Electronic device and methods for its manufacture and use

Abstract

Electronic device comprising at least three modules (1, 2, 3), wherein the three modules (1, 2, 3) are a functional module (1), a main module (2) and a power supply module (3), wherein the power supply module (3) has a power supply unit and / or at least one connection (34, 35) for an external power supply and wherein the main module (2) has a processor (22), where each module (1, 2, 3) has a separate circuit board (10, 20, 30) wherein these circuit boards (10, 20, 30) are arranged in a plane, wherein the functional module (1) is designed for specific applications and has at least one application-specific hardware component, namely at least one sensor and at least one associated interface and / or at least one antenna and one antenna amplifier, as well as at least one modulation and demodulation device and / or one or more input and output interfaces (I / O) and / or one or more inputs and outputs for sensors and actuators and / or control logic, at least one microcontroller and / or at least one so-called "Field Programmable Gate Array" (FPGA) and / or one so-called "Digital Signal Processor" (DSP), one or more radio modules and / or an RFID module and / or at least one WLAN module.

Description

[0001] In a first aspect, the invention relates to an electronic device according to the preamble of the independent main claim 1.

[0002] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an electronic device according to the preamble of independent claim 3.

[0003] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for developing an electronic device according to the preamble of independent claim 6.

[0004] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing an electronic device according to the preamble of independent claim 8.

[0005] Such processes are needed to manufacture various electronic devices, whereby these devices are as flexible as possible in their function. State of the art

[0006] The publication DE 10 2007 035 645 A1 shows a universally applicable RFID reader configuration, suitable for applications in very small quantities, and capable of being subsequently converted for other applications without redesigning the entire system. The RFID reader consists of an RF module and at least one additional module, which are wired back via a backplane, with an antenna connected to the RF module.

[0007] A disadvantage of this state-of-the-art technology is that the desired individual adaptation of the device to the specific requirements of the user of such a system is very complex. Furthermore, the dimensions of such a device are naturally unsuitable for many applications, as the modules are wired back via a backplane, and the corresponding devices are therefore usually quite high. Furthermore, such a system is limited to RFID applications.

[0008] Document DE 101 08 767 A1 discloses an electronic control unit with flexible wires connecting a connector to a circuit board. Therein, a circuit board carrying electronic components and a connector connecting the control unit to external devices are connected by a flexible printed circuit board. A housing of the control unit is designed to contain a circuit board selected from among circuit boards of various sizes. The circuit board can be functionally divided into a specific number of circuit boards. A selection of each functionally divided circuit board is provided, and circuit boards meeting a specific requirement are selected from the selection and used in a control unit. Thus, electronic control units meeting various requirements are manufactured efficiently and economically.

[0009] The document DE 3 444 667 A1 further discloses a contact bridge for printed circuit boards arranged in the same plane in electrical and electronic devices and systems.

[0010] The disadvantage of the current state of the art is that the effort required to design and manufacture electronic devices, especially in small series, is disproportionately high. Task

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an electronic device and several methods which serve to reduce the cost of designing and manufacturing such electronic devices.

[0012] The problem is solved by the respective features of the independent claims.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0014] Such arrangements and methods serve to produce the largest possible number of different electronic devices with the least possible effort.

[0015] This is particularly advantageous for small runs of special electronic devices for which the effort of complete device design and production would not be worthwhile. The final, individual device design does not necessarily fall within the remit of a supplier of the device components. Rather, a method according to the third aspect of the invention enables a business model in which a device manufacturer, for example as a customer of the supplier, individually designs their own device based on the specified device components and, if necessary, with optional assistance from the supplier. In particular, this business model is intended to be used by a supplier and a large number of device manufacturers, whereby the device manufacturers, as customers of the supplier, can design and manufacture their own individual devices themselves in a time- and cost-effective manner.

[0016] Such electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, the following exemplary list: RFID readers, measuring devices, consumer electronics devices, electronic communication devices, communication terminals, modems, computers, computer accessories, computer peripherals, measuring and control devices, particularly for railways, logistics, industrial applications, manufacturing and process automation, agricultural industries and transport technology.

[0017] A particular advantage of the invention is that the individual component of the devices is limited to a necessary minimum for the device manufacturer, both during development and production, in terms of both hardware and software. The individual component is understood to be the component by which the respective devices differ from one or more basic configurations specified by the provider.

[0018] On the one hand, this simplifies the production of the devices, but on the other hand it also makes testing, certification and / or approval easier, since existing components have already undergone this process.

