideal to "re-invent" that which has "already arrived.")     And all business - especially Tech Biz - must (always) focus upon SALES!     (I past was fortunate enough to co-found, serve as VP Engineering - and then (thru inspired: design aids/accommodations/optimizations) - take that Tech firm PUBLIC!)

No small firm can do everything - nor (I believe) should they even try!      Tech is so complex - and so dynamic (so much new arrives) - that "specialization" proves very "key" to success.    Thus - as IBM's "open standards" for the PC revealed  - accepting the (proper) devices/boards of others - makes great sense.     It may prove useful - for your design - to "move" in this direction...

We are meeting w/clients both weekend days - and my initial sense is that w/certain "generalizing" - and other tweaks - your general concept may be able to (far better) meet client needs/requirements.

I will note that there is (some) overlap - my firm & yours - and that we've found that best (and fastest) results arrive from our "always & only" employing vendor (pro) Eval Boards, initially!     The (only) "constant" is that "Client Needs ALWAYS CHANGE" and that  "too early commitment" to a "suspected" final/frozen design - will prove disappointing, costly, & of course delaying!

You've shown enough initiative, skill & expertise here - and if you'll accept (some) of our (always) gentle inputs - we may  find ramping Sales Channels for that basic (yet more welcoming) design.

Having lived 13 years in L.A. - I've also contracted with and sold product to JPL.   (two of our smaller (4x20) Control Panels - flew successfully upon 2 Shuttle Missions - our client  "Univ. of Alabama @ Huntsville" - a major NASA contractor.      

Your Panel's photo (really) grabbed my attention - as due to "out-gassing" - our (esteemed) plastic, front panel was replaced w/Milled Aluminum - just like yours!      How small IS the world?

Thanks for the interest and chat. I've done a job or two for clients in the Arduino format, but mostly experimental stuff people were doing. But, that format just wouldn't work for what I was wanting in the panel meter format. I was looking at the Red Lion Controls and Omega panel meters and their designs for inspiration when I started this project a couple years ago. They make industrial 7-segment type panel meters and it would be very difficult to try and compete against their products and the price point they sell at. The folks in the industrial control world seem to go with known products that they know and understand well. The software and firmware in those systems is solid and well proven.

I had some experience in the ATE test market for wiring harness analyzers many years ago out of college (the Z80 days! LOL) and learned a great deal there. Looking back, it was one of the best real jobs I had and I didn't even realize it at the time. I had no concept of the sales activities that paid our checks and pretty much lived in the "basement" geek world coding. During those years I was able to live and devote my life to it, now it's a little harder. I gained lots of serial protocol knowledge back in those days and enjoyed that type of work. The industrial world still uses RS232/422/485 and I enjoy working with those protocols and formats. I still don't have a handle on USB and it's so complex, not really suited for the industrial world so much.

Small world, I'm from Alabama also and worked in Huntsville for a brief period during my early ATE/Z80 years.  I was lucky to work with some brilliant people at Huntsville Microsystems. There I learned how to use Z80 hardware emulators and such back in the day. You must have some impressive work to fly on shuttle! I'd love to see your work and stuff, please shoot me an email and I can share some other stuff with you.

Oh, here's another project I'm working on with Tiva 123 ARM. It's a tape transport controller for vintage Ampex 2" tape machines. I've been working on this for many years learning motion control and servo loop stuff. I recently got this board working and will be selling these soon, but it's a very limited market. This board is running TI-RTOS also and is working great!

Thanks!

Bob

Again - read/reviewed - thank you.

