Outsourcing
FooD For thought
Purchasers of embedded computing technology are not 'fast food' consumers when it comes to outsourcing. Only a specialist original design and manufacturing partner can provide the perfect menu of services
Embedded computing is a different animal to the relatively 'fast lane' consumermassmarket such as PCmanufacture. A necessity for long termavailability is prevalent, while volumes in this segment are considerably smaller. Seen fromthis angle, original design and manufacturing (ODM) providers specialized in the standard PC market cannotmake attractive offers for OEMs focused on embedded computer technology (ECT), as the whole ODM production process is designed to accommodatemass production.
In comparison to typical ODMproducts such as netbooks, laptops
or desktop PCs, developing embedded products has special requirements including: long termavailability, extended temperature range, corrosion, shock and vibration protection, high EMC andminimised leakage current. Due to the tougher requirements regarding systemstability, including special features such as fanless designs, component selection requires experience. It soon becomes clear that the ODMmarket for embedded computer technology requires specialized service providers.
What's on themenu?
When it comes to software, the first hurdle is operating system (OS) support. A different range of operating systems prevail in ECT such asWindows-XP Embedded, Linux and real-time operating systems like VxWorks, QNX or even BareMetal installations. The systemdevelopment and the choice of componentsmust take these requirements into account. The choice of hardware is consequently determined by the software. The same applies to interfaces and communication protocols, which should not only comprise standards such as Ethernet, USB or Firewire but also common industrial standards such as fieldbus, Profibus or CAN or cover simple digital or analogue protocols. This too influences the selection of hardware components.
There are further ECT-specific requirements to be considered
when selecting components. A long termavailability of five to seven years – even up to 30 years – can only be guaranteed with the right components and parts. Embedded solutions also have specific components which are unusual in the classic PCmarket, for example, connectors such as Tyco'sMultigig RT2 for VPX or COMExpress connectors. Essentially, price downscaling can only be achieved if the ODMis employing the same part for several products of other OEMs.
60 | Annual Edition 2011 Embedded computer
technology often requires specific manufacturingmethods. Product features such as extended temperature range, extreme resistance to vibration and shock along with high electro-magnetic compatibility demand special production techniques and materials. Not every provider is equipped to provide soldered, instead of socketed, components like CPUs, chipsets and especially RAMmemory. Often boardsmust be sealed with a protective layer to insulate themfrom dampness or protect themfromfire. Depending on the target market sometimes specific certifications are required as in the area ofmedical products for the Americanmarket, wheremanufacturers require authorization fromthe FDA.
Due to the demands of long-termavailability and the long
lifecycles of ECT products, comprehensive lifecyclemanagement has to be ensured. Parts or components that are 'end of life'must remain in supply over the given termor ODMs need to provide a migration path to a solution with identical functions. Technical support is alsomore challenging compared to typical PC solutions. Queries regarding embedded technology aremore complex as embedded computer technology is often an integral part of amuch larger application. Supportmust therefore cover the computing technology involved and reach out to application level.
Dish of the day
All in all, these are requirements which only an ODMprovider can meet, whose business is anchored in the embedded computing segment and who can provide the corresponding development and manufacturing resources. Thanks to synergies in development and production, significant cost downscaling effects can be achieved, especially by largemanufacturers of standard embedded computer technology. These companies bring their own series-ready products
www.electronics-sourcing.com
Specialist ODMs serve up embedded solutions
Requirements including long termavailability, extended temperature range, corrosion, shock and vibration protection, high EMC and minimized leakage current
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