All Categories - S5 Solutions, Inc. | Electronic and Software Solutions for Product Development, Manufacturing, and Automated Test Equipment

A Bridge (of the Enterprise) Too Far

11/9/2022

User interface design has to balance a number of competing goals, mainly:

Functionality
Responsiveness
Aesthetics

That was the case with this project for an in-vehicle data collection system. The interface was a touch screen that requires input from the same person driving the vehicle. It was very important that the interface be simple and easy to understand and fast to work with, to keep the driver's eyes on the road.

We started with a typical LabVIEW interface. It worked, but it was a bit boring. It also suffered from being difficult to see. The gray background did not provide much contrast while day driving.

The Leaving Edge of Technology

11/3/2022

You built a great ATE system, but it’s been a while…maybe a long while.

Is it running LabVIEW 6i?
Maybe still on Windows XP?
Are you scrounging for backup parts on eBay?

Don't be embarrassed, we've seen it all. Let's get you upgraded.

Classic NI Software

11/1/2022

Another blast from the past. Cleaning the office can be such an adventure. Do you remember the days of the LabVIEW Test Executive? And the introduction of a new product called "TestStand"? Version 1. Compatible with all versions of Windows: NT, 95, and 98!

Years of projects later, it is fun to look back and remember all the hours I spent using these tools.

I heard it on the VINE

10/31/2022

By Tony Kuiper

In many projects involving design, we find ourselves conflicted between simplicity and functionality. Machine control and communication between components is not immune to this.

As we were designing a somewhat complex hardware simulator we reviewed the generally available COTS solutions, finding a few that might work well enough, but didn’t quite meet all the requirements for how we wanted the software to be able to interact with the large number of offboard peripherals we needed, or were a bit heavy on the hardware side.

We saw this as a two-fold problem: hardware and software.

Simple hardware communications solutions like I2C and SPI were readily available but lacked the intelligence that smarter communications would provide. RS485 came close with its multi-drop capability, and CANbus fixed the issue of bus contention, however at the expense of additional interface components and cabling considerations, and a significantly heavier firmware load. RS232 was very simple to implement but was only point-to-point. None of these off-the-shelf solutions really scratched the itch.

Blast from the Past

5/4/2022

I got a blast from the past cleaning up at the office. "The only LabVIEW subscription with VI software included".

The disks are still attached, but I can't find the opening for them on my laptop.

It Takes Two Weeks to do Anything

12/21/2021

Estimating is hard. So hard that many engineers don't really try; everything they estimate will take two weeks. Change a button from red to blue: two weeks. Write a specification for a new software feature: two weeks. Build a rocket for human flight: okay, most engineers are smart enough to estimate at least 3 weeks, but you get the point.

Of course, “two weeks” usually isn’t really an estimate at all. So, what do we mean when we say something will take two weeks?

“I am a good engineer. I can envision a solution, so I can probably implement it pretty quickly.” But seeing a path is not the same thing as walking that path, yet we fall for this trap easily.

“It takes what it takes. Don’t try to pin me down.”
“My job is engineering. Let the project manager estimate things.”
“I have no idea how long it will take, but it won’t be done tomorrow, so go away.”

We’ve probably seen all of these excuses used. We’ve probably used some or all of these excuses.
Estimating is hard, but it is a skill that is very important to your success, your company’s success, and your customer’s success.

What techniques do you use to estimate more accurately?

Simplify

11/9/2021

I love it when I’m working on a project and pieces fall into place that make it simpler. It is almost always a surprise. I am struggling through a problem, adding layer upon layer of complexity to try to handle issues, as engineers love to do. Then all of a sudden, something dials in. Sometimes it almost seems like the problem solved itself -- maybe it did, but my engineering ego still wants the credit. :) Let’s call it a team effort.

Focus on the Problem at Hand

10/21/2021

We inherited a project from a client that was frustrated with the previous engineer not delivering. They had been working on the device for too long, spending a lot of time trying to implement host-mode Bluetooth for audio streaming. Not only was the Bluetooth not working, but it still didn’t do the most important functions. The Bluetooth was a distraction.

We asked the customer if we could hold off on Bluetooth for version 1 and they agreed. The S5 engineers had the important core functionality working in under two days. There was more engineering to be done, but the necessary functionality was working quickly after a long and unnecessary wait. Focusing on the right problem made all the difference.

Measure a Million Times, Cut Once

10/20/2021

Measure twice, cut once. Better yet, you’ve got a computer… measure a million times, do statistical analysis of all those measurements to make a solid choice based on data.

...Then put that data into a cloud database, provide access through a web interface, share it with your team, track the quality of your product, use SPC to improve it...

Need help with any of that? Give us a call.

Clear your Mind

10/20/2021

I posted a few days ago about “Constructive Distraction”. Stepping away from a problem can give your mind a rest, so you can come back with a renewed perspective.

My favorite creative distraction is flying a paramotor. It is an activity that is relaxing and yet requires focus and commitment. There is always more to learn and room build skills. At the same time, it is the best way I have found to leave all the cares of the world behind, and return to the ground ready for what comes next.