Here is a (past) panel design - produced for and sold to multiple sectors w/in the "ISM" market.     (Industrial, Scientific, Medical - I "know" that you know - this for others)      

The Display is a high-contrast, CFL backlit, QVGA (320x240) - that's a "User Legendable" (4x4 keypad) which enables scrolling, menu recall, clear & entry - and multiple, audible & bright visual warning/alarming ports.     Panel is 228x127mm, display is 4.7" diagonal, "Legendable Keypad" is 51mm square.     Some of these panels saw "service" (in the desert) during hostilities.     Two photos reveal the Graphic Lcd just having been removed from the "Shake-Bake" chamber (after having been abused - (far) above spec) and the Lcd's Frit seal has suffered - Lcd fluid has "migrated" - and (still) the LCD worked!      More than 10K of these panels were built & shipped - and (still) today - replacement units are ordered.     (these units have exceeded their warranty periods by (more) than 20 years!)     Note that NO ARM MCUs were hurt or abused - during the "taking" of these photos.     (these designs preceded the arrival of ARM - employed 8051 & Z8 (not Z80) as central MCU.)

Shown as well is (at that time) what we believed to be the world's smallest, "Intelligent I/O System."     A 2x8 Lcd (later replaced w/2x12 - same size) and a 5-Way Navigation Switch.     (four compass directions AND a "center" (enter) position)

May serve to "note" that these designs were built to "accommodate" multiple (other) boards & key components - sourced by clients (a "free" Search/Find/Qualify/Augment source (i.e. client) is (the best such source!)- and this proved greatly helpful in, "Exceeding our (and our investors') Sales & Profit Expectations."

FULL GRAPHIC, SUNLIGHT READABLE, WIDE TEMPERATURE, SHOCK/VIBRATION RESISTANT - MULTI-INDUSTRY/PURPOSE: SENSING, PROCESSING & COMMUNICATING DISPLAY PANEL    (Keypad may be Legended - in the field - by client - optimizing value/flexibility!)

Yet more photos - revealing continued operation success - even AFTER sustained ABUSE!"    (Client's simply LOVED this robustness...)

Beyond "spec" (by 20% - both shock/vibration and temp.) yet (still working)     Frit Seal failed (top right)

Full Graphic Display & (inspired) software enabled ANY SIZE Text/Numerals - to ease reading (especially) during (stressful) conditions!)     Frit Seal "murder" again revealed.

World's smallest (at that time) I'O system - 2x8 Char Module & 5-Way Nav Switch.    Note:   (LCD's "normal" 6 wire (4 Data) interface accommodated (BOTH) the Lcd & Nav Switch!)

World's smallest I/O operating in (near) total darkness.    (backlight brightened - better revealing the Nav Switch - when the Switch was "active!")

Here's another remote control I'm working on using the same OLED and Tiva 123. I communicates to the machine via high speed RS422. The legends in the switch are replaceable also, but the switches are expensive. I'm using the QEI modules in the Tiva's for quadrature encoders. On the other transport controller board I'm using AMS magnetic based encoders that Bruno recommended and uses in his products - these work great!

Thank you - thank you very much.     I really tried (not successful yet) to find our "Shuttle Riding" Control-Display Panel - which looks SO MUCH,  "Just like yours!"    (but smaller)     The photo Bruno supplied (really) "rang my bell."

You are (very) sharp eyed - I enjoy "tormenting staff" - presenting "bits/pieces" and seeing who (if anyone) notes.    (Bruno also (sometimes) is a good detector.  {when he's not defending the "indefensible."})    Indeed we had to strategically "heat" the Display (especially the display) but also several of the other devices - which had limited operating temperature ranges.     We were lucky and/or blessed as we ALWAYS had power plenty - and could even "slide" our heater (MCU sensed & controlled/positioned) - to optimum positions - based upon feedback from (again - like yours) multiple, strategically placed RTDs.

And indeed - you are correct again - those are (extremely) high bright AND diffused, illuminating indicators - with color change capability.     And - right again - the bottom port is (combined) speaker/microphone - and we employed an "ancient" US Army "Speech Plus" method to combine Speech & Data.    (via the SAME radio channel - simultaneously!)     (we "removed 250Hz" of the (normal) audio spectrum - and FSK'ed our data - confined w/in that band.)     (although young women could hear it - and "squawked!"    NO man could - and it was "they" who paid us...I will deny saying/writing that...)

