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technical support difficulties. This can reduce the uncertainties in product develop-
ment. Advantech's professional software team focuses on providing complete Board
Support Packages. They also help customers create a software development envi-
ronment for their RISC platforms.
Advantech RISC design-in services helps customers reduce time to market by over-
coming their problems through streamlined services.
Planning Stage
Before deciding to adopt Advantech RISC COM, customers must go through a com-
plete survey process, detailing product features, specifications, and compatibility
testing with software. Advantech offers a RISC Customer Solution Board (CSB) as
an evaluation tool for carrier boards which are simultaneously designed when devel-
oping RISC COMs. In the planning stage, customers can use this evaluation board to
assess RISC modules and test peripheral hardware. Advantech provides standard
software Board Support Packages (BSP) for RISC COM, so that customers can
define their product's specifications while simultaneously verifying I/O and perfor-
mance. Advantech also offers software evaluation and peripheral module recommen-
dations (such as Wi-Fi, 3G, and BT). At this stage, Advantech seeks to resolve
customer concerns. Product evaluation with a focus on performance and specifica-
tion is vital during the planning period. Therefore, Advantech helps their customers
conduct all the necessary tests for their RISC COM.
Design Stage
Advantech will supply a reference carrier board design guide when a product moves
into the design stage. The carrier board design guide provides pin definitions for the
COM connectors with limitations and recommendations for carrier board design. This
design guide gives customers clear guidelines during their carrier board develop-
ment. Advantech offers a complete pin-out check list for different form factors such as
Q7, ULP and RTX 2.0, enabling carrier board signals and layout design examination.
Advantech's team helps customers review the placement/layout and schematics.
This helps carrier board designs fulfill customers' requirements. Advantech's RISC
software team assists in establishing an environment for software development while
evaluating the time and resources needed. Advantech can also cooperate with third
parties to provide proficient consulting services in software development. With
Advantech's professional support, the design process is eased and product quality is
improved; thus meeting customer targets.
Integration Stage
This phase comprises HW/SW integration, application development, and peripheral
module implementation. Due to the lack of knowledge and experience using plat-
forms, customers need to spend a certain amount of time on analyzing integration
problems. In addition, peripheral module implementation is relevant to driver designs
on carrier boards. RISC platforms usually have less support for ready-made drivers
on carrier boards, therefore users need to learn by trial and error to get the best solu-
tion with the least effort. Advantech's team has years of experience in customer sup-
port and HW/SW development. Advantech supports customers with professional
advice and information shortening development time and enabling effective product
integration.
Validation stage
After the completion of a customer's ES sample there is a series of verification steps.
In addition to verifying a product's functionality, testing a product's efficiency is an
important stage for RISC platforms. Through an efficient verification process, backed
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