Actions
Engagement
  • Author Author: rscasny
  • Date Created: Date Created
  • Last Updated Last Updated:
  • Views 1476 views
  • Likes 2 likes
  • Comments 10 comments
Related
Recommended

Seeking Your Input for an Experimenting Design Challenge Based on 5 Applications

Some of you have already participated in what we call an Experimenting with Components Design Challenge.

 

If you haven't already, it's pretty easy. Here's how it works: The supplier and I talk about an electronic/electrical component that would be a good candidate for this kind of element14 activity. In the past we have done them on capacitors, inductors, vibration sensors, and more. We send the participant a kit of parts. The participants write two blogs. The final goal is to write a detailed blog that describes your experiments or what you did with the components I sent you. Our judges select the best blogs and prizes are awarded.

 

In today's meeting, the supplier and I played around with doing something different. Call it Experimenting with Components 2.0.

 

In this 2.0 version, we wanted to give you a kit of components that focus on an application. So, instead of one type of component (i.e. inductor), you would be getting a kit of a variety of key components. The final goal is pretty much the same:  write a detailed blog that describes your experiments or your circuit designs or what you did with the components I sent you.

 

We have identified 5 applications for which to base the competition on. They are:

 

(Note: if you click on any of the above links, you will be brought to a page that explains the application and the key components that would be offered in the kit.)

 

We would like to gauge the members' interest as far as their favorite application goes. That's why I created this poll. But we are still in the brainstorming stage so how we run this competition is still fluid. That's why I am wanted to get your thoughts.

 

Poll Question: Which application would you prefer to work with in a Experimenting with Components 2.0 Design Challenge?

 

If possible, I'd welcome you to include any comments about the idea for Experimenting with Components 2.0. If you have a different idea, feel free to put it in comments.

 

Of course, there will be the same kinds of prizes that we offered in our previous Experimenting with Components Challenges.

 

Finally, if you have questions about what I am proposing, feel free to add it to comments. I will be monitoring this poll, so I should be able to answer your questions promptly.

 

Thanks.

 

Randall

--element14 Team

  • I chose ToF, but Asset Tracking is also very intriguing.

    ToF:  10m is what's got my interest.  If it's just a couple of meters or less... it's someone else's project. image

  • in reply to genebren

    Thanks Gene.

     

    The sponsor chose those 5 applications. I wanted to get some feedback from the community first. But I was going to recommend other applications. Thanks for the reminder.

     

    Randall

    --element14 team

  • in reply to vlasov01

    Sergey,

     

    Yes, you could use additional components just so at least one Renesas part and one Dialog part are included.

     

    Yes, the soldering and or pcb design is an issue. In some situations, you can just broadboard it. But I'll bring that up with the sponsor. Thanks for your input.

     

    Randall

    -element14 team

  • in reply to fmilburn

    Thanks Frank.

    Yes, the original idea is that the the key components would be provided and would be loose. Good point about soldering and number of applicants. i have a meeting with the sponsor in two weeks and I'll bring that up.

     

    Randall

    -element14 team

  • This is a very interesting concept.  I chose the other option in the poll, thinking that some of the suggestions were quite tightly focused.  I would think that a broader concept, like robotics or home automation might be something that more people would be interested in.

     

    Looking forward to see how this shapes up.

  • in reply to fmilburn

    I like the idea of this challenge. And I have the same questions as

    I like the proposed challenges. But I'm not an expert on the PCB design and surface soldering of tiny components. It will be a barrier for me to participate if the challenge will require both of these skills.

    Can I use additional components in these challenges (like GPS module for the Smart Asset Tracking challenge)?

  • I have participated in only two Design Challenges, and I can say that Design Challenges have something addictive to me. They are very time consuming but you have a very high reward in acquired knowledge.

    I have chosen the Smart Connected Pulse Oximeter because it is a first for me and something that I do not know well and that I would love to play with.

    Now I have to find an application that satisfies both the provider and my interests. I usually participate in a couple of marathons a year and it would be great to explore monitoring possibilities in such a long event.

  • Intriguing concept. It is a bit more like integrating some interesting subsystems into a complete system or application. A good opportunity to learn at a vendor's expense. The trick will be to structure each kit to allow it to align with a wide range of interests.

  • This is a great idea! This is like a mini-project design challenge.

    I have participated in 2 Experimenting with Components challenges and I have always enjoyed them.

    It was difficult to choose from the above 5 options as all of them are interesting.

     

    I checked all the links, and it gives a block diagram of the entire application. Will all these components present in the kit?

    I think it's better to give only a few essential components (only the parts available from the manufacturer sponsoring the challenge) can be given and the choice of other parts like the micro controller, etc should be be given to the selected participant.

    For example the asset tracking application, HS3001 and maybe the buck/boost can be given by Renesas and the MCU could be of the participant's choice.

  • Would the kit be supplied with loose components?  If so, then a PCB would need to be designed and manufactured.  In addition, some of the components look to be difficult to hand solder.  Depending on the components this would reduce the number of applicants capable of participating.  Putting that aside, I like the idea.