We work with clients in a variety of different ways depending upon their needs, preferred approach and technical expertise. Most projects go through a series of stages although many are not relevant to software only projects.
Exploratory Meeting
This is a no-obligation free confidential 1-2 hour meeting (typically requiring mutual non-disclosure agreements) where our engineers sit down with clients. This allows both parties to get an understanding of what the client is looking for and whether we are the right partner for the project.
This meeting typically leads to an outline proposal for the project with a high-level budget estimate, architectural concept design and approximate timeline.
Project Scoping
All projects start with a scoping phase where the general requirements are agreed.
We are often able to add a huge amount of value at this stage by bringing our expertise and experience around electronics, software, data usage, cloud platforms, and manufacturing to the discussion.
Derisking
Many of our projects include research and/or investigation work. Therefore it is normal to investigate such aspects first in order to establish the most appropriate solution for the client. This typically involves prototype software, evaluation boards, and/or cost evaluations for data storage and processing on cloud platforms. This ensures that client expenditure is minimised whilst the project outcome is uncertain.
Some user experience aspects may also be looked at to ensure that the right data is available when required.
Critical components may also be purchased or reserved at this stage if they are subject to long lead times.
System Integration
Most projects involve interactions with other systems such as a cloud platform, bluetooth device, or other system components. Successful projects need such interactions agreed and well understood by all parties so that the entire development can progress in parallel.
Prototype Hardware
Prototype hardware is designed to be debuggable. As such it will often be larger than the final form factor, allowing room for more debugging interfaces and for signals to be brought out to test points. It is often referred to as “Non-Form Fit” because of this.
All electronic designs are done using the industry leading software Altium Designer.
Prototype Software
Software is usually developed on evaluation boards whilst waiting for the prototype hardware. This ensures that the prototype hardware design can be tested and debugged soon after it is available.
The choice of programming language(s), operating system (or bare metal), unit testing requirements etc. will also be confirmed at this stage.
At this stage we are looking to verify all the basic functionality of the product on the prototype hardware.
Preproduction Hardware
The hardware design will be updated based on results from the first prototypes and any changes to the form factor required by the enclosure. This will initially be manufactured in low volumes although it is intended to be as close as possible to the final version. Ideally the manufacturing will be done by the final volume manufacturer to identify any issues specific to their PCB suppliers and/or assembly equipment.
This hardware is used for several purposes:
• Continued software development
• Integration testing with other devices
• User acceptance testing
• Design for Manufacture (DFM) evaluations
• Initial Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing
Final Software
Software development will typically have been carrying on throughout the hardware development – depending upon the project.
Test harnesses are typically created along with automated DevOps deployments for cloud platforms, ansible scripts, continuous development pipelines, etc. Git is used for version control and peer review.
Software engineers typically make extensive use of oscilloscopes, logic analysers, debug probes etc. when working on embedded devices. All of the Kynesim software team are very familiar with and use such devices daily.
Factory Testing
Most hardware requires programming and testing in the factory. This typically includes programming firmware, writing serial numbers or cryptographic keys, exercising all the connections, checking power supplies, etc.
The level of test automation is dependent upon the product type and volumes. We will ensure a good balance for the client between test development time, test execution time, and acceptable product yield.
Depending upon the client and manufacturer, Kynesim either takes full responsibility for development of factory testing systems or supports the manufacturer’s activities in this area.
Certification
Most hardware products require certification. This varies from market to market and also from product to product but usually includes, at a minimum, independent laboratory testing in an EMC chamber.
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing is the requirement for all products to produce minimal radio interference and to be tolerant of the radio interference they are subjected to. It also includes testing to ensure devices are adequately protected from static electricity (ESD) and that they do not cause electrical noise on mains electrical networks.
We typically work with dB Technology to certify designs from an EMC perspective.
Mass Production
Once products are ready for mass production most clients work directly with their chosen OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to produce their hardware.
We often undertake subsequent cost reductions, support issues, design modifications caused by component shortages etc. if and when they arise.
Exploratory Meeting
This is a no-obligation free confidential 1-2 hour meeting (typically requiring mutual non-disclosure agreements) where our engineers sit down with clients.
Project Scoping
All projects start with a scoping phase where the general requirements are agreed.
Derisking
Many of our projects include research and/or investigation work. Therefore it is normal to investigate such aspects first in order to establish the most appropriate solution for the client.
System Integration
Most projects involve interactions with other systems such as a cloud platform, bluetooth device, or other system components. Successful projects need interactions agreed and well understood by all parties.
Prototype Hardware
Prototype hardware is designed with additional debugging interfaces and more signals on test points. All electronic designs are done using the industry leading software Altium Designer.
Prototype Software
Software is usually developed on evaluation boards whilst waiting for the prototype hardware. This ensures that the prototype hardware design can be tested and debugged soon after it is available.
Preproduction Hardware
The hardware design will be updated based on results from the first prototypes and any changes to the form factor required by the enclosure.
Final Software
Software development will typically have been carrying on throughout the hardware development – depending upon the project.
Factory Testing
Most hardware requires programming and testing in the factory. This typically includes programming firmware, writing serial numbers or cryptographic keys, exercising all the connections, checking power supplies, etc.
Certification
Most hardware products require certification. This varies from market to market and also from product to product but usually includes, at a minimum, independent laboratory testing in an EMC chamber.
Mass Production
Once products are ready for mass production most clients work directly with their chosen OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to produce their hardware.
We often undertake subsequent cost reductions, support issues, design modifications caused by component shortages etc. if and when they arise.