[0019] Therefore, it is advantageous to construct the devices modularly, so that each device has several modules. These modules typically contain both hardware and software components. Furthermore, it is advantageous to combine all individual hardware components of an application-specific assembly into a single module, as this reduces manufacturing effort and costs. Each module can advantageously have a separate circuit board on which its electronic components are located.

[0020] Such an individual module can be combined with at least one predefined module. In particular, several predefined modules, for example, two, can be combined with each other and with an individual module, so that in this example, a total of three modules are used: two predefined modules and one individual module.

[0021] In particular, these three modules can be a custom functional module, a predefined main module, and a predefined supply module. The functional module is individually assembled and configured for the respective application, and therefore usually includes both custom-assembled hardware components and custom software. Part of this software can consist of custom-assembled but predefined software modules. Another part of the software can be individually programmed. This custom part of the software usually contains the application-specific part of the software.

[0022] The functional module has an interface module necessary for communication with at least one other module, as well as at least one physical interface. The functional module is advantageously designed to be application-specific and thus has at least one, in particular several, application-specific components, in particular hardware components. Such application-specific components can be, for example, sensors and associated interfaces, antennas, antenna amplifiers, as well as modulation and demodulation devices, input and output interfaces (I / O), inputs and outputs for sensors and actuators, control logic, microcontrollers, FPGAs, DSPs, and radio modules. In particular, the functional module has an application-specific functional module corresponding to the respective application, for example, an RFID module, a WLAN module, or the like.These functional modules may also contain at least one, preferably several, of the aforementioned application-specific components.

[0023] The application-specific components, especially hardware components, can, for example, comply with the following standards: Bluetooth, WLAN (802.11 n, 802.11ac), GPRS, UMTS, ZigBee, Ant+, industrial buses (EtherCAT, Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet / IP).

[0024] A set of predefined main and supply modules can also exist and be offered by the provider, so that the respective device manufacturer has several predefined main modules and several predefined supply modules to choose from. A suitable main module can then be selected from the set of predefined main modules for operation with the individually created, application-specific functional module. Furthermore, a suitable supply module that fits both the functional module and the main module can be selected from the set of predefined supply modules.

[0025] Criteria for selecting the power supply module can include maximum power and heat generation, for example. For the main module, the criteria can include processor performance and the data storage capacity. Furthermore, the bus system and the corresponding interfaces can also play a role.

[0026] It is clear to those skilled in the art that the functional module must be designed in such a way that it matches the selected predefined modules, for example, that it uses the same bus systems, that it requires the corresponding supply voltages, etc. To this end, it is advantageous if a set of different components is also specified for the functional module that correspond to the specifications of at least some of the predefined modules. These components can be, for example, interfaces, processors, memory modules, sensors, antennas, amplifiers, electrical filters, etc. Of course, other components can also be used.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the modules use the USB standard, e.g., USB 2.0, to communicate with each other. This has the advantage of ensuring both data exchange and power supply.

[0028] For space reasons, a flat device design is advantageous for many applications. To achieve this, the hardware of the modules can be based on printed circuit boards, e.g., each as a single populated circuit board. The flat design is achieved in particular by arranging several, in particular all, or possibly three, such circuit boards on one level.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection of the modules arranged in one plane can be made via so-called "zebra connectors," as are known to those skilled in the art and described, for example, in WIKIPEDIA at http: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Elastomeric connector. While this does not correspond to the usual use of the zebra connector known in the prior art, corresponding tests have shown that such an electrical connection also functions perfectly, particularly for circuit boards arranged in one plane. This has the advantage of saving space compared to the use of conventional connectors. Furthermore, the electrical connection is established automatically during circuit board assembly, thus eliminating complex work steps, especially in automated production.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment, the connection can be made via so-called “press-fit bridges”.

[0031] In a possible refinement, the three modules are preferably designed as rectangular circuit boards of equal length. This has the advantage that the modules are arranged in a manner that connects to one another with their equally long edges and can be interchanged at will, at least with regard to their geometric arrangement. On the front of the device, each module then has a common contact edge with a front surface of the housing, where it can have its own I / O device ports. Finally, each I / O device port typically has a corresponding connector built into the front of the device.

[0032] Alternatively, and particularly advantageous for the previously mentioned design of the three modules as a function module, main module, and supply module, the following arrangement is available: Only two of the three modules, namely the function module and the supply module, each have an edge equipped with connectors which, when installed, is flush with the front of the device. The main module, on the other hand, has no direct mechanical contact with the front of the device. In an advantageous design, the circuit board of the main module is shorter than the circuit boards of the other two modules. In particular, the function module and the supply module can be L-shaped and arranged in opposite directions in the device. The main module is then rectangular and can be inserted into a gap created between the two L-shaped circuit boards, which are mirror-symmetrically aligned with each other.

