Title
Data logging
FPGA and DSP improve performance and design flexibility
Technologies used

FPGA, DSP

Industrial sector (PRODCOM code)
    332 Instruments for Measuring
    333 Industrial Process Control
Abstract
MCT Lange & Thamm Mikrocomputertechnik GbR designs, manufactures and distributes microcontroller and computer based products. The company is led by two engineers, it was founded in 1990. The products manufactured by MCT are data loggers, microcontroller evaluation and prototype boards as well as soft- and hardware development tools.

To improve the competitive position and to increase the market share in the data logger market, it was necessary to introduce new microelectronics technologies. So the AE was carried out in order to overcome the know-how and management barriers, which prevented MCT from using the desired advanced technologies.

The data logger module "P11" is a board level product which can be used to collect data, store them in non-volatile memory and transfer them via a serial interface to a host computer for further processing. The primary application area of the P11 data logger are electrochemical measurement devices. The device is using multi-layer PCB technology and is build around an 8-bit microcontroller. There was a strong demand to improve this existing product.

By adding DSP technology, the functionality and performance of the product was increased significantly. In addition, a FPGA device enables advanced features of flexibility. By using these techniques, completely new application areas were opened up.

MCT acquired experience in using FPGA design tools, designing and programming DSP applications and how to manage long-term projects. The initial barriers to introduce the new technologies were overcome. The result is the improved product "DSPLOG11", which will cause a significant increase in turnover and profit at MCT. Additionally, the know-how gained can be used to develop new products and to act as a service provider for customers who are looking for DSP and FPGA applications.

In addition to the acquired technology know-how the main lessons learned concerned best practice aspects in co-operation with subcontractors and suppliers of hard/software and in operational management which is typical for a small company when making a project.

The AE was started in June 1997 and ran for 13 months. It was finished in June 1998. The project was funded by FUSE with an amount of 59 kECU. The product was introduced to the market still in 1998. At least, a return-on-investment of 88,4% over 5 years will be realised. The resulting Payback Period (only from DSPLOG11, other product development using the new technologies are not considered) will be less than 3 years.
Company
MCT Lange & Thamm Mikrocomputertechnik GbR
Hohe Str. 9-13,
04107 Leipzig,
Germany
Detailed information
You can also benefit from microelectronics

FPGA, DSP technology provided MCT Lange & Thamm Mikrocomputertechnik GbR with the means of improving its products and enhancing its market position. You can also achieve significant benefits by acquiring the right microelectronics technology and utilising it in your product or manufacturing process. You can get help from FUSE to realise this.

FUSE is a technology transfer programme, funded by the European Commission to stimulate the wider use of microelectronics technologies by European enterprises to increase their competitiveness and enhance their economic growth. The demonstrator described here is one of many examples in the public FUSE portfolio covering the whole spectrum of microelectronics technologies and spanning a wide range of applications and industry sectors.

FUSE provides you with:

  • Best practice in acquiring specific microelectronics technologies and conducting full development projects through the FUSE portfolio of real life demonstrator documents.
  • Local training and expert support to plan your innovation realistically and help you conduct your project successfully.

Further information and support relating to this and other demonstrators can be obtained from the addresses below.
Further information   Guiding Technology Transfer Node
For further information and support regarding this case study, please contact a Technology Transfer Node (TTN) in your region.
Homepage: http://www.fuse-network.com
Gesellschaft fur Mikroelektronikanwendung Chemnitz mbH
Matthesstrasse 53
D-09113 Chemnitz
Germany