This forum - today - makes "death valley" (motion-less) look overly active.     You, I - 1 or 2 others - that's it.     I'll come back to you via email - may take a few days as we are involved w/fund raising - and there are mandated "quiet periods."    (I remain anonymous here & on other forums)

Few final comments - relating directly (first) to this thread;

• It is my belief (shared by the firm's investors) that confining your design to "Industrial Meter" (only) - will (gravely) limit your horizons.    A powerful MCU - coupled w/a (reasonable) graphic display - is capable of "Doing - and Being" most anything!     As an example - who but Steve Jobs would have recognized that people (around the world) - rushing to buy (beyond 40" Flat Screen TVs) would "enjoy" Video on an "Order of Magnitude" smaller, cell screen?      Yes the MCU-Display combination well answers "Meter Needs" - yet to so limit your neat design - vastly reduces its nearly (unlimited) potential!
• I've presented - in contrast - quite similar hardware & mechanics - which NEVER/EVER sought "Meter Status!"     It is notable that you branded our device as a "Meter."   (you are that "locked in.")
• The "beauty" of the MCU and Display combination is the "Nearly UNLIMITED Capability" which is enabled.    It is the (unrestricted) choice of "other/outside world" devices - and the unique MCU programming - which allows the "MCU-Display combo" (as Steve Jobs proved) to, "Do & Be" most anything.
• Any deliberate "over-focus" - or limiting of attraction & opportunity - is outside of conventional business school teachings.  

When I first "saw" the photo of your panel - instantly I thought back to our Shuttle Panel - NEVER did I "think Meter."    Our "Panel" was a, "Specialized, Capsule Command Controller" - which: "Acquired, Processed, Analyzed, Displayed and exchanged Data" w/other Shuttle Systems.    (ours was likely the least capable - yet "anything" which "made it aboard" - provided great reward & satisfaction)     And I see your newer - and more powerful "combo" - surely deserving of "better than such "singular" functionality!"    Best Engineering, Law & Business Schools teach their students to "Think BIG" - and not place limitations - which may erode curiosity, exploration, expansion and other "pursuits of excellence."

While you did (much) of your design w/"Meter Intent" - that does not preclude your, "Adapting, Expanding and/or Re-Directing" the design's focus to "more general and more expansive" applications.    I believe - long term - this will prove (much) to your - and others' - advantage!     While "focus" is a real positive - "self-limitation" cannot make such claim!

We liked your 2 added photos - revealing 2 different color OLEDs and many added panel switches.    Is the "white colored" OLED (again) 128x64 Graphic?    If so - your code (nicely) mimicked "7-Segment" appearance.      Yet - even w/many "added switches" - direct entry of numerals "9 & 0" was bypassed.    From experience - many/most users will, "Squawk!"    (even males - w/reduced audible sensitivity to data - interwoven upon an (otherwise) - purely voice channel.)

***** END OF "DISPLAY-MCU COMBO" writing

Your intent of employing electronics to shunt across those (relatively) high-current, mechanical relay contacts - especially upon, "Contact Make and/or Break" - is excellent (relay life extending) practice.    Summer back we had a young woman, EE intern who had earlier, "Spa Engineering" experience.    She relayed (her opinion follows) "Field is very small - designs are not (usually) "best/brightest."    Like you - she noted that, "Relay Contacts must be protected (paralleled) during "each/every" Make and/or Break.    Contact "Chatter" is "death" to these relays!    My belief - if you can, "Slew the current rise and current fall - while preventing those relays from "seeing" Make/Break Currents" you will have done much to reduce Relay and (other) board failures.

There are highly specialized ICs - which directly address, "Spike Limiting - even Prevention!"    Via email - if you wish - I'll provide links.    (some - may even flow from this vendor (although "LTC" (now ADI) comes strongly & quickly to mind.)     Wish you the best - i remain (beyond) convinced that "broadening" from "Meter only" will far better serve your interests...

Here's one last picture of the meter with a 7-segment style font loaded. The display and code is purely demo at this point. I do have a RS422 task running that blasts the display contents out to my other remote control unit for testing remote display capabilities over RS422 at 1mb/s.