[0033] This has the particular advantage that those modules that naturally require interfaces and / or additional connections have the largest possible contact area with the front of the device.

[0034] Finally, several different geometric shapes for the circuit boards can be offered by the supplier and the device manufacturer can, as already described, put together the modules suitable for his purposes.

[0035] Of course, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that an arrangement is also possible in which several or even all of these modules are combined on a common circuit board.

[0036] For example, the specified modules, especially the main module or the power module, could be combined on a common circuit board. All modules of the device, such as the power module, the main module, and the function module, could also be combined on a common circuit board, which in turn reduces the cost of large-scale production. Furthermore, it is conceivable to initially produce a device whose market success is not yet foreseeable in modular design in smaller quantities and, once market success exceeds a certain level, to switch to production with a single circuit board.

[0037] The housing can consist of two housing parts, which are preferably made of sheet steel for shielding and stability reasons. The first housing part preferably consists of a main housing that encloses the modules, which are based on printed circuit boards, on five sides and is only open at the front. The second part then has a matching front panel, which is connected to the printed circuit boards via their connectors if necessary. For additional mechanical fastening of the printed circuit boards, the second housing part has a fastening device. The fastening device can, for example, consist of a slide, preferably welded to the front panel. However, it can also be formed, for example, by an aluminum block.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the housing is constructed in three parts and consists of a lower shell, an upper shell, and a front panel. The lower shell and the upper shell do not need to be modified to manufacture different devices. However, the front panel can be modified for specific applications if necessary, for example, by having suitable openings for installing specific connectors. It can therefore be added to the housing downstream in the manufacturing process, ensuring that a large part of the manufacturing process remains consistent regardless of the final device design.

[0039] The design of a specific device is typically not the responsibility of the vendor who provides the enclosure and the predefined modules and components. While the vendor can also take on this role in special cases, it is particularly advantageous if a device manufacturer of a specific device takes on this design according to their individual requirements.

[0040] In particular, the provider provides the device manufacturer with a high degree of support in assembling and / or creating the customized hardware and software components. This support can be largely automated, thus requiring no labor costs for the provider.

[0041] On the hardware side, this can be done, for example, when creating the circuit board layout and selecting the appropriate electronic components. In particular, the housing can also be adapted to the hardware modules, e.g., with regard to the external connectors used. Internal cooling measures can also be offered, if necessary, as long as the corresponding circuit layout suggests this.

[0042] On the software side, assistance can also relate to the selection of the corresponding drivers and / or other hardware-related software components and their provision, for example on the Internet.

[0043] Furthermore, libraries of applications and programs with higher functionality can also be offered by the provider and / or exchanged and / or traded between users, in this case the device manufacturers.

[0044] This can be done via a dedicated network portal, which also simplifies the associated ordering process. One advantageous implementation involves a device manufacturer first registering with the provider's web-based customer portal. They then receive personalized access to further information about available hardware and software components, and preferably, associated online help.

[0045] In particular, the provider can provide the device manufacturer with an integrated development environment (IDE) in its customer portal, i.e. a software development environment with the usual tool chain (cross compiler, debugger, etc.) including appropriate development tools (“Development Tools”) with corresponding hardware-related software libraries.

[0046] When starting a new project, the device manufacturer selects hardware and software modules in the customer portal so that the IDE can create a corresponding system against which a programmer from the device manufacturer can program.

[0047] Once the registered device manufacturer has selected the necessary hardware components and modules for the device they have designed, a special, matching system is configured on a customer portal website, which specifically includes these software libraries. This system is used to write the software for the device, and in particular, an application and / or service program for the associated functional module.

[0048] At least part of the software can be contained in so-called "containers" in the form of hardware-related software, e.g., device drivers, as well as in the form of the applications / service programs that determine the actual function. In this case, at least one separate container is provided for each of the supply module and the functional module.

[0049] The hardware of each module can advantageously perform several different functions, so that in an advantageous implementation there can also be several containers per module.

[0050] It is particularly advantageous if the software of the specified modules is already available in the IDE, because this greatly simplifies the creation of the device software.

[0051] As already mentioned, the vendor can offer at least individual components for the functional module. Hardware-related software routines, especially drivers, can also be provided for these components in the IDE.

