INTRODUCTION

Beadedstream designs manufactures and distributes top-tier temperature monitoring solutions for various industrial applications. Their products, including loggers, sensors, and data monitoring solutions, are renowned for their reliability and effectiveness, even in the harshest conditions of Alaska.

BUSINESS OBJECTIVES

The objectives set for the project by the client were:

• Review and improve existing firmware solutions.

• Develop firmware solutions for new product families to meet end-users requirements.

• Ensure future software maintainability and safety.

• Optimize power consumption and resource utilization efficiency.

• Enhance algorithms for timetable scheduling and data serialization.

• Improve data storage processes and maintainability.

BUSINESS PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY

The challenges include the need for devices capable of withstanding extreme climate conditions, providing easily maintainable solutions, ensuring accurate measurements and data collection, and enabling remote data storage and monitoring.

APPROACH

The project adopted the Scrum methodology for a manageable delivery process. Tools such as JIRA, Slack, and Google Meet facilitated planning, communication, and review meetings. The development process involved reviewing existing software and schematics, implementing firmware on Zephyr RTOS, and addressing various issues and improvements.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

The device (D605) comprises a base board with PCIe interfaces, connecting the main controller (nRF52840 SoC) and LoRa/Xbee radio modules. It supports Digital Temperature Cables (DTCs) and other sensors for temperature, humidity, acceleration, ultrasonic, and pressure measurements. The firmware was optimized for power consumption, reliability, and stability. A light version (Spot Logger) was also developed with similar functionalities but limited satellite interface and 1-wire operation.

LESSONS LEARNED

The project led to improvements in user experience, firmware stability, power consumption, and device health monitoring. Lessons learned included the importance of hardware review, robust testing, maintainability, memory management, and developer skills.

CONCLUSION

The project delivered a sophisticated IoT device capable of reliable temperature monitoring in extreme conditions. It demonstrated the team's expertise in firmware development, hardware integration, and solving complex challenges. The solution aligns with Beadedstream's mission of providing leading temperature acquisition technology and ensuring client satisfaction across various industries. Continuous improvement and adherence to best practices will drive the success of future endeavors.