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| Case Study |
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Patni's automotive expertise enables leader in intelligent surface transportation systems shorten product release cycle |
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By leveraging Patni's expertise in developing firmware for processors controlling the IEB for a core product, a leading US based surface transport engineering supplier firm succeeded in developing a high quality real time product.
The Client
The client is an engineering product supplier firm specializing in the field of intelligent surface transportation systems and mobile data communications.
The Challenge
Focused on the niche field of transportation systems, the client wanted to launch its new product that empowered tour operators to control all devices on a vehicle using a central computer. To enhance the flexibility of this Mobile Data Computer (MDC), the client decided to add an Interface Expansion Board (IEB) to the device.
This was done to give vehicle operators the flexibility to choose products from multiple vendors, and connect them to the device through the IEB. The purpose of the IEB was to extend the IO capabilities of the Mobile Data Computer (MDC) installed inside a public transit bus. The IEB contains two Rabbit 3110 microprocessors in a Master(general purpose interface comtroller)/Slave (J1708 processor) configuration.
While the client had experience on the hardware design, it needed the expertise of a company that had the capability of developing firmware for the master and slave processors. A major challenge was to achieve the complete development of firmware in extremely aggressive timelines, while the hardware boards were actually being developed. Lacking in-house capability and resources to develop the firmware, the client decided to seek Patni’s expertise, as the latter had proven deep
domain experience in the automotive electronics segment in particular, and embedded/real time system development in general.
The Solution
For developing the firmware, Patni adopted the traditional Waterfall methodology. To ensure that the firmware developed adhered to the highest technical standards followed by the industry, Patni deployed a team that had the domain knowledge
and experience in analysing technical specifications, protocols and communication interfaces, and developing high integrity real time systems in an automotive setup.
As defined in the methodology, Patni did a detailed requirement specifications gathering of the product, followed by analysis, architectural design, detailed design, and implementation, with component testing completing the process at an
offshore location. Each of the phases had defined entry and exit criteria. To address the challenge of completing the project within an extremely short deadline, parallel development of firmware for the master and slave processor was carried out. The entire process was carried out at an offshore location, with strong collaboration and regular reviews being held with the US based onsite team.
The Technology
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Rabbit Microprocessor RCM 3100 Evaluation Boards, IEB Board, Oscilloscope, Function generator, J1708 Protocol Analyzer, RS232
to RS485 Converter, CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic device) |
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MICROC OS II, Dynamic C, Assembly, DPA (Dearborn Protocol Adaptor) software |
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Microsoft Visual source safe (VSS) for configuration Management. |
The Benefits
By leveraging Patni’s domain expertise in the automotive
segment, the client succeeded in developing a high quality real
time product that improved its competitive positioning in the
market.
Other significant benefits include:
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Reduced time to market: The association with Patni has
given the client resources and technological expertise to
reduce its time-to-market and broaden its market reach |
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Defect Free Product: Patni’s proven quality processes for
high integrity software development ensured the product
developed was defect free |
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Increased embedded technology capability: Patni’s technological capabilities in the automotive electronics domain provided the client with a highly qualified and experienced talent base. |
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