An embedded system is some combination of computer hardware and software, either fixed in capability or programmable, that is specifically designed for a particular kind of application device. Embedded systems that are programmable are provided with a programming interface, and embedded systems programming is a specialized occupation.

Certain operating systems or language platforms are designed for the embedded market, such as Embedded Java and Windows XP Embedded. Some low-end consumer products use very inexpensive microprocessors and limited storage, with the application and operating system both part of a single program. The program is written permanently into the system's memory in this case, rather than being loaded into RAM like programs on a personal computer.

Client Profile: Philadelphia Scientific Manufacturer of Dionizer Based Products and Services, for Industrial Battery Industries. Manufacturers of “IBOS” Motive power battery sequencer & organizer for battery changing rooms, which organizes real-time operations & gives asset management information.

Client Project Requirements:

The controller has two major functions.

• iBOS – Monitors chargers, controls display, tells users which battery to pick
• Messenger – Collects data from various products (iBOS, eGO) and transfers the information periodically to the central website

The iBOS controller will have a messenger built into it automatically. We will also provide a stripped down version which will have the iBOS functionality disabled, We won’t have the input ports for the charger monitoring, it will be in a smaller box and is less expensive. This will be sold as a standalone messenger. We have legacy iBOS controllers installed throughout the world which will need a stand-alone messenger in order to connect them to the website. The design of the iBOS controller/messenger must be done in such a way that it supports the legacy systems as well as moves us into the future. The goal of the new controller is to develop a next generation system to build on what we have learned so far. It should be cheaper, more robust, easier to configure, and be able to connect to our internet iBOS website. The Messenger is a device that will allow various Philadelphia Scientific products to communicate data to a central website. It will have 4 RS-232 ports to accept input from devices. It will have modem capability and Ethernet. The device will collect data and store it until it is time to transmit. Then it will either dial the modem to establish a connection, or output through the Ethernet port. In either case it will use the ftp protocol over TCP/IP. The file will be a comma delimited text file and will be transmitted to a pre-determined ftp directory.

iBOS controller

The iBOS controller is used in battery rooms to instruct workers which battery should be pulled next and also to collect data about the operation to help management better manage the assets. Many facilities that use a fleet of forklift truck have more batteries than trucks. While the trucks are using some batteries, others are on racks being charged. When a truck needs a battery, the operator drives to the battery room and swaps the discharged battery on his truck for a fully charged battery from the rack. Ideally the driver should take the battery that finished its charge first out of all the batteries on the rack. This ensures an even rotation of batteries, and the maximum cool down period for the batteries. Unfortunately drivers often take the batteries close to the door or batteries that they think have more capacity. The iBOS system monitors all the chargers and keeps track of the order that chargers complete their charge. It displays information on scrolling LED displays to tell the operator which charger to access next. If the operator picks from the wrong charger, a speaker (called the “shouter”) broadcasts a message to the operator that they have picked the wrong battery.

While the iBOS is helping the operator use the right battery, data is collected for management reports. The management reports (accessed via a website) help managers see if they have enough or too many batteries, if operators are picking the battery they are supposed to, and if all of their chargers are working. The system consists of a small monitoring device called a sentinel. It monitors the DC output of the charger and as an output has a single C contact. The contact is open when there is no battery attached or if the battery is charging. If a battery is pulled before charge is complete, the contact will close for a short period of time, and then open again. When the charge is complete, the contact will close and stay closed until the battery is pulled from the charger. The controller has multiple digital i/o ports and each sentinel is connected to an individual i/o port. The controller continually scans the input ports, puts chargers into a FIFO sequence, sends information to display on the displays, takes charges out of the sequence, activates the shouter, and sends data to the website.

Project / Services Provided:

• Electrical Engineering Product Development of Smart Controller
• Single motherboard based architecture and Linux embedded C based programming solution
• Manufacturing Fabrication of Prototype Control
• Hardware Software Engineering
• Design Documentation