Robert - our "thinking" is (so much) aligned.      Minutes ago I edited the "29 April, 16:25 post" to question the "appearance" of the (delightful) "7-Segment" numeric image.     And just here/now - you answered!    (7 Segment "style font" loaded!)

May I offer a caution?      While I know of your desire to "mimic" long existing (may I say "tired") competing designs - is it not possible - even likely - that potential users/purchasers of your panel will (assume) that (yours) too -  provides ONLY that (so limited) 7 Segment capability?

Indeed your panel - to include vendor's esteemed MCU - offers "So much more" - and that fact should be highlighted (i.e. pounded) into "user/purchasers'" (somewhat) hard heads.

You're arriving (bit) late to the "Meter" field - should you not SELL (via emphasis) your (many) design advantages - thus not seek to "emulate" that which is SO, "Past, Tired, & Restricted?"

Seven Segments (had) its "time/place" - that  "far from today" where "Pixel Graphics" (ALONE) RULE - thus enable: "Text Scrolling, Icons, Images, Bar-Graphs - even "X-Y Plots!" 

How was Steve Jobs able to (so completely) overwhelm the, "Sony Walkman" - which was both dominant & entrenched?      Was it via "mimic" - or instead - due to the, "Multiple, Game-Changing/Disruptive ADVANTAGES" - so well enabled (and delivered) via: Graphic Display, MCU, and hard-drive?      (Valley rumor has it that, "Samsung could not "give away" that mini hard drive" - Apple HW guru saw it - rest is history!)

Yes, 7-segment is old. But it looks cool on the tape machine remote control so I loaded here just as an example. It's a very limited and tired as you've noted and not likely I'd use it on the meter, but it's an option. I was testing out the font import tools with CCS/grlib and this was the first font I tried out of curiosity to see how'd it look. I don't think it even has a decimal point!

Yours is a "Meter" (only) in "your" mind!      Others/myself view yours as a highly capable, "Product Nucleus" - able to perform well across Multiple Applications - if ONLY the "self-imposed" (blinders/restrictions) could be lifted!      You even called our firm's (past) Control Panel a, "Meter" - which it assuredly was not!    

Accommodation & emphasis upon "yesterday" (7 Segment, Meter, "Tape" machine) may be "ok" - but usually detracts from the time/effort and "focus" - most always required to build a better, "tomorrow!"

I'd bet (heavily) that had this thread been (Titled) - "An MCU Driven, FLEXIBLE, EXPANSIVE,  APPLICATION ACCELERATING, "PRODUCT NUCLEUS!" many more "forum hits" would have resulted.    

To suggest that your work-product is, "Meter ONLY" drastically limits reader interest - and does your hard work grave disservice!     Product "Limitation" may result from the market's vote - and/or from size & cost constraints - but NEVER from self-imposed (not too deeply considered) restrictions!     (which are likely to decimate Sales - easily yielding - one "order of magnitude" (maybe two) reduction!)

Well, I'm an old guy stuck in the past I guess. Not sure what to call my project/product really. I've called the design PMX42 for now. Guess I wasn't really paying attention when I called your control panel a "meter", sorry about that. I'm a developer/mushroom type and live in the development caves. I'll try to broaden my thinking when it comes to selling stuff though. Maybe you can whip me into shape on the sales side and help me get my product/sales thought patterns on the right path for success. I wouldn't care if it was called "Atomic Nucleus Platform" as long as it generated income and mailbox money!

Coming from the old MCU world, it's easy to overlook and realize just how powerful these ARM parts really are. I realized the other day while watching my tape transport controller run just how fast these ARM parts and the RTOS really are. It's updating a servo loop 500 times a second and doesn't seem to be stressed at all. I could probably convert all the math to floating point and it would still hammer through it no problem. These ARM parts certainly are powerful and it's amazing how such a small chip can do so much work. The development tools and debuggers are light years ahead from not long ago. Just a few years back I was looking at 16mhz 8-bit Atmel parts struggling to get things done and out of memory with a part cost as much or more than a small Tiva part. I've certainly come to realize, and  fairly recently, that ARM is the way to go!

