WO2016112885A1

WO2016112885A1 - Electronic device, and methods for the production and use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2016112885A1
Application number: PCT/DE2015/100510
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karsten Walther; Nico Moser; Christian KÖHLER; Denny Berg; Benjamin Feldner
Original assignee: Harting It Software Development Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2015-01-14
Filing date: 2015-12-01
Publication date: 2016-07-21
Also published as: DE102015100498A1

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to reduce the overhead for designing and manufacturing various electronic devices. In order to achieve said aim, a device of said type comprises at least three modules (1, 2, 3), at least one or more functional modules (1, 1') of which can be configured application-specifically. The hardware (2, 3) and software (61, 62, 63, 631, 632) of a basic system (6) are provided in a modular form by a provider in order to reduce labor intensity for the device manufacturer while maintaining the necessary flexibility. The provider facilitates the assembly of the basic system (6) as well as the creation and programming of the application-specific hardware components (1, 1') and software components (7) by making available an integrated development environment (IDE) to the device manufacturer. In particular, according to the invention, the software is containerized such that especially application-specific parts of the software are based on a partially virtual system. This makes it possible to make adequate software libraries available to the device manufacturer in a particularly advantageous fashion in the IDE. Also disclosed is a corresponding business model.

Description

Electronic device

and methods for its preparation and use

description

The invention relates in a first aspect to an electronic device according to the preamble of independent main claim 1.

The invention relates in a second aspect to a method for operating an electronic device according to the preamble of the independent subclaim 8.

The invention relates in a third aspect to a method for developing an electronic device according to the preamble of independent subsidiary claim 18.

The invention relates in a fourth aspect to a method for producing an electronic device according to the preamble of independent subsidiary claim 24.

Such methods are needed to produce various electronic devices, these devices being as flexible in their function as possible.

State of the art

The publication DE 10 2007 035 645 A1 shows an arrangement of an RFID reader that can be used universally, which is suitable for applications in the smallest quantities and can be retrofitted for other applications without having to redesign the entire system. The RFID reader consists of an RF module and at least another module which is backwired via a backplane, wherein an antenna is connected to the RF module.

A disadvantage of this prior art is that the desired individual adaptation of the device to the special requirements for the user of such a system is very complex. Furthermore, the dimensions of such a device are naturally not suitable for many applications, since the modules are backwired via a backplane and therefore the corresponding devices usually build up high. Furthermore, such a system is limited to RFID applications

task

The object of the invention is to provide an electronic device and several methods that serve to reduce the cost of designing and manufacturing such electronic devices.

The object is achieved in a first aspect with an electronic device of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of the independent main claim 1.

Furthermore, the object is achieved in a second aspect with an application method of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of the independent additional claim 8.

Furthermore, the object is achieved in a third aspect with the above-mentioned method for developing an electronic device by the features of the characterizing part of the independent subsidiary claim 18. In a fourth aspect, the object is achieved with the above-mentioned method for producing an electronic device by the features of the characterizing part of the independent subsidiary claim 24.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Such arrangements and methods are used to produce the largest possible number of different electronic devices with the least possible effort.

This is particularly advantageous for short runs special electronic devices for which the cost of a complete device design and production would not be worthwhile. In this case, the final individual device design is not necessarily part of the scope of a supplier of the device components. On the contrary, a method according to the third aspect of the invention allows a business model in which a device manufacturer, for example as a customer of the provider, individually designs his own device on the basis of the given device components and optionally with an optional help from the provider. In particular, a use of this business model is provided by a vendor and a variety of device manufacturers, the device manufacturers as customers of the provider their own individual devices time and cost themselves can design and manufacture.

Such electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, the following, such as: RFID readers, gauges, consumer electronic devices, electronic communication devices, communication devices, modems, computers, computer accessories, computer peripherals, measurement and control devices, especially for the railway, logistics, industrial applications, manufacturing and process automation, agricultural industry and traffic engineering.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the respective individual proportion of the devices for the device manufacturer is limited to a necessary minimum, both during development and during production with regard to both the hardware and the software. An individual share is understood to be that share by which the respective devices differ from one or more basic outfits specified by the provider.

On the one hand, this simplifies the manufacture of the devices, but on the other hand facilitates tests, certifications and / or their approval, since already existing components have already undergone this process.

