In today's rapidly evolving technology landscape, product development in the Internet of Things (IoT) space presents unique challenges and opportunities. At Device Solutions, our 20 years of experience has taught us valuable lessons about navigating the complex journey from concept to market-ready product.
Understanding IoT Fundamentals
At its core, IoT is about moving data. Sensors collect information, a microprocessor processes it, and a wireless link transmits it to the cloud. While this sounds straightforward, the execution demands careful planning and expertise.
The Critical Discovery Phase
The discovery phase is perhaps the most crucial element of product development. This is where we define what the product will do, how it will look, and whether it's producible at an acceptable cost.
A successful discovery phase follows a specific pattern - it starts strong, allowing for exploration and refinement, but must eventually converge. If discovery continues indefinitely or expands late in the process, budgets can quickly be exhausted before completion.
As Will often tells our clients: "Measure twice, cut once." This old adage perfectly captures the importance of thorough planning before committing resources.
Architecture Decisions That Make or Break Products
Radio Selection
When choosing radios for IoT devices, developers must consider multiple factors including certification requirements, power consumption, antenna size, and frequency. Lower frequencies (like 915 MHz) provide better penetration through walls and greater range compared to higher frequencies (like 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz).
Many developers initially hesitate at cellular solutions due to monthly fees, but today's data costs have become so minimal that the benefits of nationwide coverage often outweigh these concerns.
Processor Selection
The processor market offers countless options, but the decision doesn't need to be overwhelming. Look for vendors with robust firmware libraries to reduce development time and always plan for more memory than initially calculated - requirements invariably increase as projects progress.
Battery Considerations
For portable devices, battery selection involves unavoidable tradeoffs. Smaller devices mean smaller batteries and shorter battery life - there's no magic solution. The best approach is to create systems that minimize battery usage by maximizing sleep time while maintaining the perception of constant activity.
Antenna Design
Antennas are often misunderstood components. They require physical volume within the device and interact with every element of the assembly. Performance must be tested early and monitored throughout development, especially for cellular applications where carrier certification requirements are stringent.
Our merger with Raptor Wireless Labs has significantly strengthened our antenna design capabilities, allowing us to offer even more comprehensive solutions in this critical area.
Development Best Practices
Advance Work When Possible
Start any aspect of development as soon as feasible. For electrical development, purchase development kits early - they're relatively inexpensive and allow software teams to begin work while hardware is still being designed.
PCB Development Process
The printed circuit board (PCB) development process involves schematic design, component placement, and routing. Each step requires careful attention as mistakes can be costly to fix later. In particular, layout decisions can significantly impact performance through signal interference.
Test Early, Test Often
Electrical issues can't be seen or felt - they must be measured. Regular testing throughout development helps catch problems before they become expensive to fix. This is especially important for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Certification Planning
Any electrical product operating above 9 kHz requires FCC certification. These processes are notoriously time-consuming and should be built into project timelines with appropriate buffers. Pre-testing is essential to avoid costly failures during formal certification.
With the combined expertise of Device Solutions and Raptor Wireless Labs, our certification support has never been stronger.
Managing Risk and Cost
Product development is fundamentally about balancing risk and progress. Major risks - like betting on unreleased components or having to redo substantial work - can derail projects entirely.
When calculating system costs, consider the full picture. For example, saving a quarter on a bill of materials might seem attractive, but the engineering hours required could outweigh the benefit depending on production volume. Similarly, using pre-certified radio modules costs more per unit but saves on certification expenses - generally, the breakeven point is around 10,000 units.
Conclusion
Successful IoT product development requires balancing technical requirements, business constraints, and regulatory compliance. By focusing on thorough planning, strategic component selection, and rigorous testing, companies can navigate this complex landscape and bring innovative products to market efficiently.
Device Solutions, newly strengthened by our merger with Raptor Wireless Labs, is committed to helping our clients at any stage of this journey - whether you're starting with just an idea or need assistance resolving specific challenges in an existing project. Our team bring decades of experience to ensure your product development journey is successful from concept to market.