Might we (all) be "somewhat" stuck?   Yet you welcomed - and transitioned - to a far more powerful - and Application enabling MCU - did you not?    One of the first things VC firms teach - "NEVER limit the marketability of your product!"    (and you are far from alone in violating that teaching...)

I am reacting primarily to this thread's  SO LIMITING,  "Subject/Title"      That Title "brands" your device as an Industrial Meter (only) - when in fact - without great added effort - it can EXPAND to SERVE MANY DIVERSE APPLICATIONS!     (Raising Sales - 10 to 100 fold - in my opinion ... and this is what I do for a living - w/some success)      Now - one of the device's applications may well be, "As a Meter" - yet you may not want to "Brand" (i.e. LIMIT) the device - to just that - clearly it has many potential applications - which makes it far more compelling & interesting to (most all) here!

The "beauty" of a more general - "Application Solution Box" - is that over time - clients will guide you - and drag you (kicking/screaming) - to the "promised land!"     You've put out your "shingle" - but you've built a (very) narrow door (a "metered" door - perhaps) - far too FEW can thus enter!      The more clients you can attract - and the greater their diversity - and expanse of applications - the better for you & your product.

I often employ the phrase, "Speed, Ease, Enhance" as that proved KEY - in taking a past tech firm Public!     Clients will pay - and "repeat order" - if you can make their experience, "Comfortable & Convenient" and provide (reasonably) unique/powerful - "Performance, w/ Time & Effort reduction" - (i.e. "Value") in (their) drive towards success.

That "Product Nucleus" method succeeds as its "focus" enables you - even though small - to master the details required to, "Speed, Ease & Enhance" client efforts - across (almost) unlimited Application Fields.     Time most always will (then) reveal "which APPS" are most profitable, fastest growing, and most likely to benefit from your (unique) efforts.

Based upon that REAL Data - you may (then) "Dial Up" your focus.    To do so now is (to my mind) premature - yet there IS time for you to (consider), "Course Change."    (i.e. "Meters or bust" (may) morph to "Product Nucleus.")

BTW - we showed your panel's photos to several of our "Entertainment Tech" clients this weekend - not one "called it - or even thought of/described it" - as a Meter!     (and they were NOT alone!)

Thank you for sharing the product ARM nucleus to your clients. I hope to dial in markets of some sort at some point, but don't know what those are yet. The I/O cards and software will define it's functions as you've well noted. Note that there's space for a fifth card in my design also - wireless options (wifi). I have standoffs there and a smaller serial header with SPI/UART to mount a WiFi or other daughter card. I was considering the CC3100 for that, or an off the shelf module like the Murata 88-00153-02. Below is a concept screen shot of a faceplate labels I was considering.

Robert Starr said:

I hope to dial in markets of some sort at some point, but don't know what those are yet.

Robert - might that, "Not knowing yet" be a "good thing?"    How can that be?     (even though San Jose to Atlanta records (some) distance - I "hear" you!)

How do you design/develop your "Product Nucleus" so that it proves "Irresistible?"     Is it by delaying its introduction - so that you can add functions - which may (not always) mesh w/your (pending) clients' desires?    Such seems to be your instinct - firm/I note this often - when engaged w/VCs.

Is there (maybe) a better way - more productive use of your time/energy/funds?     Making the Product Nucleus "irresistible" (somehow) comes to mind!

How do you begin?    What constitutes "too much"... or "too little?"    Again - just, "How did Apple overwhelm the Sony Walkman?"    

Might it be that (instead) of adding specific functions (you believe) desirable - you focus upon the best possible, "Data input to Graphic Screen Output performance?    So good, so complete - that your clients will "give up" their desire to "design you out - downstream!"    It would seem that - to achieve that objective - you (may) need, "Comprehensive Graphic Software, Blazing fast screen updates, Accommodation of other size/type displays, and closely coupled, fast memory - for data & image storage.    And some form of front panel & (maybe) an enclosure.