Therefore, it is advantageous to construct the devices modular, so that such a device has several modules. The modules usually have both hardware and software components. Furthermore, it is advantageous if all individual hardware components of an application-specific module are combined on a single module, because this reduces the effort and the costs of manufacture. In this case, each module can advantageously have a separate printed circuit board on which its electronic components are arranged.

Such an individual module can be combined with at least one predetermined module. In particular, several, for example, two, predetermined modules can be combined with each other and with an individual module, so that in this example a total of three modules are used, namely two predetermined and an individual module. In particular, these three modules can be an individual function module, a predefined main module and a predefined supply module. The function module is individually configured and configured for the respective application, and thus generally has both individually assembled hardware components as well as individual software. Part of this software may consist of individually compiled but predetermined software modules. Another part of the software can be programmed individually. This individual part of the software usually includes the application-related part of the software.

The functional module has an interface module required for communication with at least one other module as well as at least one physical interface. Advantageously, the functional module is designed application-specific and thus has at least one, in particular a plurality, application-specific components, in particular hardware components. Such application specific components may include, for example, sensors and associated interfaces, antennas, antenna amplifiers, as well as modulation and demodulation devices, input and output interfaces (I / O), inputs and outputs for sensors and actuators, control logic, microcontrollers, FPGA, DSP, wireless modules. In particular, the function module has an application-specific function module corresponding to the respective application, for example an RFID module, a WLAN module or the like. These functional components can also contain at least one, preferably several, of the abovementioned application-specific components.

The application-specific components, in particular hardware components, can comply, for example, with the following standards. Bluetooth, WLAN (802.1 1 η, 802.1 1 ac), GPRS, UMTS, ZigBee, Ant +, industrial busses (EtherCAT, Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet / IP).

In each case, a large number of predefined main and supply modules can exist and be offered by the provider, so that the respective device manufacturer can choose from a plurality of predetermined main modules and a plurality of predefined supply modules. Then, for operation with the custom-created, application-specific function module, a suitable main module can be selected from the set of predefined main modules. Furthermore, from the set of predetermined supply modules, a suitable supply module can be selected which is suitable both for the functional module and for the

Main module fits.

Criteria for the selection of the supply module may be, for example, the maximum power and the heat. For the main module, the criteria may be the processor performance and storage capacity of the data memory. Furthermore, the bus system and the corresponding interfaces can also play a role.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the functional module is to be conceptualized in such a way that it matches the selected predefined modules, that is to say, for example. B. it uses the same bus systems that it requires the appropriate supply voltages, etc. For this purpose, it is advantageous if a set of different components is specified for the functional module, which correspond to the specifications of at least some of the predetermined modules. These components may be, for example, interfaces, processors, memory components, sensors, antennas, amplifiers, electrical filters, etc. Of course, however, other components can be used. In an advantageous embodiment, the modules for communication with each other use the USB standard, for. Eg USB 2.0. This has the advantage that over it both the data exchange and the power supply is guaranteed.

For reasons of space, a flat design of the device is advantageous for many applications. To achieve this, the hardware of the modules based on printed circuit boards, z. B. each as a populated printed circuit board, be formed. The flat design is achieved in particular by several, in particular all, so possibly three such printed circuit boards are arranged in a plane.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection of the modules lying in one plane can take place via so-called "zebra connectors", as known to the person skilled in the art and described for example in WIKIPEDIA under htip.//en.wikipeciia orq 'iki / Eiastomefic connector Although not the usual use of the zebra connector known in the prior art, corresponding tests have shown that even such an electrical connection works perfectly, in particular for printed circuit boards arranged in a plane In addition, the electrical connection is made automatically by PCB assembly, which eliminates complex work steps, especially in automated production.

In another advantageous embodiment, the connection can be made via so-called "press fit bridges".

In one possible development, the three modules are preferably designed in the form of equal-length, rectangular printed circuit boards. This has the advantage that the modules are arranged in their arrangement with their edges of equal length. connect to each other and are mutually interchangeable with each other at least in terms of their geometric arrangement. At the front of the device, each module then has a common contact edge with a front surface of the housing where it can have its own I / O device ports. Usually, each I / O device port has a corresponding connector installed in the front of the device.