[0052] This allows the programmer to focus primarily on creating the individual portion of the device software, especially the respective application / service portion of the functional module. This is advantageous because it saves costs for the device manufacturer.

[0053] The fact that the IDE is network-based, i.e., can be used online, has the following advantages: Authentication and access to a specific project allows the specified modules to be assigned to a particularly well-informed person, for example, the responsible software developer at the vendor or a third party. This enables direct communication between the device manufacturer's programmer and the vendor's software developer, e.g., in the form of online help within the IDE with an integrated chat function and / or email contact.

[0054] Since the programmer works on the provider's server, e.g., browser-based, this system is platform-independent. Furthermore, they don't need to modify their operating system, such as Linux, for example, with the laborious installation of previously downloaded so-called "board support packages."

[0055] Licensing of this development environment and other associated services can also be flexibly managed via the IDE, e.g. in the form of project-based licenses.

[0056] The exchange and use of software products such as applications, services, libraries, and updates can be carried out online directly via the development system. Updates are performed centrally, meaning the server is updated regularly at short intervals. Synchronization times between the individual software providers of individual components of a device are eliminated. In particular, the exchange and use of software products such as applications, services, libraries, and updates can be carried out directly in the development system, enabling appropriate synchronization of components in the event of mutual dependencies. The standard components are already certified by the provider. Further licensing or certifications can advantageously be managed and processed online via the IDE.

[0057] Flexible resources can be provided for the development system and adapted to the usage profile. In particular, the customer, in this case the device manufacturer, is provided with computing power, a test server, and the necessary support.

[0058] It is therefore easy to use the predefined modules together with the software.

[0059] If a container has direct access to the module's hardware, then this container also contains hardware-related software components, such as device drivers, for this hardware module. In addition, each container contains the actual application / service with the corresponding functionality, as well as a so-called "WebSocket interface" with its own, unique number, such as an IPv6 number. The WebSocket interface is used for identification, configuration, control, and data exchange with the application / service contained in the container.The interface also serves a central web service for the administration of the individual containers, including the associated software and hardware, and it is also accessible across physical device boundaries, making it possible to combine several physical devices with distributed administration into one virtual device with central administration.

[0060] For some hardware modules, at least one such software container is provided. The software container contains a kernel module that is used to address the hardware, as well as additional services and interfaces, for example, to communicate with a network layer of the device software.

[0061] The lowest layer of the device consists of the hardware modules described above. An operating system, such as Linux, sits on top of this. The next higher layer is a network layer, e.g., for communication with other devices (TCP / IP), and a network interface built on top of it. These components are predefined.

[0062] The user therefore only needs to write the containers for their own functional module. However, if they use the provided IDE, they will also receive assistance in the form of drivers, experience sharing, and other hardware-related software components.

[0063] The application-specific software belonging to the functional module is advantageously stored in the data memory of the main module so that the system software has access to it. Furthermore, the operating system, for example, Linux, is implemented on the main module and thus stored in the data memory of the main module.

[0064] A major advantage of "containerizing" software, i.e., the use of containers as described above, is that it allows application-specific parts of the software to be kept more independent of the base system, as they are thus based on a partially virtualized system. In particular, this allows system-independent software components in the form of libraries to be used in a container-specific manner. This high degree of independence of the application-specific software modules significantly simplifies the construction of libraries, and thus also the construction of the IDE described above, which represents a very significant additional advantage.

[0065] Container development in the IDE can be further simplified by equipping the system with a standard editor that enables programming in common programming languages ​​such as C++, C, Java, or similar, as well as a debugger, compiler, development tools, and software libraries, some of which may be hardware-specific. Furthermore, software components can be arranged based on default settings and resource requirements.

[0066] The IDE advantageously includes a project wizard for loading and saving projects. Furthermore, the IDE features the aforementioned online help, which may include community support, for example, to clarify questions about interfaces. It is also advantageous if the IDE includes a library that can be expanded, for example, according to the open source principle or, if necessary, by the device manufacturer itself through commercially available programs, because this expands the IDE's range of functions with minimal effort on the part of the provider. Another advantage is that programmers can communicate with each other in this way, and the system thus automatically acquires information.

[0067] Paid support is also conceivable, ranging from assistance to writing program components to creating the entire software.

