Case study: advanced range of PCB plug-in modules for automotive gear shift testing
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Ricardo PLC is a global company that has been at the forefront of automotive design engineering for over 100 years. They briefed us to develop a system that would be sold to their customers. It had to be user-friendly and capable of gathering data from a range of different transducers, storing it and making it available for analysis.
In addition, the system had to be:
- Easily portable
- Robust
- Capable of operating from a wide range of potentially noisy power sources
- Capable of operating in extremes of temperature and humidity
Fylde’s approach
Using our extensive experience of transducers, their application and the potential difficulties that can be encountered during their use, we came up with a range of plug-in modules. These were specifically developed to suit Ricardo’s particular transducer suite. We also designed a rugged bespoke chassis with enhanced environmental protection and a compact footprint. Finally, we developed a new software control system that specifically suited the way Ricardo wanted to present the controls to their end users.
Our collaborative approach allowed the whole system to be developed from a blank sheet of paper to a fully integrated and operational system, evolving to exactly meet the customer’s requirements.
Outcomes
Our enhanced plug-in PCB modules, robust Ricardo-branded enclosures in a range of sizes and a Fylde-designed range of accessories (including adaptors, cables and power solutions as well as bespoke software) are all marketed through Ricardo and have the reassurance of our extensive support and calibration service.
Sales of these systems continue globally and have had the benefit of continued development and refinement of both componentry and software. The collaborative feedback we receive from Ricardo and their end-users allows this to be a constantly evolving process.