Alternatively, and particularly advantageous for the aforementioned embodiment of the three modules as a function, main and supply module is the following arrangement: Only two of the three modules, namely the functional module and the supply module, each have an edge equipped with connectors is and in the installed state with the device at the front closes. By contrast, the main module has no direct mechanical contact with the front of the device. In an advantageous embodiment, the printed circuit board of the main module is shorter than the printed circuit boards of the other two modules. In particular, the functional module and the supply module can be L-shaped and arranged in the device in opposite directions. The main module is then made rectangular and can thus be inserted into a resulting between the two L-shaped, mirror-symmetrically opposing circuit cards gap.

This has the particular advantage that those modules that naturally require interfaces and / or other connections have the greatest possible contact area with the front of the device.

Finally, several different geometric shapes for the printed circuit boards can be offered by the provider and the device manufacturer can, as already described, assemble the suitable modules for his purposes. Of course, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that an arrangement is also possible in which several or even all of these modules are combined on a common printed circuit board.

For example, the predetermined modules, in particular the main module or the supply module, could be combined on a common printed circuit board. Also, all modules of the device, so for example, the supply module, the main module and the function module can be summarized on a common circuit board, which in turn reduces the cost of manufacturing in large quantities. Furthermore, it is conceivable, a device whose market success is not yet foreseeable to produce first in modular design in smaller quantities and, after the market success exceeds a certain mark to switch to production with a single circuit board.

The housing may consist of two housing parts, which are preferably made of sheet steel for shielding and stability reasons. The first housing part preferably consists of a main housing, which encloses the modules, which are formed on the basis of printed circuit boards, on five sides and is opened only on its front side. The second part then has a matching front panel, which is optionally connected to the circuit boards via their connectors. For additional mechanical fastening of the printed circuit boards, the second housing part has a fastening device. The fastening device may for example consist of a preferably welded to the front panel slide. But it can also be formed for example by an aluminum block.

In a further preferred embodiment, the housing is constructed in three parts and consists of a lower shell, an upper shell and a front panel. The lower shell and the upper shell need not be modified for the production of various devices. The front panel however, if desired, application specific modifications may be made, and thus may include, for example, mating openings for incorporation of particular connectors. It can therefore be added downstream of the package in the manufacturing process so that much of the manufacturing process remains consistent regardless of the final device design.

The design of a particular device is usually not the responsibility of the supplier, who offers the housing and the specified modules and components. Although the provider can take on this role in special cases. But it is particularly advantageous if instead a device manufacturer of a particular device takes over this conception according to his individual ideas.

In particular, the device manufacturer is provided a high degree of assistance by the provider in the compilation and / or creation of the individual hardware and software components. In particular, this assistance can be largely automated, so cost the provider no manpower.

On the hardware side, this can be done, for example, when creating the layout of the printed circuit board and when choosing the right electronic components. In particular, the housing can be adapted to the hardware modules, z. B. with respect to the external connectors used. Also, device-internal cooling measures, if necessary, can be targeted offered as soon as the corresponding circuitry suggests this.

On the software side, the assistance can also refer to the selection of the associated drivers and / or other hardware-related software components and their provision, for example, on the Internet. Furthermore, libraries of applications and programs of higher functionality can also be offered by the provider and / or exchanged and / or traded between the users, in this case the device manufacturers.

This can be done via a dedicated network portal, which further simplifies an associated ordering process. Thus, it is provided in an advantageous embodiment that a device manufacturer initially registers with a web-based customer portal of the provider. Then he gets a personal access to further information about available hardware and software components and prefers an associated online help.

In particular, the supplier can use the device manufacturer in his customer portal an integrated development environment "IDE" (integrated development environment), ie a software development environment with the common tool chain (cross compiler, debugger, etc.) with the appropriate development tools ("development tools") to provide engaging hardware-related software libraries.

When starting a new project, the device manufacturer selects hardware and software modules in the customer portal so that the IDE can create a corresponding system against which a programmer of the device manufacturer programs.

As soon as the registered device manufacturer has selected the hardware components and modules necessary for the device he has designed, a special, matching system is configured on a website of the customer portal, which contains in particular these software libraries. This system is used in the software for the device and in particular to write an application and / or a service program of the associated function module.

At least part of the software may be in the form of hardware-related software, e.g. Device drivers, as well as in the form of determining the actual function applications / service programs in so-called "containers." Then at least one separate container is provided at least for the supply module and the function module.

The hardware of each module can advantageously perform several different functions, so that in an advantageous embodiment, several containers per module can be present.

It is of particular advantage if the software of the given modules in the IDE already exists, because this extremely simplifies the creation of the device software.

