Field Scanner

The field scanner was used for counterfeit protection. It produced a digital signature for real objects based on a laser scan of their surface texture. The brief was to take a prototype to a pre-production model. The unit was to be powered from USB. It was to use DC motors positioned using PWM drive from a PID control loop rather than stepper motors. The board outline was to be changed and significant cost reductions were required.

Challenges included USB power management, a dramatic cost reduction, the use of optical sensors with high precision ADC conversion and the team pre-empted the obsolescence of parts “not recommended for new designs”.

Achievement: All the requirements were met with a build cost reduction of 75%.