DMC’s client manufactures a wide range of quality control inspection equipment worldwide. The client contacted DMC for our software, embedded, and electronic design services due to our expertise developing solutions with Bluetooth communication. 

DMC developed a circuit board which serves as the wireless interface between the customer’s measurement gauges and a Windows application that receives, interprets, and records the data. Before working with DMC, measurements were done manually as parts came off the manufacturing line, which took significantly more time and left room for human error. 

DMC began by developing a proof of concept (POC) prototype using a development kit, which confirmed we could read measurements from the gauges and transmit them over Bluetooth to a simple application. Our engineers then built a first round of prototype boards using Altium Designer based on the development kit work and continued to add features to the Windows application.

The final stage of the product to date involved the second round of prototype boards with altered battery size and type for longer battery life. The client wanted the add-on to be as small as possible, which required minimizing the size of the circuit board and the battery without compromising on battery life. The new lithium polymer batteries charge in under two hours and provide up to two weeks of operation.

Windows Application

The Windows application functions as a series of workflows. The application can record many different variables depending on the type of object being measured, including the minimum/maximum measurement over a duration of time, pitch, and taper. The application receives data over Bluetooth and records each measurement into a spreadsheet, applies formulas to perform calculations, and allows the user to redo incorrect measurements.

Learn more about DMC's low-power embedded development expertise.