As already mentioned, at least individual components can be offered by the provider for the function module. Hardware-related software routines, in particular drivers, can also be provided in the IDE for these components as well.

Thus, the programmer can essentially concentrate on creating the individual portion of the device software, in particular the respective application / service portion of the function module. This is advantageous because the device manufacturer thereby saves costs.

The fact that the IDE can be used net-based, ie online, has the following advantages: The authentication and the call of a specific project allows an assignment of the given modules to a particularly well-informed person, for example the responsible software developer of the provider or a third party. This allows direct communication between the programmer of the device manufacturer and the software developer of the provider, z. B. in the form of online help IDE with integrated chat function and / or email contact.

Since the programmer, z. B. browser-based, works on the server of the provider, this system works for him platform independent. Furthermore, he needs his operating system, such as Linux, not to modify, for. As with the complex installation of previously downloaded so-called "Board Support Packages".

Also, a licensing of this development environment and other related services can be managed flexibly via the IDE, z. In the form of project-based licenses.

The exchange and use of software products such. Applications, services, libraries and updates can be made online directly through the development system. Updates are carried out centrally, ie the server is regularly updated at short intervals. Corresponding synchronization times between the individual software providers of individual components of a device are eliminated. In particular, the exchange and use of software products such as applications, services, libraries, updates can be done directly in the development system and allows for mutual dependencies a corresponding synchronization of the components. The standard components are already certified by the supplier. Further licensing or certification can advantageously be managed and processed online via the IDE. Flexible resources for the development system can be made available and adapted according to the usage profile. In particular, the customer, in this case the device manufacturer, thereby computing power, a test server and the corresponding support provided.

Accordingly, it is also easy to use the given modules together with the software.

If a container has direct access to the hardware of the module, then this container also includes hardware-related software components, e.g. Device driver, for this hardware module. In addition, each container contains the application / the actual service with the corresponding functionality, as well as a so-called "WebSocket Interface" with its own, in particular unique, number, for example an IPv6 number The WebSocket interface is used for identification, configuration, control and Data exchange with the application contained in the container / the service contained in the container.The interface also serves as a central web service for the administration of the individual containers, including the associated software and the associated hardware, and it is also accessible beyond physical device boundaries, so that there is the possibility to merge a virtual device with a central administration from several physical devices with distributed administration.

For some hardware modules, at least one such software container is provided in each case. The software container has a kernel module, which serves to address the hardware, as well as other services and interfaces, eg. B. to communicate with a network layer of the device software. The lowest layer of the device is formed by the hardware modules already described. This is an operating system, such as Linux, on. The next higher layer is a network layer, e.g. B. for communication with other devices (TCP / IP), as well as a network interface based thereon. These components are given.

The user thus only needs to write the containers for his own function module himself. But he also gets, if he uses the given IDE, a help in the form of drivers, exchange of experience, and other hardware-related software components.

The application-specific software belonging to the functional module is advantageously stored in the data memory of the main module so that the system software has access to it. Furthermore, in particular the operating system, for example Linux, is implemented on the main module and thus stored in the data memory of the main module.

A major advantage of the "containment" of the software, ie, the use of containers described above, is that it allows to make particular application-specific portions of the software more independent of the base system, as these thus rely on a partially virtualized, dual system. In particular, this allows system-independent software components to be container-specific in the form of libraries, so this high degree of independence of the application-specific software modules greatly simplifies the construction of libraries, and hence the design of the IDE described above, which is a very great additional benefit.

The development of containers in the IDE can be significantly simplified in its operation by the system in addition to a standard Gate, which allows programming in common programming languages such as C ++, C, Java or similar languages, advantageously with a debugger, compiler, development tools and software libraries, which may be particularly hardware-related equipped. In addition, software components can be arranged based on preferences and resource requirements.

Advantageously, a project assistant for loading and saving projects is provided in the IDE. Furthermore, the IDE has the aforementioned online help, which may include appropriate community support, for example, to clarify questions about interfaces. In addition, it is of course advantageous if the IDE has a library that can be extended, for example, by the open source principle or possibly also by commercially available programs by the device manufacturer itself, because this is the functional scope of the IDE with only minor provider-side effort extended. Another advantage is that the programmers can communicate with each other in this way and the system automatically gains information.

Also, a paid support is conceivable, ranging from assistance on the writing of program parts to the creation of the entire software.

