Case Studies

Research Support : Informatics

Input Edinburgh University informatics: high

performance enCORE processor

Needs The ancillary support systems to enable the

core to be demonstrated (non-research)

iSLI Engagement Provide FPGA daughterboard design and layout services Mentor research student through design process

Outcomes Fully working board delivered on time, first time Performance exceeded design spec. and expectations

2

Pre-Start Up : Ewgeco

Prior to iSLI – plastic box and lights EDTC – business and product support Shore Design – enclosure & visuals

iSLI engagement – functional prototype EDSS – architectural scoping of requirements / pricing Contract – Development of first working prototype Outcome – Product launch with professional quality demo

Post iSLI ECS (low volume prodn); Shore Design (aesthetic development)

EDTC (continued business / strategic support)

Recently iSLI re-engagement on production cost engineering removing

$100 a unit from the bill of materials

3

Lone Inventor : Funky Moves

Input Sole inventor with a simple wired solution

iSLI Engagement Provide guidance and support on radio H/W Develop S/W stack to support operation Provide demonstration application and full

access to all code generated

Outcomes Client had a working system to demonstrate to investors Market research could be undertaken Extension from games base learning, to fitness assessment,

professional athletics and the armed forces.

4

High Growth : High Tech

Input An idea, management duo and 1 process tech.

iSLI Engagement Voucher Scheme

Evaluate design space as initial feasibility study TTOM

Develop first design iteration within area scoped by voucher Refine and evaluate to deliver acceptable performance

Contract Further refine design and develop novel features Translate into masking files for fabrication

Outcome International patent for MEMS technology Prototype devices and increased headcount; inc. MEMS designer Industry buyout for £2.9M in mixed cash and stocks

5

Established Player : Optos Optos PLC

Wide angle laser scanning ophthalmoscopes Client required machine vision based automation Original research conducted by Heriot-Watt University Result was not fully functional but was not

computationally affordable

iSLI provided image processing design Algorithm down selection, mathematical modelling Embedded software development Production of commercial release grade code Link between the company and the University

Client deployed release software went into the latest product University received experience & input to research roadmap

6

Technology Group

The Institute for System Level Integration

7

Structure & Aims

Seven engineering staff - 70% PhDs Enabling electronics team – predominantly ex-industry; good pool MEMS – academic recruitment; no other pool to draw from

Very broad technology expertise Analogue, digital, ASIC, S/W, wireless, image proc., MEMS, FPGA… Substantial further depth through University partners – CPD fuel…

Tool Hub - commercially licensed design tool access Leading edge tools - Huge cost gulf for later stage R&D Hands on tool use for real prototype development

Fully flexible engagement Market responsive service / skills provision

8

Activities

Scoping of up-skilling activities De-risking potential new technology routes for companies

Company Technical Mentoring Technology assistance, not services Work with the client to develop their solution and their capability

Differentiated Market Engagement Principally SME base Significant engagement with companies invisible to development agencies

CPD / Education Support Project definition & supervision for EngD and MSc Front line support for CPD modules / tool hub use

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