Embedded Controller Custom Design Gallery

Here are some recent embedded controller board designs selected from the many consultancy projects we have undertaken.

We designed all of these boards, manufactured most of them, and wrote the application software for many.

These boards are not for sale. They are shown here only as an indication of our capabilities.

See here for more information on our Design Services.

Graphical User Interface Controller: Medical

This unit sits at the heart of several different high-end medical instruments. It was commissioned because embedded PCs proved too slow and unreliable.

Technologies CAN Bus SD/MMC Memory Card Full colour LCD (TFT or CSTN) Touch Screen Very low power consumption Software Embedded C: Comprehensive self-test suite written by Micro-Robotics; application code written by customer.

Swimming Pool Plant Room Controller

Controls and monitors swimming pool dosing, flow rates, temperature, etc.

Based around our standard VM-1 controller (seen left of image), and also carrying our QVGA Display Driver and Ethernet modules.

Technologies Ethernet CAN Bus GSM Modem with SMS text messaging QVGA LCD & Touchscreen Fully isolated analogue input sections Pulse counting inputs Thermistor inputs Relay outputs Software Venom-SC: Application code written by Micro-Robotics. Venom-SC applications are easily modified by the OEM on site.

Ultra-High Impedance Buffer Amplifier

Probe-head buffer amplifier to signal-condition pH and Redox probes for plant room control system above. Copes with output impedances in the gig-Ohm range.

Technologies Ultra-high impedance circuit techniques. Software -None-

Vacuum Pump Controller: Medical

Controls vacuum applied to an airtight dressing to reduce wound healing times. Has saved many lives. Mains or battery powered.

Very high volume product: 21,000 units manuafactured by us so far.

Technologies Pressure sensors Pump Drive Graphical user interface: 16-level grey scale QVGA LCD Touch Screen On board high capacity serial flash Software Embedded C: Self-test suite written by Micro-Robotics; application code written by customer.

Portable Vacuum Pump Controller: Medical

Portable version of the device above. Can be worn at the patient's hip. Battery powered.

Technologies Pressure sensors Space/form-restricted design Innovative pump drive software for power saving Software Embedded C: Full application and self-test code written by Micro- Robotics. Remote-control Visual Basic application to monitor and control units in the field over telephone line, and also update operating system: written by Micro-Robotics.

Clinical Nerve Stimulator

Delivers high voltage, low energy pulse stream to patient's skin and monitors response. Engineered for size, cost, user interface and power consumption.

Technologies High voltage pulse generation and measurement Small form factor graphics LCD Very low power consumption Ergonomic handheld design Pay-as-you-go credit scheme with encrypted recharge facility Software Embedded C: Written by Micro-Robotics. PC-based recharge application written by Micro-Robotics.

Clinical Nerve Stimulator - Prototype

Prototype for the above, based on our standard VM-1 embedded controller. Fifteen prototypes were used in successful clinical trials before the production unit was commissioned.

The controller is not fitted in this image. It plugs into the black connectors and is the same width as the main board.

Software Embedded C: Written by Micro-Robotics.

Down-Hole Data Logger

Measures physical parameters several kilometres down a borehole, transmitting them to the surface over a current loop serial link. Based on our standard VM-1 controller, seen here mounted in the centre of the main board.

This was a quick turn-around design to meet ship sailing deadline: six weeks from contact to working prototypes, further three weeks to production units.

Technologies 10 channels of 16-bit analogue data acquisition Software Venom-SC: Application code written by customer.

Concrete Mixing Plant Controller

Controls weighing and mixing of ingredients in concrete production plant. Based around our standard VM-1 embedded controller and QVGA LCD Driver module.

Technologies 16-bit loadcell bridge analogue inputs QVGA LCD for graphical user interface Opto-isolated 4-20mA output Software Venom-SC

Pneumatic Mattress Controller: Medical

High volume, low cost controller for therapeutic mattress. Alternating inflation of mattress cells to reduce risk of bedsores. 230/115 VAC Mains powered.

Technologies Pressure sensors Opto TRIACs Software Embedded C: Full application and self-test code written by Micro- Robotics.