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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" media="screen" href="/~d/styles/rss2full.xsl"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/css" media="screen" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~d/styles/itemcontent.css"?><rss xmlns:feedburner="http://rssnamespace.org/feedburner/ext/1.0" version="2.0"><channel><title>E.D.&amp;A. Reports</title><link>http://www.edna.be/</link><language>en-uk</language><description /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/EDnAReports" /><feedburner:info uri="ednareports" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><item><title><![CDATA[Increasing demand for electronic controllers with a remote control]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/UvVUXpA8PHQ/</link><description><![CDATA[
Controller manufacturer E.D.&A. notes an increasing demand for electronic controllers that communicate with a remote control. A gas fire manufacturer recently has been knocking on E.D.&A.’s door for the development and production of a custom-made controller in combination with a RF remote control.

Custom-made controller for gas fires
This custom-made electronic controller manages the functions of the fire and executes the week programme. Also the fan and the gas unit are properly controlled to ensure a safe operation. With a few push buttons on the controller essential functions can be operated if the remote control should fail. The custom-made controller is mounted in the gas fire, so there is enough space for a wire antenna to provide communication with the remote control.

RF remote control
The user interface and the room temperature sensor are in the remote control.  The user operates and modifies the week programme of the fireplace with a few keys and a (custom-made) LCD display with fixed icons and seven segment figures. Communication with the I/O controller is executed via the 868Mhz band. This is less busy thus there is enough bandwidth left to forward data in a short time. The low voltage consumption was a focus during the design phase of the hardware and software because two batteries are feeding this remote control.

Important factors for RF development
Certain standards should be taken into account during RF development. There are three radio frequency bands available for this type of communication in Europe: 433 MHz (for smaller remote controls e.g. for garage doors), 868Mhz (e.g. for alarm systems) and 2.4 Ghz (for transmission such as Wi-Fi or ZigBee). The chosen RF communication should contain protection to resist interference with similar transmission in the environment. The efficiency of the RF transmission is depending on the antenna construction. In addition, the choice of modulation and transmission protocol also are very important factors that come into play in the power consumption of the battery-powered circuits.




Picture: I/O controller + RF remote control (shown without housing) for gas fires
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/increasing-demand-for-electronic-controllers-with-a-remote-control/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/increasing-demand-for-electronic-controllers-with-a-remote-control/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[Demo Smartphone controller]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/aSNtL4u-OGI/</link><description><![CDATA[
Controller interfaces for machines and equipment with Smartphone features are a striking trend in the industry. These Smartphone interfaces also affect  industrial devices and machines. Today, users want a controller for the machines which they can operate in the same way as their Smartphone.


In a next step more and more machines and devices can be controlled directly from a Smartphone.  To visualize this innovative technology E.D.&A. has built a demo with a ventilation system, where the air flow from the ventilator blows up colourful ping-pong balls. The user can use a web page on his/her Smartphone to increase or stop the airflow of the fan to change the altitude of the ping-pong balls in the plastic shaft.

E.D.&A. has chosen  a web application (instead of an app) to show this innovation, with no regard to the Smartphone model or operating system. 


With the help of a QR code tag, the web page for the demo could be called directly.


PDF Smartphone-controller]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/demo-smartphone-controller/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/demo-smartphone-controller/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[E.D.&A. celebrates 30th anniversary]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/VY0HZqkQ484/</link><description><![CDATA[
E.D.&A. is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011. The basis of E.D.&A. was laid in 1981 under the wings of Flor D’Handschotter and his wife Agnes Francken. Since the beginning the focus is on  the development and assembly of custom-made electronic controls. The first development was a controller for a coffee machine. The organisation has highly developed in recent decades.
  
Not only does E.D.&A. deal with the development, production and assembly of electronic controllers; E.D.&A. also writes the software and designs the mechanical aspects built around the controllers' electronics. E.D.&A. presents itself more and more as a total solution supplier. E.D.&A. is therefore involved in the installation of the controllers in a casing or an electric cabinet with the cables, push buttons, terminal blocks, power supplies, membrane keyboards, batteries, etc.
   
In 2009 the company came into the hands of his son Gert D’Handschotter, the current managing director. In recent years, the premises are greatly expanded to more than 2000 m² of offices, testing and storage rooms. A year later E.D.&A. opened its sales office in Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). Gert D’Handschotter expects that the company will further invest in technology and personnel  in the coming years.
   