You must note that "Nucleus" alone - does not make up the entire atom.     Those "outer" electrons (symbolism) - often highly specialized - can be supplied by (skilled) others - who employ your device due to its high performance, perceived value, and "welcome" (eased) acceptance of their efforts.

You must make your "Nucleus" as inviting - as broadly accommodating as possible - which may (not) best be achieved by adding "one more" function...

I'm hoping to provide some base functionality (and proof it works) and the RTD card is the first major card. I'm struggling to get the code working with TI-RTOS and sorted out at the moment. Then I'll use this base to make it work with Ethernet, Bluetooth and Wifi to have a fully working demo package.

On my other projects I've made the code open source on GitHub so customers have the ability to modify and build/load the code themselves. But, I'm not sure if this would be good to do for the ARM nucleus or not. I think it would add similar attraction like the Arduino stuff. But, it sorta ties your product to the hobby/experimenter world. Maybe that wouldn't be such a good thing for a professional product?

Or, should we drive our own development in house, based on customer/clients needs/input?

It is unclear if post @ "01 May, 18:49" was (openly) read/reviewed - as the guidance therein appears (not) to have well registered.

Specifically - there is no response to the suggestion of, "Maximizing Graphic Performance" - which represents the "essence" of (any) Display-based, "Product Nucleus."    In contrast - the RTD is promoted as "first" and "major" - even if - and especially if - your key clients have NO such requirement!     Our regular & repeated work w/VC firms reveals this, "Expand the Nucleus" penchant as, "All too common" - and unfortunately, destructive!

What & where is your "evidence" that RTDs have "earned" first, and major, focus?     Might you (still) - despite my "yanking" of the alarm bell - be, "locked-loaded" upon, "Meters?"    And - are not such "meters" so very specific - and bordering (far too closely) upon, "archaic?"   

Might it be possible that: "Sony Walkman" is to "Apple iPod" - as "Meter" is to "Product Nucleus?"     Is it possible that there is a, "Lesson to be Learned" there?

Bruno's opening post - which carried thru your "Meter focus" - invited comments/ideas.     I've responded - as best as I can - with the benefit of (highly) related, recent, & successful, "tech product introductions."     

It is my hope that (some) here find these suggestions & guidelines, "Unique, Focusing, & Well Guiding."     I wish you and (others) success on your "product development" journeys...

Hi cb1, if your still out there! I started a blog site for my Tiva based computing module "nucleus". You view it online at if interested. Thanks for all your encouragement and ideas!

Greetings Robert ... ... like I've (someplace) else to go?     "Work-Release" program does enforce rather strict rules (and just maybe - I shouldn't have mocked the judge's - ill fitting robe...)

I'll try to find & review this evening - as crack (clock watching/obsessed) crüe escapes this "Valley of tears."      (for (very much) of the same.)

OMG - is not ONE "Robert" sufficient? I've invested, "Blood, Sweat, Tears" - simply attempting to get Robert #2 - NOT to "self-limit" the Sales & Application APPEAL - of "so broadly usable" a device.

Long Live, "Accelerating Product Development Nucleus" ... ... "Out with (hack) "industrial Meter."      (Can't you all hear "Homer" cry, "BORING?")

As I said, looks nice and I have a few comments that I think haven't been made.

• First don't be too quick to give up the aluminium face plate. There is a portion of the market that will find appeal in a rugged case (I've bought USB keys almost solely on that criteria).
• Second as far as naming and market aim, I can understand staying away from Red Lion and their less expensive brethren. This more closely resembles a Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) or a Data Acquisition System (DAQ). I'd look at this as much or more for control as for measurement.
• Third, look at making a variant w/o or with a much reduced display and interface. Basically enough to keep show that it's running and maybe reset it. If this becomes part of a larger system the display becomes just a point of vulnerability.
• Fourth consider running off of a DC Power supply (24-48V nominal, 18-60V actual)
• Fifth, consider adding CAN. Preferably with two connectors so stubs are not required.
• Modbus TCP for Ethernet?

