Hardware-Engineering

Embedded systems are a crucial component for implementing modern applications. In industry, they provide a cost-effective solution for the implementation of real-time applications. They are used in machine control systems, sensors, actuators and other components to make production processes more efficient and safer.

In the smart city and also in specific industrial applications, energy-saving IoT-capable sensor systems enable energy self-sufficient operation and the recording, processing and communication of data at locations without the possibility of a permanent power supply. For this purpose, we use special ultra-low-power processors in conjunction with energy sources such as PV modules and lithium-based energy storage systems as well as wireless interfaces.

For applications with high demands on computing power, so-called FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) offer the advantage that their programmable logic modules can be used flexibly and cost-effectively to implement prototype solutions or small series for digital circuits, signal processing, communication, control and other applications.

Our service offer:

Consulting on hardware engineering and programmable logic (FPGA technology incl. embedded CPUs)
Architecture design and specifications
Implementation in the field of embedded systems (board, FPGA and software development) including support for FPGA and ASIC development projects in industry
Implementation of FPGA special applications such as multi-gigabit communication
Connection of sensors
Testing of embedded systems (hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), verification through simulation)

Core benefits for companies:

Cost-efficient solutions: Reduction of overall costs through application-specific hardware engineering
Fast implementation: Efficient implementation of prototypes and small series thanks to proven processor and FPGA technologies
High flexibility: Customizable solutions thanks to programmable logic (FPGAs)
Energy efficiency: Development of energy-saving IoT-capable systems for self-sufficient applications
Expertise in embedded systems: access to specialized knowledge in FPGA and ASIC development and programming
Reliability: Development of tests and validations (HIL, simulation) to ensure system quality
Promotion of innovation: support in the development of new technologies and applications (e.g. AI-based

Equipment:

FPGA tool chains from the manufacturers Intel (Altera) and AMD (Xilinx)
Various FPGA boards, e.g. Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale +
High-speed oscilloscopes
Logic Analyzer
Questa Sim simulation environment with licenses

References / Publications:

Flatt, Holger; Heilmann, Gernod; Bunge, Frank; Westerkamp, Jan: Ultra-Hochgeschwindigkeitskommunikation - Neues Systemkonzept zur Regelung dezentraler Netzeinspeiseumrichter. In: ew-Magazin 09/2023, VDE Verlag GmbH, S. 34-37, Sep 2023.
Flatt, Holger: Science to Business am Beispiel Elektronikentwicklung mit FPGAs zur Ultrahochgeschwindigkeitsregelung von Netzeinspeiseumrichtern für Windenergieanlagen (Lecture). In: CIIT Tech-Talk, Dezember 2023
(Link to recording)
Flatt, Holger; Schriegel, Sebastian; Jan Westerkamp; Ingo Mackensen; Albrecht Gensior; Jasperneite, Jürgen: Ethernet-basierte Ultra-Hochgeschwindigkeitskommunikation für eine Regelung dezentraler Einspeiseumrichter von Windenergieanlagen. In: Kommunikation in der Automation (KommA 2021), Magdeburg, Nov 2021
FPGA-based TSN monitor
FPGA-based redundant and time-synchronous Ethernet based on the HSR, PRP and IEEE 1588 protocols
FPGA-based real-time Ethernet switch based on the PROFINET and IEEE 1588 protocols
PROFINET ASIC TPS-1: single-chip solution for Profinet field devices with over 10 years of successful use on the market
FastCOMv2 project with Enercon: Development of a new type of control communication for wind turbines with rated outputs in the megawatt range
ZIM iOrt project: Development of an intelligent orthosis with a new type of optical sensor system
Intelligent cup project - SmartCUP: Technology demonstrator for energy self-sufficient IoT systems