Pictured is a custom data logger developed by Henway for a team of medical researchers working on a new helmet concept. These researchers, comprised of mathematicians and mechanical engineers, use motion sensors and mathematics to predict complex forces on the brain during an impact. Using a proprietary algorithm, they aim to determine the location and severity of the impact to determine if medical attention is needed.
The next step of their project is to convert their tabletop test system into portable circuitry that mounts inside a helmet for further testing. The circuit needs to hold a large number of samples, be battery-powered, time-stamp, and sync all sensor inputs with extremely high accuracy. It also needed to connect to a computer so the researchers could start/stop tests, log data, run algorithms, graph results, and toggle GPIOs easily.
The team called on Henway after hearing about our expertise in designing custom high-end data loggers. We approached the project to future-proof the design to accommodate evolving data and experiments. The project documentation includes the need for expansion pins, a large processor with ample DACs, ADCs, inputs, and outputs, dual SD card holders for maximum data collection, I2C expanders, and Bluetooth/WiFi connectivity to download data from a variety of helmets in real-time. They asked us to make the schematic, PCB layout, build prototypes, and write all the software.
If you need advanced custom electronics and custom data loggers, contact us to start a conversation.