[0068] In particular, the system provides a function for calling up or saving settings. Example

[0069] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1 a representation of an overall concept; Fig. 2 the hardware structure of an electronic device, namely Fig. 2a, b possible arrangements of several circuit boards; Fig. 2c an assembly of the circuit boards; Fig. 2d the electronic device with a three-part housing; Fig. 2e, f, g an electronic connection between two circuit boards via a zebra connector; Fig. 3 a general structure of the software of the electronic device; Fig. 4a, b the structure and user interface of an integrated development environment IDE; Fig. 5 the possibilities for composing the individual components in the manufacture of the electronic device, namely: Fig. 5a an overview of the subcomponents and their composition flow and Fig. 5b a configuration process.

[0070] The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for identical, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of identical elements may be scaled differently.

[0071] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an overall concept for manufacturing an electronic device. This electronic device includes a modular embedded platform (MEP), depicted in the center. This MEP includes its hardware (HW) and software (SW), which correspond to each other, as indicated by the shared arrow.

[0072] Furthermore, the development tools “DT” (Development Tools) suitable for creating the software are shown, which of course correspond to the software SW, which is represented by another arrow between these components.

[0073] Ultimately, manufacturing involves an inventive business model BM, which in particular clarifies the distribution of tasks between a device manufacturer and a supplier of device components.

[0074] This model will be explained below using an example implementation. This example implementation refers to a customized RFID reader.

[0075] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware structure of such an electronic device, in particular a modular RFID reader. Each of the modules 1, 2, and 3 is implemented on the basis of a circuit board 10, 20, and 30, respectively.

[0076] The Fig. Figure 2a shows a first possible geometric arrangement of three modules, namely a functional module 1, a main module 2 and a supply module 3.

[0077] The three modules, namely the functional module 1, the main module 2, and the supply module 3, are each rectangular and at least equally long in their geometric dimensions. This allows the geometric positions of the main module 2 and the supply module 3 to be interchanged.

[0078] In the Fig. Figure 2b shows another possible arrangement. In this case, the circuit board 20 of the main module 2 is shorter than the circuit boards 10, 30 of the other two modules 1, 3. Furthermore, the circuit boards 10, 30 of the functional module 1 and the supply module 3 are L-shaped and arranged in opposite directions. The circuit board 20 of the main module 2 is rectangular and is inserted into a gap created between the two L-shaped circuit boards 10, 30, which are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another. One advantage of this arrangement becomes clear from the following illustration.

[0079] In the Fig. Figure 2c shows the circuit boards 10, 20, and 30 in this latter arrangement, viewed from a top view of their component side. The corresponding conductor tracks and connection contacts run on the other side of the circuit board and are irrelevant to the invention.

[0080] Function module 1 has an RFID module as function block 11, which contains all the necessary RFID components, such as RF modulators and a USB 2 interface. For other versions, a different function block 11 with the corresponding functionality can be provided at this point, for example, a WLAN module. For versions whose central function block 11 does not have USB functionality, a separate USB 2 converter module 16 is provided as an alternative.

[0081] The main module 2 has a µSD card slot 21 for system updates or the like. In this case, the card slot 21 is equipped with a corresponding, unspecified µSD card. The main module 2 also has a processor 22, a RAM module 23, and a flash memory 24.

[0082] The supply module 3 has a USB hub 31 to connect multiple devices, an I / O module 32 and a USB-Ethernet converter 33. For other versions whose components do not have integrated USB functionality, a separate USB 2 converter module 16 is optionally provided, which is not necessary in the present version.

[0083] Furthermore, the functional module 1 and the supply module have an edge shown at the bottom of the drawing, which, when installing the modules 1, 2, 3 in a housing 4, is aligned with the edge shown in the Fig. 2d. The connectors 12, 12', 34, and 35 are arranged on this edge.

[0084] These are two “TNC Reverse” antenna sockets 12, 12' as well as a “Power over Ethernet” socket 34 and a “Power + IOs” socket.

[0085] Furthermore, in the Fig. 2d shows an upper part 42 and a lower part 41 of the housing 4, wherein the three modules 1, 2, 3 are arranged in the lower part.

[0086] The Fig. 2e to 2g show how the circuit boards 10, 20, 30 are electronically connected to each other.

[0087] The Fig. Figure 2e shows a state-of-the-art zebra connector. It is a cuboid-shaped elastomer consisting of an alternating sequence of electrically conductive 52 and insulating 53 layers. The layer thickness is approximately in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0088] The Fig. Figure 2f shows the use of such a zebra connector. Two printed circuit boards 10, 30, with their contacts and conductor tracks, are screwed onto the zebra connector 5 from above using two screws S, S' in the drawing. Their contacts generally come into contact with several electrically conductive layers 53 of the zebra connector 5 and are thus electrically connected to each other in the horizontal direction shown in the drawing. This electrically connects opposing contacts at the edges of the adjacent printed circuit boards 10, 30.