In particular, a function for calling or saving settings is provided in the system. embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

Fig. 1 is an illustration of an overall concept;

Fig. 2 shows the hardware engineering of an electronic

Device, namely

Fig. 2 a, b possible arrangements of a plurality of printed circuit boards;

FIG. 2 c shows a configuration of the printed circuit boards; FIG.

Fig. 2 d shows the electronic device with a three-part housing;

Fig. 2 e, f, g an electronic connection of two circuit boards via a Zebra connector;

Fig. 3 shows a general structure of the software of the electronic

device;

Fig. 4 a, b the structure and the user interface of an integrated

Development environment IDE;

5 shows the possibilities for the composition of the individual components in the production of the electronic device, namely:

5a shows an overview of the subcomponents and their compositation flow and Fig. 5b a configuration process.

The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In part, identical reference numerals are used for the same but possibly not identical elements. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently.

Fig. 1 shows an overall concept for the production of an electronic device. This electronic device includes a modular embedded platform "MEP" (Modular Embedded Platform), which is shown in the center This MEP includes its hardware HW and its software SW, which correspond to each other, as indicated by the common arrow.

Furthermore, the development tools suitable for creating the software "DT" (Development Tools) are shown, which of course correspond to the software SW, which is represented by a further arrow between these components.

Ultimately, the production includes an inventive business model BM, which clarifies in particular a task distribution between a device manufacturer and a supplier of device components.

In the following, this model will be explained with reference to an exemplary embodiment. This exemplary embodiment relates to a customized RFID reader.

2 shows the exemplary structure of the hardware of such an electronic device, in particular a modular RFID reader. In this case, each of the modules 1, 2, 3 is executed in each case on the basis of a printed circuit board 10, 20, 30. FIG. 2 a shows a first possible geometric arrangement of three modules, namely a functional module 1, a main module 2 and a supply module 3.

The three modules, namely the functional module 1, the main module 2 and the supply module 3 are each rectangular and designed in their geometric dimensions at least the same length. As a result, in particular the main module 2 and the supply module 3 can be interchanged in their geometric position against each other.

In Fig. 2b, another possible arrangement is shown. In this case, the printed circuit board 20 of the main module 2 is shorter than the printed circuit boards 10, 30 of the other two modules 1, 3. Furthermore, the printed circuit boards 10, 30 of the functional module 1 and the supply module 3 L-shaped and arranged in opposite directions. The printed circuit board 20 of the main module 2 is rectangular and is inserted into a gap between the two L-shaped, mirror-symmetrically oriented printed circuit boards 10, 30 resulting gap. An advantage of this arrangement will be apparent from the following description.

In Fig. 2c, the printed circuit boards 10, 20, 30 are shown in just this latter arrangement from a plan view of their component side. The corresponding conductor tracks and connection contacts extend on the other side of the printed circuit board and are irrelevant to the invention.

The function module 1 has a function block 1 1 an RFID module, all the necessary RFID components such. B. RF modulators and a USB 2 interface includes. For other embodiments, a correspondingly different functional module 1 1 with the corresponding functionality may be provided at this point, for example a WLAN module. For those versions whose central function block 1 1 has no USB functionality, is alternatively a separate USB 2 converter module 16 provided.

The main module 2 has a

21 for system updates or the like. The card slot 21 is equipped in the present case with a corresponding, unspecified μ8ϋ-Γί3Γίβ. Furthermore, the main module 2 has a processor 22, a RAM module 23 and a flash memory 24.

The supply module 3 has a USB hub 31 to connect several devices, an I / O device 32 and a USB-Ethernet converter 33. For other versions whose components do not have integrated USB functionality, a separate USB is optionally available 2 converter module 16 is provided, which is not necessary in the present embodiment.

Furthermore, the functional module 1 and the supply module have an edge shown below in the drawing, which terminates when installing the modules 1, 2, 3 in a housing 4 with the front panel 43 shown in FIG. 2d. At this edge, the connectors 12, 12 ^' , 34 and 35 are arranged.

These are two "TNC Reverse" antenna sockets 12, 12 ^' as well as a "Power over Etherne jack 34 and a" Power + IOs "socket.

Furthermore, an upper part 42 and en lower part 41 of the housing 4 is shown in Fig. 2d, wherein in the lower part, the three modules 1, 2, 3 are arranged.

