Telerex helps Code Yellow with rapid development of a universal gateway

Customer

Code Yellow is an innovative company focused on transforming and digitizing business processes within the manufacturing industry. They offer solutions with their software TRACY, which consists of Shop Floor Control and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). TRACY provides complete insight into the progress of planning and process guidance, supporting both High-mix Low-volume and High-volume manufacturing. Code Yellow's approach includes analyzing business processes, identifying the necessary functionalities, and integrating them into one work environment. This results in more efficient and insightful work processes for their customers.

Challenge

Code Yellow needed to develop a universally connectable gateway within three weeks. This gateway had to connect various devices and sensors with different interfaces to their software platform. The challenge was to find a solution that could be developed quickly and was compatible with various communication protocols.

"Telerex was on the same page as Code Yellow from the beginning, making responsibilities and synergy immediately clear. The technical expertise that Telerex possesses appealed to Code Yellow right from the first contact." – Ronald Jakobs, Program Manager Code Yellow

Solution

Telerex and Code Yellow collaborated to use an industrial version of an Asus Tinker Board S as the basis for the gateway. This single board computer (SBC) offers a good user experience and long availability. Telerex developed a HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) board to easily configure the Tinker Board S and enable communication with the Code Yellow software.

  • Hardware Choice: The choice fell on the Asus Tinker Board S due to its suitability for web-based production automation and the ability to connect external touch panels via HDMI and USB. Additionally, a 7” HD screen with touch can be easily connected via MIPI-DSI.
  • HAT Development: Telerex designed a HAT board that expands the Tinker Board S with additional functionalities. This board was developed and tested within two weeks. The HAT board provides the necessary connections and allows the Tinker Board S to be configured with the supplied software, enabling communication with the Code Yellow software.
  • Housing: For the Tinker Board S with HAT, Telerex selected a square aluminum housing from OKW. This housing is equipped with all the right cutouts for the I/O connectors, ensuring a neat and functional finish.
  • Configuration and Integration: The Tinker Board S with HAT was configured using Armbian and Python scripts, allowing the gateway to translate various communication protocols into a readable script for the Code Yellow OS platform. This enables seamless integration of various devices and sensors with the TRACY software.
  • Proof-of-Concept: Within the set time, a proof-of-concept was delivered to Code Yellow, allowing them to conduct their tests and confirm the functionality of the gateway.

Thanks to the collaboration and expertise of Telerex, the universal gateway, named CY-BOX, was developed and delivered within the set time. This gateway will be used by Code Yellow as a standard solution with their TRACY software, resulting in an innovative solution within the manufacturing industry.

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