[0089] The Fig. 2g shows the cross section of the Fig. 2f. In particular, it shows how the screw connection S, S' required for mounting the printed circuit boards presses the printed circuit boards 10, 30 onto the zebra connector 5, thus establishing contact.

[0090] The Fig. Figure 3 shows the structure of the associated software. The lowest level is provided by the previously described hardware modules 1, 2, and 3, with the main module 2 and the supply module 3 being combined in a base module, as an example. Furthermore, two exemplary function modules 1, 1' are provided. Above this is the operating system layer 61, for example, Linux. A network layer 62 is located on top of this, which, on the one hand, enables communication with other devices in a local or global network, but, on the other hand, also enables individual local applications to communicate. A web container 63 based on this enables access to and administration of the device, with options for machine-to-machine communication via services 631, as well as the GUI interface 632 for human-machine interaction based on this.

[0091] All components belonging to the basic system 6, in particular the basic module 1, 2, the operating system 61, the network layer 62, and the web container 63 with its services 631 and its GUI interface, are outlined in the drawing with the corresponding dashed line. These components can be considered as specified by the provider. The device manufacturer therefore adopts these components as offered by the device manufacturer. This includes, in particular, the main module 2 and the supply module 3, which in this example are combined into a basic module. In an alternative embodiment, they could of course also be implemented as separate components. In contrast, the first functional module 1 and possible additional components, for example, a second functional module 1', are designed by the device manufacturer for the specific application and therefore do not belong to the basic system 6.

[0092] Furthermore, a software container 7 is shown as an example, in this case for the function module 1. The content of this software container does not belong to the basic system 6, i.e., this content must be individually created or at least compiled by the device manufacturer. Furthermore, another software container 7' is indicated, e.g., for the supply module. Advantageously, at least one software container 7 is provided for the system integration of the functionality of each (hardware) module 1, 2, 3. Several containers 7 can also be present for a module 1, 2, 3, so that the module 1, 2, 3 can assume different functions. The software container 7 has an application 71, which contains the actual functionality of the respective module 1, 2, 3. It also has meta information 72, e.g.for identification via the network layer 62, as well as a so-called module driver 73 for addressing the respective hardware of the associated module 1, 2, 3, in this case, the functional module 1. In addition, the container has its own file system 74, allowing it to operate and be administered (e.g., installed, upgraded, deleted) completely independently of the base system. The container's own GUI services 75 can be dynamically integrated into the base services 631.

[0093] Although the content of software container 7 of functional module 1 is not predetermined, its structure and functionality can be, which at least makes things easier for a programmer at the device manufacturer. Furthermore, the software containers of the modules belonging to the basic system, namely the main module 2 and the supply module 3, can be predetermined by the device manufacturer.

[0094] The Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows the components of a corresponding integrated software environment (IDE) with the associated server architecture 8 and a corresponding user interface 9, with the aid of which the various device manufacturers (“users”) 81, 81', ..., can assemble and design their individual devices based on the components and information provided by the provider, as well as create the required software components. This is done with the aid of a corresponding development interface 9 and, in particular, a corresponding software library (“libraries”) 93 available thereon.

[0095] For this purpose, a web server 82 is part of the server architecture 8. The web server 82 represents the interface between the entire server infrastructure and the individual users 81 and thus forms the frontend of the IDE.

[0096] Furthermore, as a further component of the server architecture, means for the unique authentication of users 81 are available.

[0097] Furthermore, there is an additional component that provides resources for resource management 84. Resource management 84 is capable of allocating hardware and / or software resources to individual users 81 depending on constraints, such as licenses.

[0098] In addition, the IDE provides development tools (a "toolchain") 85 familiar to the expert, namely a cross-compiler 86, a debugger 87, and an emulator 88 of the embedded system. In an advantageous embodiment, the toolchain 85 can comprise the embedded hardware 89 on the server side, for example, the predefined and possibly also the individually configured hardware modules 1, 2, 3.

[0099] For example, user 81 can log in to web server 82 via a browser with a valid login. The user can be assigned to groups.

[0100] Toolbar 91 provides functionalities for software development. User-created project files are displayed in the project window 92. The project window 92 is used to save and access project settings and development phase settings (properties).

[0101] Licenses can be assigned to the user. The user can work on multiple projects in parallel, allowing project-specific settings, as these can be saved and accessed in an associated user interface 9, for example, via a project window 92.

