The client already had an experienced cloud software and mobile app team, but needed help defining the hardware and communication architecture of an autonomous self-storage system.

The first version used a Wi-Fi mesh network, a natural choice for a team with a stronger software background. The system relied on repeaters to extend coverage, but operating at 2.4 GHz had significant limitations in this type of environment.

Structures with concrete, metal, doors and partitions made signal propagation difficult. In addition, adding more repeaters could increase network complexity and spectrum congestion.

The problem was not the software

The goal of the electronic engineering consulting was not to rebuild the product, but to technically review the existing solution and identify the points that could compromise range, reliability, maintenance and ease of installation.

In meetings with the team, we reviewed the hardware already developed, the network topology, the communication requirements and the typical physical conditions of the sites.

The self-storage service had to work with as little human intervention as possible. Door unlocking, sensors and controls had to operate reliably, with low maintenance and without frequent on-site adjustments.

Electronic engineering consulting for the communication architecture

The consulting work compared different radio alternatives in terms of range, penetration through obstacles, cost, component availability, power consumption, network topology and implementation complexity.

The options evaluated included lower-frequency and sub-GHz technologies, including LoRa, as well as other network architectures suited to low-data-rate, longer-range communication.

Using multiple hubs was also considered, to increase the reliability of data delivery without losing the plug-and-play concept the client wanted.

Consulting as decision support

The outcome of the consulting was not a finished board. ECK presented the team with the technically viable options, their advantages and limitations, costs and development implications.

With this information, the client’s own team was able to redefine the architecture and develop a new version of the hardware.

There were follow-up contacts as the product evolved, but the team went on to run development in-house with a technical foundation better suited to the application.

The result for the storage system

The new architecture was designed for longer range, less reliance on repeaters and greater reliability in environments with concrete and metal structures.

This was particularly important because the business model depended on a high degree of automation. The less need for maintenance, site visits and human intervention, the more efficient the storage service becomes.

When electronic engineering consulting makes sense

Not every project requires outsourcing all of the development.

In many cases, the client’s team already masters the software, product or application, but needs specialized analysis of hardware, communication, RF, sensors, power supply or electronic architecture.

In these cases, electronic engineering consulting can cut down on trial and error, avoid poor technology choices and speed up in-house development.

Learn more about ECK’s electronic engineering consulting.