Current setup I have on a board that we use in multiple places that has the following generic complement

• A/D input - 10 selectable as +/-20mA or +/- 10V plus 2 RTD
• Switch inputs - 16 24V switch inputs
• Relay outputs - 8 24V relay drivers
• Current loop outputs - 2 0-20mA
• RS422
• CAN two connectors, one bus. CAN provides 24V for CAN isolator interface and through isolation to logic and A/D

Robert

Thanks cb1, good to hear from you again. Please take a look at my blog tonight if you have time as I've just added more content. Any comments there would be greatly appreciated also. I've referred to the device a "computing module" and "nucleus" all over the blog site. I'm slowly training myself to avoid the term "meter" as old habits are hard to break for old guys. Upper management is telling me to get back work, life is hectic in the trenches, will catch up with you soon!

Robert (1),     (good grief)

I like almost all of your capability guide/signpost for Robert (2).

I'll amend slightly - to see if "you/I" can come (somewhat) to "meeting of the minds:"

• His face-plate is an impressively thick slab.     Can't the "effect" both you & he desire be (still) achieved via a "thinner" slab of Al?      Note too - the EMI resistance of a "metal front."
• Whether "PAC" or "DAQ" - I stand by the use of  "Nucleus and Design Accelerator."      There is so much "Reinvention of the Wheel" - a good functional "starting mass" provides much time/effort saving!
• I've financed a "house on the beach" via "Character Display Modules" - yet Apple has "proven" the utility of "small Graphic Displays" - have they not?     Moving to a small character - or worse "Numeric" Display - propels our friend too close to "Red Feline" domain.      It is my belief that an IMPRESSIVE display  "most clearly"  (separates)  a  "Product Nucleus"  from humble/common/tired, Industrial Meter.    (cough spasm ensues)
• Love your direction of accepting DC Power.     Suspect that extending to 12-60VDC  eases such DC Input.
• Surely CAN via 2 connectors makes "great" sense.
• If DC Powered - would not (either) a separate Li-Ion Charger - or one internal (active when AC Line Voltage is present) - make good sense?

To your "current setup:"

• A/D you "read my mind"
• Switch Inputs - I'd propose using the (reasonably sized/capable) display to provide Software selected voltage inputs: 24, 12, 5V.    SPI I/O "Expander" able to alter the "bottom R" of a V_Divider proves ideal.
• What "relay" output (coil) current do you prefer?      And are Power FETs (active Sinking) ever a consideration?     (as more robust - relay replacements?)
• How many Current loop outputs?     May these flow from "MCU equipped, 10-12 bit DAC, buffered by suitable amp.   (able to source/sink 20mA)
• To that "isolated interface" - especially addressing the A/D - is my understanding correct that the A/D is independently (very clean) (+) powered - and A/D GND is separate from (other/instrument) GND?

I would propose adding provision for USB Stick and/or SD Card - primarily for "Data Logging."

While beyond Robert  "2's"  (earlier, Meter only) desire - product features have nicely expanded - and created a far more compelling, broader based, "Feature/Function/Benefit" Development Nucleus - of clear value & appeal to MANY!

Just checked my drawing and found that UART0 and CAN0 are on the same pins. UART0 is available on SLOT-3 of my design, but looks like the USB is using the other pins that CAN1 would require. I'll have to investigate this further. One option might be to put another small Tiva on an I/O card for dual CAN support and talk to motherboard via the quad SPI bus if needed, then this card could go in any of the slots.

The unit will run from DC 18V-30V currently and has a bridge rectifier at the input as well. A TI simple switcher provides system 5V for up to 1A, don't recall the range of this. Not sure what the absolute ranges are off hand, but there's another 7812 LDO regulator on board that provides the +12V from VIN for the display and other slot power rails. Another switcher provides -12V but this has some issues to be worked out still. Not knowing what power is required for the various I/O cards complicates things. Each slot also has a dedicated 3.3V LDO regulator for 200mA to each slot.

