When Geotech wanted a new generation of intrinsically safe landfill and biogas analysers, it asked ByteSnap Design to develop the devices. The team’s state-of-the-art solution was a prototype based on a Win CE device, bringing smartphone-like power and ease of use to Geotech’s intrinsically safe device product range.
The new devices are the first gas analysers approved for Zone 0 (the most hazardous gas or vapour) environments based upon an on-board operating system – in this case, Windows CE.
To meet the requirements for Zone 0 environments, ByteSnap’s ATEX design engineering specialists had to meet exacting safety requirements, for example, ensuring that no heat was dissipated within the box.
Using a full custom board design and writing all the device’s software in-house, the team created an ultra-low-power design that consumed fewer than 800 mW under heavy load. Further, the Win CE device offered many of the features associated with a modern smartphone, these included:
- GPS for tracking meter reading locations and route planning
- Bluetooth for communications
- Compass
- Accelerometer
- TFT LCD screen
- Keypad
- Audio
The user interface was developed using ByteSnap Design’s SnapUI software to create a user-friendly interface that required minimal operator training.