Figs. 2e to 2g illustrate the manner in which the circuit boards 10, 20, 30 are connected to each other electronically. FIG. 2e shows a zebra connector according to the prior art. This is a cuboidal elastomer which consists of an alternating sequence of electrically conductive 52 and insulating 53 layers. The layer thickness is approximately in the range between 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm.

FIG. 2f shows the use of such a zebra connector. Two printed circuit boards 10, 30 are screwed with their contacts and their tracks in the drawing from above by two screws S, S ^' on the Zebra connector 5. As a rule, their contacts come into contact with a plurality of electrically conductive layers 53 of the zebra connector 5 and are thus electrically conductively connected to one another in the horizontal direction in the drawing. As a result, opposing contacts are electrically connected at the edges of the adjacent circuit boards 10, 30.

Fig. 2g shows the cross section of the arrangement shown in Fig. 2f. In particular, it is shown how the required for the assembly of the printed circuit board screw S, S ^', the circuit boards 10, 30 presses on the Zebra connector 5 and thus produces the contact.

Fig. 3 shows the structure of the associated software. The lowest level is given by the hardware modules 1, 2, 3 already described, wherein the main module 2 and the supply module 3 are combined by way of example in a base module. Furthermore, two functional modules 1, 1 ^'are provided by way of example. Above this is the layer of the operating system 61, for example Linux. This is based on a network layer 62 which, on the one hand, enables communication with other devices in a local or global network, but on the other hand also communicates individual local applications. A web container 63 based thereon allows access and administra- tion of the device with possibilities of machine-to-machine communication via services 631 and the GUI interface 632 for human-machine interaction based thereon.

All components that belong to the base system 6, in particular the base module 1, 2, the operating system 61, the network layer 62 and the web container 63 with its services 631 and its GUI interface, are outlined in the drawing with the associated dashed line. These components may be considered as provided by the provider. The device manufacturer thus takes over these components as offered by the device manufacturer. These include, in particular, the main module 2 and the supply module 3, which in this example are combined to form a base module. In an alternative embodiment, they could of course also be designed as separate components. By contrast, the first functional module 1 and possible further components, for example a second functional module 1 ^' , are configured by the device manufacturer in an application-specific manner and therefore do not belong to the base system 6.

Furthermore, a software container 7, in this case for the functional module 1, is shown by way of example. The content of this software container thus does not belong to the basic system 6, ie this content must be created individually or at least compiled by the device manufacturer. Furthermore, another software container 7 ^' , z. B. for the supply module indicated. Advantageously, at least one software container 7 is provided for the system integration of the functionality of each (hardware) module 1, 2, 3. There may also be several containers 7 for a module 1, 2, 3, so that the module 1, 2, 3 can take on different functions. The software container 7 has an application 71, which contains the actual functionality of the respective module 1, 2, 3. Furthermore, he has meta-information 72, z. B. for identification via the network layer 62 and a so-called module driver 73 for speak the respective hardware of the associated module 1, 2, 3, in this case the functional module. 1 In addition, the container has its own file system 74, so that it can be completely independent of the base system and managed (eg install, upgrade, delete) can be. The container's own GUI services 75 can be dynamically integrated by the base services 631.

Although the content of the software container 7 of the functional module 1 is thus not predetermined, its structure and functionality can be predetermined, which is at least a relief for a programmer of the device manufacturer. Furthermore, the software container of belonging to the base system modules, namely the main module 2 and the power supply module 3, be predetermined by the device manufacturer.

4a and 4b show the components of a corresponding integrated software environment "IDE" with the associated server architecture 8 and a corresponding user interface 9, with the help of which the various device manufacturers ("users") 81, 81 ^' , ..., on the basis The components and information provided by the provider can assemble and conceptualize their individual devices and create the necessary parts of the software. This is done with the aid of a corresponding development surface 9 and in particular a corresponding available software library ("libraries") 93.

For this purpose, a web server 82 is part of the server architecture 8. The web server 82 represents the interface between the entire server infrastructure and the individual users 81 and thus forms the frontend of the IDE.

Furthermore, as a further component of the server architecture, means for the unique authentication of the users 81 are available. There is also an additional component that provides resource management means 84. The resource manager 84 is able to assign the individual users 81 depending on constraints, such as licenses, hardware and / or software resources.

