Problem Statement
Hanger Rash is a term used in the aviation world for minor collisions that happen when an aircraft comes in accidental contact with a building, structure, or other aircraft. The damage from these mistakes can create big headaches that cost time and money to fix.
A business approached ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ with an innovative idea to help solve this problem. They needed help designing and developing a safe, effective, multi-device, crash-avoidance technology for the marketplace.
Research and Methodology
ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ engaged in a requirement-definition phase, where the team researched various radar and sensing technologies, and evaluated suitable performance against a number of different constraints. Using a trade-study methodology, ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ identified mmWave radar as the appropriate sensing technology, and Bluetooth LR as the best protocol for communication between devices.
Ideate & Design
ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ’s cross-functional team developed and integrated mmWave radar technologies to sense the edge of a helicopter blade from two yards within a large field of view. Two radars were multiplexed to establish the wide range of view, and five sensors were networked together to provide a full picture of what was occurring around the plane. ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ seamlessly integrated a charging case, five sensors, a hub, and a display. Collaboration with ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ’s mechanical, electronics, and industrial design teams produced an attractive, easy-to-assemble, test-and-use system. The design implemented constant and reliable communication to the user creating a positive experience.
Build & Verify
ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ integrated a 32-bit Microchip PIC processor and multiple, multi-core, ARM-processing elements. Data Transfer, timing, EMI/EMC control, and memory architectures were expertly developed and integrated. Exceptional firmware development was evidenced through five system software modules that operate constantly and consistently within performance specifications.
Reactions & Final Product
The system performed well at an aerospace tradeshow and created a large degree of interest in both the product and technology. The customer has returned to ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ to add additional features based on user feedback.
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