The current workforce counts 40 employees. As an innovative manufacturer of embedded controllers E.D.&A. closely follows new technologies and their applications. That is why E.D.&A. is almost constantly looking for highly skilled and highly motivated people to join the team. Their commitment and enthusiasm form the core of the organisation.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/eda-celebrates-30th-anniversary/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/eda-celebrates-30th-anniversary/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[New user interfaces for controllers (such as “Multi-Touch” & “Capacitive Touch” behind glass, metal or plastic).  ]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/QqR1ITQWzw4/</link><description><![CDATA[As an innovative manufacturer of embedded controllers E.D.&A. closely follows new technologies and their applications.

The most striking innovation in the new generation of Smart Phones is undoubtedly the intuitive user interface. The conventional “Single Touch” touch screen was replaced by a “Multi Touch” touch screen.











“Multi Touch” touch screen
In case of a “Multi Touch” touch screen, the position of two or more fingers is being traced and is being used for the operation. On the other hand, when we have a “Single Touch” touch screen, the position of just one finger is being traced.

Tracking multiple fingers opens a new range of control options, also for the E.D.&A. electronic controllers. Where once more “Single Touch” touches were needed to perform a certain action, a smart finger movement or  “gesture” is enough for a “Multi Touch” touch screen. Through these smart finger movements or  “gestures”, the user can easily navigate through menus, change settings, rotate or enlarge images, etc.

“Capacitive Touch” behind glass, metal or plastic
Obviously, the capacitive technology can also be used in applications without a touch screen. In terms of design, this capacitive technology scores very well. It is perfectly possible to equip this capacitive touch screen with a cover plate in (tempered) glass, metal or plastic. This results in a scratch resistant design that can easily be cleaned.






On the exhibition Elektrotechniek 2011 (Utrecht, the Netherlands) E.D.&A. shows custom-made controllers which are equipped with these capacitive user interfaces (such as “Multi Touch”, & “Capacitive Touch” behind glass, metal or plastic.

Click here for your free entrance card for Elektrotechniek 2011.


"Touch" user interfaces for controllers]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/new-user-interfaces-for-controllers-such-as-multi-touch-capacitive-touch-behind-glass-metal-or-plastic/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/new-user-interfaces-for-controllers-such-as-multi-touch-capacitive-touch-behind-glass-metal-or-plastic/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[E.D.&A. works “green”]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/uw60WCEys9U/</link><description><![CDATA[The installation of 46 solar panels - about 10 kWp, which is 25% of the annual energy requirements - is the final stage to significantly reduce the CO2 footprint of E.D.&A.. This was also one of the recommendations from the eco-efficiency scan that was recently executed.



The highest insulation values &#8203;&#8203;have been taken into account during the construction and renovation of our three buildings. Replacing light switches with sensors also results in an optimal utilisation of energy.



Monitoring the energy consumption of E.D.&A. (by our own developed data log system) has given us much insight. In this way we became aware that it was useful for example to purchase a new energy-efficient server. 



The eco-scan also examined our waste policy . It showed that it was appropriate to separate more waste than we did before. Since last year plastic foil has been collected separately.



By placing a separate bicycle shelter, we hope that many employees will more often use a bicycle instead of their car.





]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/eda-works-green/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/eda-works-green/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[World market leader of industrial washing machines, dryers and ironers chooses E.D.&A.]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/lox7y2XsusM/</link><description><![CDATA[
E.D.&A. has developed an ultra-modern controller platform for one of the world leaders active in the development and production of industrial washing machines, dryers and ironers.

The development is based on a high-performance ARM microcontroller and uses an RTOS (Real Time Operating System). For the user interface there is the choice between a TFT (5.7“ or 3.5“) or an LCD display (240x128 pixels). The controller platform can easily be extended to include WiFi and other communication technologies.

This platform also assures that the machines meet all the requirements of the end customer: very low energy and water consumption, easy to use and maintain and amazing washing, drying and ironing results. This new platform will be used for all machines that this customer has in its range.

Co-development
The development of this new controller platform was developed through an intense collaboration with the engineers of the customer. E.D.&A.. has developed the hardware and writes the low level drivers to access the hardware. In addition, E.D.&A. is also responsible for the implementation of the Real Time Operating System (RTOS). The customer will take care of the application software.