[0102] Such a user interface 9 may include: - A toolbar 91; - the project window 92; - Software library (“Libraries”) 93; - an editor / viewer 94; - a Console 95; - a Properties window 96 in which the user 81 can assign properties to his account, - a communication window 97, e.g. for an online help function.

[0103] Library 93, as already explained, provides an automatically generated overview of the libraries / device drivers / system interfaces (libraries) available for the selected predefined modules.

[0104] File contents are edited / evaluated in Editor / Viewer 94.

[0105] Console 95 is an output window for runtime feedback.

[0106] The communication window 97 allows, for example, the possibility of contacting developers of the libraries and interfaces used or a higher-level support employee (Communication).

[0107] The Fig. Figure 5a shows the individual components that comprise a configured overall system. The core system 100 comprises a processor board 2, a dedicated bootloader 101, and an operating system 61. Due to the close interlinking of the individual components, the core system 100 is only replaceable as a whole.

[0108] To obtain a base product 200, the core system 100 is supplemented with the added housing 4, the supply module 3, and corresponding base containers 7'', 7'''. This base product can already be intended for the customer as a semi-finished product.

[0109] A complete end product 300 also consists of a functional module 1, associated (“functional”) containers 7, 7', ... and a corresponding front panel 43, which takes into account the interfaces of the functional module 1.

[0110] The Fig.Figure 5b shows the ordering processes for the finished product. Via the web portal 400, the customer 500, who is, in particular, a device manufacturer, accesses the selection process 450, where they select the components 451 required for their product. If they are available 452, they can select the corresponding components 451 from a corresponding catalog, configure them, and add them to the product.

[0111] If one or more required components 450 are not available, the customer must use an order process 460 if he does not want to create the component(s) 450 himself. Using the component specification 461, he can have a corresponding component manufactured directly by the platform provider internally 462 or, if this is not possible, externally with a cooperation partner 463, which is then added to the product.

[0112] The development of software components can be supported by the device manufacturer in the development portal.

[0113] If no contract partner can be found for a component (X), it is the customer's responsibility to have the remaining components manufactured as semi-finished products. (List of reference symbols) MEP Modular Embedded Platform HW Hardware SW Software DT Development Tools BM business model 1 functional module 10 Function module circuit board 11 RFID module / function module 12, 12' TNC Reverse'' antenna sockets 16 optional USB 2 converter module 2 Main module 20 main module circuit board 21 µSD card slot 22 processors 23 RAM module 24 flash memory 3 Supply module 30 supply module circuit board 31 USB hub 32 I / O module 33 USB-Ethernet converters 34 Power over Ethernet socket 35 “Power + IOs” socket 36 optional USB 2 converter module 4 housings 41 Lower part of the housing 42 Upper part of the housing 43 Front panel 5 Zebra connector 52 insulating layer 53 conductive layer S, S' screws 6 Basic system 61 Operating system 62 Network layer 63 WEB layer 631 services 632 GUI 7, 7', ... software container 71 Application 72 Meta-Information 73 module drivers 74 File system 75 GUI Service 8 Server architecture of the IDE 81, 81', ... User / Device Manufacturer 82 web servers 83 Means of authentication 84 Means of resource management 85 development tools 86 cross compilers 87 Debuggers 88 Emulator 89 embedded hardware 9 User interface 91 Toolbar 92 Project window / Project assistant 93 Software Library 94 Editor / Viewer 95 Console 96 Properties window 97 communication windows 100 core system 101 Bootloader 200 basic product 300 final product 400 Web 450 Selection process 451 components 452 Query “Are components present?” 453 Catalog 454 Order 460 order process 461 (component) specification 462 Query “internal?” 463 Query “external?”

