Danfoss’ development department used FORCE Technology’s new IoT do-it-yourself test facilities for product pretesting, aiming to develop better wireless products targeted at customers’ needs and requirements. IoT do-it-yourself test has both financial and development-related benefits.

In connection with an IoT development project, Danfoss has used FORCE Technology’s newly-established IoT do-it-yourself test facilities in Aarhus, Denmark, to create 2D radiation measurements for an antenna in one of their thermostats. Jesper Bruhn Hansen, R&D Engineer at Danfoss, is working on a development project for the new generation of thermostats with built-in wireless functionality.

Pre-assessment of new product

Danfoss’ aim with the IoT do-it-yourself measurement was to test the direction of the antenna’s radiation, after which the development team could adjust the antenna design:

“This measurement gave us a better idea of the direction of the antenna’s output transmission, and where this will give the best experience for our customers,” says Jesper Bruhn Hansen.

He highlights the importance for Danfoss that the antenna design is optimised for their customers, who should find the wireless connection to be just as roboust as Danfoss’ other products’ renowned mechanical and electronic characteristics. The measurement results have given the R&D team vital input on how the antenna design can be adjusted to make the finished product even better.

“For us, the IoT do-it-yourself test facilities are a great way to pre-assess the product. We already have good experience with our products that we can build on. Performing do-it-yourself tests in the early development phases makes us better prepared for the final testing of the product, once the development stage is completed,” says Jesper Bruhn Hansen, R&D Engineer at Danfoss.

Greater influence and a more active role

In FORCE Technology's IoT do-it-yourself test facilities, the measurement equipment can be used to create proprietary test set-ups and conduct tests. Jesper Bruhn Hansen values this active role, which gives greater influence and efficiency in the testing cycle.

“The advantage of using the do-it-yourself test facilities is that we are more active during the test cycle, and thereby more efficient. Detailed knowledge of our products, such as how the service interface functions, is often required to create the test set-up and measurement,” says Jesper Bruhn Hansen.

If any problems or issues occur that need to be clarified during the test process, FORCE Technology’s experts are ready to help.

Financial benefits

The IoT do-it-yourself test facilities ensure good flexibility for companies, which can perform the tests when this fits into their project process. Do-it-yourself test is also a good way to keep down the price of testing and testing equipment.

”Companies that don’t have the facilities to perform their own measurements can obviously benefit from using DELTA’s IoT do-it-yourself test facilities. FORCE Technology is a good focus point for this, especially because performing your own tests often is costly. It’s a great advantage for us that we don’t have to invest in expensive measurement equipment, since this equipment also need to be serviced and maintained,” says Jesper Bruhn Hansen, adding: If this is a new brand area for you, it could be a good idea to join the EMC Club or IoT & Wireless Club, where you can get some really useful basic knowledge.”

3 types of IoT do-it-yourself tests

IoT do-it-yourself test facilities give companies the opportunity to pretest their own products during product development, to ensure a better wireless product. The facilities are available to the IoT and Wireless Club’s members, and FORCE Technology offers 3 types of IoT do-it-yourself tests:
  • ESD immunity test
  • Antenna matching
  • 2D radiation pattern measurement