Characteristics

I/O18 Digital inputs22 Relay Outputs3 analog inputs2 analog outputs1 analog pressure measurement
Communication: RS232, RS485, USB Host, I²C and WiFi 
strong ARM processor 
Power supply 180 to 264VAC
Different displays : LCD (240x128 pixels, 128x64 pixels), TFT (3.5 “ or 5.7”)




]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/world-market-leader-of-industrial-washing-machines-dryers-and-ironers-chooses-eda/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/world-market-leader-of-industrial-washing-machines-dryers-and-ironers-chooses-eda/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[Results of the customer satisfaction survey]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/NUtpKWhQqqY/</link><description><![CDATA[
Recently E.D.&A. has executed an online customer satisfaction survey. At least 97% of the respondents would certainly recommend E.D.&A. to their business associates.


Aspects that we feel very strongly about , are also recognized as the strengths of E.D.&A. by our customers. They define them as:


“The reliability and quality of products and the company”
” Thinking along with the customer“
“The competence of the employees”

Via this client satisfaction survey we gain insight into the customers’ experience with E.D.&A.. The positive results and responses encourage us to keep working hard, but also to fine-tune some other things. 


Some nice quotes:

“Passionate, professional,  thinking along the client, good correspondence price/quality, problem solving capacity.” - Technical Manager Manufacturer NL
“Project management and monitoring. Good quality of the products. Very competitive prices.” - Director Equipment Constructor B
“Stable company with perfectly integrated quality system. Competent and motivated staff. Good prices for quality delivered.” - Technical Manager Device Builder NL
“Reliability, expertise and professionalism “- Director Machine Builder CZ
“Strong evaluation capacity. Strong team with problem-solving mentality. Good communication skills. Short communication lines (direct contact). “- Technical Manager Machine manufacturer NL
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/results-of-the-customer-satisfaction-survey/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/results-of-the-customer-satisfaction-survey/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[E.D.&A. has developed a capacitive touch panel for chicken grills]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/7E4Nh5BXjA8/</link><description><![CDATA[
A reputable manufacturer with worldwide distribution of grills and ovens, has placed an order to develop a completely new controller platform at E.D.&A.. This new controller design will initially be used in a chicken grill, by which the user interface is built around a graphical Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) . For other product lines this design can be equipped with a 5,7” TFT display.
   
Hardware and software 
The design has a modern industrial ARM7 microprocessor on which a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) is running. E.D.&A. is responsible for the complete hardware and software development. The controller has a USB host port that allows one to easily read or modify new recipes, software, HACCP- and logging-parameters. Any technician all over the world can update or read the controller software (firmware) without the need of any additional tool.
   

Operation behind glass 
For the food industry, cleanliness and easy maintenance of a device is very important. Our client has also opted for an operation panel behind a glass plate. E.D.&A. has developed a capacitive touch panel. This controller will be mounted directly behind the glass plate and is also equipped with blue LEDs that light up when a certain button can be used. That results in a very intuitive and user friendly operation of the device
   
This new development is in prototype phase and will be ready for production in 2011.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/eda-has-developed-a-capacitive-touch-panel-for-chicken-grills/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/eda-has-developed-a-capacitive-touch-panel-for-chicken-grills/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[Development of a monitoring module for solar panels]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/1a9R0ZCeA8M/</link><description><![CDATA[
This customer is a major player in the renewable energy market, in which they specialize in heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels. These systems are used in the private as well as in the industrial market. For large industrial projects, they need a monitoring system in the course of which both the revenue and the operation can be continuously monitored.

 
 
E.D.&A. is ordered  to develop a measurement module that can measure the current of 12 strings (number of serially connected solar panels). These currents can be up to 20A per string. This measuring unit is equipped with several digital inputs for connecting a theft and surge protection. All these modules can be placed in a RS485 network. By using the Modbus RTU protocol they can be read by a data log system.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/development-of-a-monitoring-module-for-solar-panels/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/development-of-a-monitoring-module-for-solar-panels/</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title><![CDATA[E.D.&A. helps Plan Belgium]]></title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EDnAReports/~3/9bhSh5r5dmI/</link><description><![CDATA[
At this time of the year many Christmas cards are sent. E.D.&A. has decided again to not send physical cards by post. We find it more appropriate to use this amount to invest in the generation of tomorrow.

This year E.D.&A. has chosen for Plan Belgium. We support them with their project ‘quality education’ of Plan Togo’.  Good education is the basic topic for the development of young people. Plan Belgium helps them with 2 specific projects that are part of the programs ‘learning for life’ and ‘protection and participation’.

Merry Christmas !]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.edna.be/en/news/eda-helps-plan-belgium/</guid><feedburner:origLink>http://www.edna.be/en/news/eda-helps-plan-belgium/</feedburner:origLink></item></channel></rss>