Claims

[1] Electronic device comprising at least three modules (1, 2, 3), wherein the three modules (1, 2, 3) are a functional module (1), a main module (2) and a supply module (3), wherein the supply module (3) has a power supply unit and / or at least one connection (34, 35) for an external power supply and wherein the main module (2) comprises a processor (22), wherein each module (1, 2, 3) has a separate circuit board (10, 20, 30) wherein these circuit boards (10, 20, 30) are arranged in one plane, wherein the functional module (1) is designed to be application-specific and has at least one application-specific hardware component, namely at least one sensor and at least one associated interface and / or at least one antenna and one antenna amplifier as well as at least one modulation and demodulation device and / or one or more input and output interfaces (I / O) and / or one or more inputs and outputs for sensors and actuators and / or a control logic, at least one microcontroller and / or at least one so-called "Field Programmable Gate Array" (FPGA) and / or a so-called "Digital Signal Processor" (DSP), one or more radio modules and / or an RFID module and / or at least one WLAN module. [2] Electronic device according to the preceding claim, characterized by that at least two modules (1, 2, 3) are connected to each other for data exchange and / or power supply via zebra connectors (5). [3] Method for operating an electronic device, wherein the lowest layer of this device is formed by hardware, wherein the hardware is formed by a selection and combination of several modules (1, 1', 2, 3), wherein the hardware is based on an operating system (61) which cooperates with a network layer (62) and a software, wherein part of the software (73) is hardware-specific, wherein at least part of the hardware-specific software (73) is stored in containers (7, 7', ...), wherein at least one container (7) is provided for a functional module (1) and another container (7') is provided for a supply module (2) wherein hardware-specific software (73) of the associated module (1, 1', 2, 3) is stored in the respective container (7, 7', ...), wherein the hardware-specific software contains drivers (73) of the hardware, wherein the software further includes at least one application (71) which controls the function of the at least one module (1, 2, 3), wherein the respective application (71, 71', ...) of the module (1, 2, 3) is stored in the respective container (7, 7', ...) belonging to the module (1, 2, 3), characterized by that the container (7, 7', ...) has its own file system (74) so ​​that it can operate and be administered, ie installed, upgraded and / or deleted, completely independently of the base system. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that the containers have their own human-machine interfaces (75), which are dynamically integrated by the basic services (631). [5] Method according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized bythat in the containers (7, 7', ...) each contain a so-called "WebSocket Interface" which has a unique number, in particular an IPv6 number, which is used for identification, configuration, control and / or data exchange with the application (71) contained in the container and / or the service program (71, 75) contained in the container, wherein several such devices are combined to form a common virtual device via a respective web interface (63) and via a common network by using a central program. [6] Method for developing an electronic device having hardware and software components and comprising several modules (1, 2, 3), wherein a first part of the hardware and software components belonging to at least one given module (2, 3) is already determined at the beginning of the development of the device, and that a second part of the hardware and software components belonging to at least one further module (1) is only compiled or created during the development of the device, wherein an online portal is provided in which various modules (2, 3) and hardware components are made available for selection, wherein after a selection has been made, an integrated development environment (8) is automatically constructed on the basis of the selection, which, among other things, provides hardware-related software components in the form of a library (93), wherein the development environment is built on a server (8), which enables network-based, system-independent access, wherein the provided hardware-related software components include drivers for the hardware of the given modules (2, 3), characterized by that the development environment provides an emulator (88) of the embedded system. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that a help function is provided in the development environment via a communication field (97) via which communication takes place with a developer of the software components. [8] Method for producing an electronic device having a plurality of modules (1, 2, 3) and a housing (4), wherein a supplier offers the housing (4) and several predetermined modules (2, 3) and a device manufacturer designs at least one further module (1) itself, wherein the provider sets up an online portal with a web server (82) via which the device manufacturer selects and orders the housing (4) and the specified modules (2, 3), whereby the provider provides the device manufacturer with a development environment (8) for creating the device software, wherein in the development environment (8) a software library (93) is provided for the selected modules (2, 3) and optionally also for further hardware components (11, 12, 16), which contains hardware-related software components, e.g. hardware drivers, for controlling the hardware and at least one application (71) for controlling the function of the specified modules (2, 3), characterized by that the device manufacturer has at least one necessary component manufactured externally with a cooperation partner (463), which is automatically added to the device. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the development environment continues to provide an editor (94), a project wizard (92), a function for saving user-specific settings and a help function. [10] Method according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized by that the at least one predetermined module comprises two predetermined modules (2, 3), namely a supply module (2) and a main module (3), and that the further module is a functional module (1), wherein the supply module (3) has a power supply and / or at least one connection (34, 35) for an external power supply and wherein the main module (2) comprises a processor (22) and wherein the functional module has, depending on the intended application, at least one application-specific hardware component, namely at least one sensor and at least one associated interface and / or at least one antenna and one antenna amplifier as well as at least one modulation and demodulation device and / or one or more input and output interfaces (I / O) and / or one or more inputs and outputs for sensors and actuators and / or a control logic, at least one microcontroller and / or at least one so-called “Field Programmable Gate Array” (FPGA) and / or a so-called “Digital Signal Processor” (DSP), one or more radio modules and / or an RFID module and / or at least one WLAN module.

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