History:
We started designing micro processor systems in 1978 using
the 2650 processor from Signetics. Since then we have designed hardware and
embedded firmware for a variety of micros from AVR, TI, NEC, Mitsubishi,
Intel, Zilog, Motorola & SGS Thompson.
Tools:
We use a variety of programming languages including C,
C++, Pascal & Assembler.
To aid development, we use a technique where all software is compiled and run on a PC in a Windows' window, with the exception of a tiny module containing the hardware dependent code. This module is reimplemented for the PC using simulated displays, buttons, analogue inputs, switches etc. This allows the other modules to be written and extensively tested even before the target exists.
Some projects are shown below:
Hand Held Breathalizer Firmware
Applied Micros provided the firmware for the graphics, user
interface and USB communications in a hand held breathalizer. The user interface
features 3D style bezels, menus, buttons, status bar etc. The USB provides
faster data transfer with a PC than an RS232 port.
Autoclave Firmware
Applied Micros provided the firmware for the user interface,
graphics, RS232 communications and script processing for a medical Autoclave.
A sample of the display is shown below.
Gas Meter Firmware
Applied Micros has developed the firmware for a gas meter
awaiting release by a major manufacturing company. The firmware must process
measurements, communications and drive an LCD. The simulator used in developing
is displayed below.
Email Electricity Meter Firmware:
Applied Micros has developed the firmware for several single
and poly phase meters for Email Meters. The firmware must process measurements
and communications, drive the LCD, handle button commands, handle power fail
& recovery and perform a variety of additional functions that are user
configurable.
Empro Firmware: Hand Held programmer for Email Electricity
Meters:
Applied Micros has developed the firmware for this portable
unit which is capable of both emulating a meter (to "learn" a set of
configurations) and emulating a PC (to programme meters on site with a specified
configuration).
Industrial Modules:
Applied Micros has developed a suite of application independent,
networkable modules which can be distributed throughout an industrial site
(or machine) and perform functions such as temperature measurement, analogue
input, analogue output, isolated input and relay output, plus the main controller
with keypad, LCD and RS232 interface. All modules include an RS485 interface
and can be networked together. We use a proprietary protocol allowing all
modules on the network to report to and be controlled by the main controller
board. Typically, a PC can is connected (via the RS232 interface) to allow
a Windows 95/98/NT front end to take operator commands or display status
etc.
Environmental Test Chamber for National Standards Commission of
Australia:
This climate controlled room is controlled by Applied Micros' modules
which in turn receive the climatic targets from a PC. The firmware developed
by us must continually monitor temperature & humidity, controlling the
power level of the air heaters, humidifier and the operation of the refrigeration
unit. A LCD and keypad for diagnostics & servicing is also used. This
uses a multi-tasking kernel developed by us.
Freezers for Allied Refrigeration and Engineering:
A range of single and double stage freezers developed by Allied are
controlled by the same modules as the Environmental Test Chamber. The firmware
controls the compressor, fans & pump while monitoring temperature and
other status information to bring the unit to the specified temperature or
through the required freezing cycle. Commands are received through a keypad
and status is displayed on an LCD.
Current Loop Interface for Caltex Australia:
This interface module was required to allow a Yokogawa controller to
collect data from Caltex's legacy tank farm.
DLX96: Portable Elevator Data Logger:
With the appearance of a metal suit case, Applied Micros developed this
logging system for the elevator industry to keep track of landing call waiting
times and allow diagnosis of complex lift controller faults. The unit includes
96 industrial voltage, bi-polar, isolated inputs and an RS232 port for connection
to the laptop which is used for storage, setup and input state display. See
DLX96.
Interfacing software in gas detector for MSA:
Applied Micros wrote the firmware which gave MSA remote access to their
poisonous gas detector by simulating a standard industrial protocol.
Elevator Group controller for EPL:
Applied Micros wrote the interfacing software for EPL's progressive logic
group controller. This was fully tested & debugged on a PC before seeing
a real lift by simulating all inputs and outputs.