In addition, the IDE provides toolkits 85 common to one skilled in the art, namely, a crosscompiler 86, a debugger 87, and an embedded system emulator 88. In an advantageous embodiment, the toolchain 85 may have embedded hardware 89 on the server side. B. the default and possibly also the individually designed hardware modules 1, 2, 3, have.

For example, the user 81 can log in to the web server 82 via a browser with a valid login. The user can be assigned to groups.

Toolbar 91 provides functionalities for software development. Project window 92 shows the self-created project files. The project window 92 is used for saving and calling project settings and settings for the development phase (properties).

The user can be assigned licenses. The user can edit several projects in parallel, in which project-related settings are possible because they can be stored in an associated user interface 9, for example via a project window 92 and called.

Such a user interface 9 may comprise:

A toolbar 91; the project window 92; Software library ("libraries") 93; an editor / viewer 94; a console 95; a provider window 96 in which the user 81 can assign properties to his account; a communication window 97, eg for an online help function.

As already explained, the library 93 provides an automatically generated overview of the libraries / device drivers / system interfaces (libraries) available for the selected predefined modules.

In the Editor / Viewer 94 file contents are processed / evaluated.

Console 95 is a runtime response output window.

The communication window 97 allows z. For example, the possibility to contact developers of the libraries and interfaces used or a higher-level support staff member (communication).

FIG. 5a shows the individual components that make up a configured overall system. The core system 100 includes a processor board 2, a bootloader 101 tuned thereto, and an operating system 61. Due to the close interlocking of the individual components, the core system 100 is exchangeable only in its entirety. In order to obtain a base product 200, the core system 100 is supplemented by the added housing 4, the supply module 3 and corresponding base containers 7 ^" , 7 ^"' . This base product can already be intended as semi-finished product for the customer.

A complete end product 300 additionally consists of a functional module 1, associated ("functional") containers 7, 7 ',..., And a corresponding front panel 43, which takes into account the interfaces of the functional module 1.

Fig. 5b shows the ordering processes for the finished product. Via the web portal 400, the customer 500, which is in particular a device manufacturer, reaches the selection process 450 through which he selects the components 451 that are necessary for his product. If they are present 452, they can select the appropriate components 451 from a corresponding catalog, configure and add to the product.

If one or more required components 450 does not exist, the customer, if he does not want to create the component (s) 450 himself, must operate a job process 460. With the component specification 461, he can have 462 directly with the platform provider internally or, if this is not possible, with a cooperation partner externally 463 make a corresponding component, which is then added to the product.

The development of software components can be accompanied in the development portal by the device manufacturer.

If no contract partner for a component is found (X) it is up to the customer to have the remaining components manufactured as semi-finished products. (Reference Signs List)

MEP Modular Embedded Platform

HW hardware

SW software

DT Development Tools BM Business Model (Buisness Model)

1 functional module

10 function module ladder card

1 1 RFID module / function block

12, 12 ^' TNC reverse "antenna sockets

16 optional USB 2 converter module

2 main module

20 main module board

21 μ8 D card slot

22 processor

23 RAM device

24 flash memory 3 supply module

30 Supply module circuit board

31 USB hub

32 I / O module

33 USB Ethernet converter

34 Power over Etherne jack

35 "Power + IOs" socket

36 optional USB 2 converter module casing

Lower part of the housing

Top part of the housing

front panel

Zebra connector

insulating layer

conductive layer

screw

base system

operating system

Network layer

WEB-layer

Services

GUI

software container

application

Meta-Information

Module driver

file system

GUI service

Server architecture of the IDE

User / Device Manufacturers

Web Server

Authentication means Resource management tools Development tools 86 cross compiler

87 debuggers

88 emulator

89 embedded hardware

9 user interface

91 Toolbar

92 Project window / Project wizard

93 Software Library

94 Editor / Viewer

95 Console

96 Properties window

97 Communication window

100 core system

101 boot loader

200 basic product

300 end product

400 web

450 selection process

451 components

452 Query "Components present?"

453 catalog

454 order

460 order process

461 (component) specification

462 query "intern?"

463 query "external?"

Claims

claims

Electronic device comprising at least three modules (1, 2, 3), characterized in that the three modules (1, 2, 3) are a functional module (1), a main module (2) and a supply module (3 ), wherein the supply module (3) has a power supply and / or at least one connection (34, 35) for an external power supply, and wherein the main module (2) has a processor (22).

Electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main module (2) and the supply module (3) are given in a universally usable form, and that the functional module (1) is designed application-specific.

Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (1) has at least one application-specific hardware component (1 1).

Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (1) has a functional module (1 1).

5. Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hardware of the modules (1, 2, 3) on the basis of printed circuit boards (10, 20, 30) is executed. Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each module (1, 2, 3) has a separate printed circuit board (10, 20, 30) and that these printed circuit boards (10, 20, 30) are arranged in one plane.

Electronic device according to one of claims 5 to 6,

characterized in that at least two modules (1, 2, 3) are interconnected for data exchange and / or power supply via zebra connectors (5) or pressfit bridges.

Method for operating an electronic device, wherein the lowermost layer of this device is formed by a hardware, the hardware being formed by a selection and compilation of several modules (1, 1 ^' , 2, 3), wherein an operating system (61 ), which cooperates with a network layer (62) and a software, wherein a part of the software (73) is hardware-specific, characterized in that at least a part of the hardware-specific software (73) in containers (7,7 ^' , ... ) is stored.

A method according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one container (7) for a function module (1) and another container (7 ^' ) for a supply module (2) is provided.

A method according to claim 9, characterized in that in the respective container (7, 7 ^' ,...) Hardware-specific software (73) of the associated module (1, 1 ^' , 2, 3) is stored.

Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the hardware-specific software driver (73) includes the hardware.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 1 1, characterized in that the software further includes at least one application (71) which controls the function of the electronic device.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that for at least one module (1, 2, 3) at least one associated application (71, 71 ^' , ...) is provided, which functions as the at least one module (1, 2, 3) , 3) controls.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the respective application (71, 71 ^' , ...) of the module (1, 2, 3) in the respective to the module (1, 2, 3) belonging container (7, 7 ^' , ...) is stored.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that in the containers (7, 7 ^' ,...) In each case a so-called "WebSocket interface" is included.

Method according to Claim 15, characterized in that each web socket interface has a unique number, in particular an IPv6 number, which is used for identification, configuration, control and / or data exchange with the application (71) contained in the container and / or or the service program (71, 75) contained in the container.

Method according to one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that a plurality of such devices via a respective web interface (63) and via a common network by the use of a central program to a common virtual device are assembled.

18. A method for developing an electronic device having hardware and software components and a plurality of modules (1, 2, 3), characterized in that a first part of the hardware and software components, the at least one predetermined module (2, 3 ), is already known at the beginning of the development of the device, and that a second part of the hardware and software components, which belongs to at least one other module (1), only when the device is developed or created.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that an online portal is provided in which various modules (2, 3) and hardware components are provided for selection. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that after a selection has been made, an integrated development environment (8) is automatically constructed based on the selection, which among other things provides hardware-related software components in the form of a library (93).

21. A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the development environment is built on a server (8), which enables network-based, system-independent access.

Method according to one of Claims 20 to 21, characterized in that the hardware-related software components provided contain drivers for the hardware of the predefined modules (2, 3).

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that in the development environment via a communication field (97), a help function is provided via the with a developer of the software components is communicated.

A method of manufacturing an electronic device having a plurality of modules (1, 2, 3) and a housing (4), wherein a supplier offers the housing (4) and a plurality of predetermined modules (2,3) and a device manufacturer at least one further module (1) self-concepted.

A method according to claim 24, characterized in that the device manufacturer, the further module (1) manufactures itself or its production at the device manufacturer or a third party in order.

Method according to one of claims 24 to 25, characterized in that the provider an online portal with a

Web server (82) is set up over which the device manufacturer selects and orders the housing (4) and the specified modules (2, 3).

A method according to claim 26, characterized in that the provider provides the device manufacturer with a development environment (8) for creating the device software.

A method according to claim 27, characterized in that in the development environment (8) a software library (93) for the selected modules (2, 3) and possibly also for further hardware components (1 1, 12, 16) is provided.

A method according to claim 28, characterized in that said software library (93) includes hardware-related software components, e.g. As hardware driver, for controlling the hardware includes.

A method according to claim 29, characterized in that said software includes at least one application (71) for controlling the function of the predetermined modules (2, 3).

31. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, characterized in that the development environment further provides an editor (94), a project assistant (92), a function for storing user-specific settings and a help function.

32. Method according to one of claims 24 to 31, characterized in that the at least one predetermined module is two predetermined modules (2, 3), namely a supply module (2) and a main module (3), and that the further module is a functional module (1).