Have to run out, but will I'll study your other comments and respond later. Would you mind if copied/pasted your suggestions to my blog also? I'd like to keep a copy of these notes there as well. 

Many thanks for the suggestions and input!

Best Regards,

Bob

Regarding aluminum faceplates, Metalphoto of Cincinnati does super high resolution photo etched faceplates that look stunning. I think they have $500 minimum, but I've seen their work at trade shows and it's really nice looking stuff. Some of the high end pro audio mixing console people use these for channel strip faceplates. The sandwiched aluminum to faceplates with threaded PEM studs out the back and smooth fronts. Ultimately I'd hoped to use MPC for the faceplates (if I can make it to this point). My budget is very limited at present so I have to work with what I have for now. Maybe later we can do another model of the module with better display, buttons, etc.

Thanks!

Bob

I have a RF engineer friend that had mentioned make an RF power detector I/O card using the AD8362 part. This might be useful for SWR or other RF measurement applications. I might spin a couple prototypes of the board shown below at some point for testing. The outputs would feed two of the A/D inputs on the Tiva. Calibrating things would be the difficult part though. 

I'll probably respond in sections, there's a lot here

cb1_mobile said:

Love your direction of accepting DC Power.     Suspect that extending to 12-60VDC  eases such DC Input

There's a few reasons for the range I selected. Not that others couldn't be used

• Keeping the range above 17V or so means all the power rails can be generated with buck converters. You get +/-15V for analog easily and can even use an LDO from that to generate +/-12V. You want to use a switcher for the +/-15V because of the wide range I selected.
• 24V is
  • the most common industrial voltage
  • the lowest voltage node of the standard non-road EV range
  • PbS batteries argue for 1 1.5VPC to a 2.5VPC minimum range which gives an 18V lower range for the input.
  • the voltage used for large transport tractors
  • Back to CAN, DeviceNet carries 24V over their CAN cabling. Gives a ready cable standard carrying both power and data.
• 48V is the
  • highest voltage node of the node of the non-road EV range, at 3.5VPC this gives 60V (although you can live with 55V if you don't have 'hot' batteries)
  • The DC voltage used by Telecom and data centres (also by POE). Although telecom is often -48V which might require additional thought.
  • The other common non-road EV voltage is 36V

• 18-60V is a little over 3:1. Going over 4:1 is a bit of a step. Harder to find devices to do it and in this case you move from buck to needing buck-boost.
• Adding a 12V node really requires dropping the voltage to 9V
• 12V is also Automotive which brings in additional complications like load dump and drop out.

Really it's the industrial voltage that's probably the most compelling, but adding telecom could be useful.

cb1_mobile said:

I would propose adding provision for USB Stick and/or SD Card - primarily for "Data Logging."

I do believe one of the pictures showed an SD card socket.

Robert

Robert Starr said:

The unit will run from DC 18V-30V currently and has a bridge rectifier at the input as well. A TI simple switcher provides system 5V for up to 1A, don't recall the range of this.

There are HV variants that go up to 60V IIRC (might be abs max though). I have used them in similar ranges. A bridge rectifier might help bring 60V down within the ratings if it is and maybe let you work with -48V telecom supplies. Might need to check grounding for the -48V supplies though.

Robert

Robert Starr said:

Would you mind if copied/pasted your suggestions to my blog also?

No problem. In my limited time I probably won't get a chance to visit it though.

Robert

cb1_mobile said:

While the 12V input (does) admit automotive (and their known, destructive issues) it proves among the most common of "standard battery voltages - everywhere available - and in a variety of formats/chemistries.

That may depend on battery size :)

For 12V I would define a different input to avoid both the large range 9-60V (7 or 8:1 is rare) and to avoid buck boost in the standard product. For 12V I would just admit the 9-15V range and use either a buck-boost front end or a boost front end followed by a buck to the working voltage.

There's possible advantages to heatsinking the DC/DC to the case. So maybe differentially stuffing and/or add-on board for two supply ranges.

Robert