We created a portable communication device designed specifically for challenging conditions and mission-critical tasks.
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Case Study:
Instant Messaging for the Wilderness
Our customer's vision was to provide special communications devices for first responders, police, fire, rescue, and emergency medical teams. Each device needed to include smartphone-like capabilities for professional radios they would be using, but be consistently reliable and have much longer range than typical smartphones, operating outside of normal boundaries and without the aid of cellphone towers, as well as in all weather conditions.
These ideas materialized into the rugged all-weather data terminal operating in 4G LTE networks natively, as well as using transceivers from different vendors to communicate over HF and V/UHF channels where conventional mobile service is not available.
Challenge:
A smartphone that works anywhere?
Theoretically impossible, since cell phone towers govern reception. But these people need the devices to save lives—so we had to think outside the box.
Here are some challenges we encountered on this product journey:
Integrate high-performance antennas with all-metal housing.
Ensure long battery life with field replaceability.
Protect the electronics from the worst possible weather conditions and dust.
Make the display usable in bright sunlight and low temperatures.
Solution:
4G LTE connectivity.
With a maximum speed of up to 150Mbps and a high-performance antenna, the data terminal provides a solution for transferring large files and images at the longest range, from the base station.
Robust modem algorithms.
For HF and V/UHF radio channels, the terminal has an integrated modem using sophisticated algorithms to achieve data rates up to 9600 bps in challenging conditions, including ionospheric propagation.
Multistandard satellite navigation.
Using several satellite navigation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and the high-sensitivity receiver, the data terminal can find your location precisely. For effective teamwork, location can be shared with other members automatically.
Sunlight-readable display.
The device is equipped with a transflective TFT display, providing an adequately readable image even in direct sunlight. For operation in freezing temperatures, the display has a heating element underneath.
High-capacity replaceable battery.
A user-replaceable, 7000 mAh battery provides over 24 hours of operation per battery in active mode or one whole week on standby. The battery is charged while the terminal is connected to a radio transceiver or using a standalone charger.
Moisture and dust protection.
For reliable operation in outdoor conditions, we added specialized protection against dirt particles and moisture at IP65-level.
Solutions:
4G LTE connectivity
With a maximum speed of up to 150Mbps and a high-performance antenna, the data terminal provides a solution for transferring large files and images at the longest range, from the base station.
Robust modem algorithms
For HF and V/UHF radio channels, the terminal has an integrated modem using sophisticated algorithms to achieve data rates up to 9600 bps in challenging conditions, including ionospheric propagation.
Multi-standard satellite navigation
Using several satellite navigation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and the high-sensitivity receiver, the data terminal can find your location precisely. For effective teamwork, location can be shared with other members automatically.
Sunlight-readable display
The device is equipped with a transflective TFT display providing an adequately readable image even in direct sunlight. For operation in freezing temperatures, the display has a heating element underneath.
High-capacity replaceable battery
A user-replaceable 7000 mAh battery provides over 24 hours of operation per battery in active mode or one whole week on standby. The battery is charged while the terminal is connected to a radio transceiver or using a standalone charger.
Moisture and dust protection
For reliable operation in outdoor conditions, we added specialized protection against dirt particles and moisture at IP65-level.
The Data Terminal should exhibit smartphone-like capabilities to empower professional radios with advanced functionalities. Nevertheless, its crucial distinction should lie in its exceptional reliability and significantly extended communication range, far surpassing that of ordinary smartphones.
This device should excel in operating outside conventional coverage areas, completely autonomous from cellular towers, and consistently maintain its performance even in diverse weather conditions.
Specifications:
Projects deliverables:
Schematics and PCB documents - PCB manufacturing files - 3D models - Mechanical drawings - Source code in C and C++ - Test fixtures for PCBs - Engineering samples
HARDWARE PLATFORM:
TI OMAP-L138
OPERATING SYSTEM:
Linux, DSP/BIOS RTOS
CONNECTIVITY:
4G LTE, HF, VHF, UHF
INGRESS PROTECTION:
IP65
SIZE, WEIGHT:
154 x 92 x 33 mm, 520 gr
Outcome:
We produced and supplied two fully assembled engineering samples and four additional circuit board sets used for software development and demonstrations.
The enclosure design is optimized for CNC machining from aluminum alloy and Delrin (antenna housing), making it an affordable solution for small batch production. The silicone parts, including the keypad and gaskets, were molded using an inexpensive low-volume process.
Next Projects
High-performance hardware for a digital world.
Every one of these digital electronic devices that we created had three things in common.
1. They started with a great idea for a digital electronic device. 2. The idea had a unique set of challenges to be overcome. 3. We totally nailed the job and created something unique, from start to finish.
Get a FREE consultation! Just tell us about your project, and we can help you get started, smash your obstacles, launch it when it’s done and even ship it to customers.
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