[Lab Bench Online]
EiED Online>> Disposable Solutions With Low-Cost MCUs
William Wong
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ED Online ID #12335 |
April 19, 2006
Wong: How did you test the SideKick? Neel: SideKick electronics are tested while in pc-board panel form using custom designed, high volume/precision manufacturing test fixtures. This reduces the labor cost of calibration and functional test time to a minimum.
Wong: What went right with the SideKick project? Neel: Working with the Texas Instrument MSP 430 group was the best experience for making such a complex ASIC. They had all of the technology components [we needed] to meet our project challenges. They also had an aura of great confidence in their engineering ability and management skill to execute the overall process from idea to production chips. This confidence was validated when the chips were delivered ahead of schedule and worked. This never typically happens without a second or third chip spin to get production quality chips. Texas Instruments provided a high level of technical management to support this project (Thanks goes to Juan Alvarez and Herb Gingold).
Wong: What things would you have liked to have done differently given 20/20 hindsight? Neel: This was a project everyone was very excited about from the very beginning. Everyone who saw the concept said, "wow!" Response to meet the project challenges from the HDI project team, supporting outside project teams at Texas Instruments, and CSP Technologies was excellent.
Wong: How is the SideKick doing in the market? Neel: The SideKick is doing very well in the market, and continues to fill the need as the smallest, most "Convenient All-in-one Product," and affordable choice for diabetes testing.
And now for a few of the product details:
Regulatory Approvals: Approving Body: FDA Identification Number: K051147 Date of Issuance: July 12, 2005
Dimensions and Weight: 2.59- by 1.65-in (widest point) 1.28 oz.
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