Goingon Ltd, Cornwall, chooses Altium technology for pioneering research project into cable performance measurement.
“Having used Altium technology since 1989 I have found the electronic design system teamed with Premier’s software training and excellent technical support to be invaluable to our latest research project.”
- Peter Hawkins
- Design Director, Goingon Ltd
The Need
Goingon Ltd supplies a national and international client base with diverse electronic projects involving digital and analogue design. For the past nine years, GoingOn’s complete range of electronic design services has included all stages from design concept and schematic design, to prototyping and compliance testing. The wealth of industry experience within the company allows for a seamless transition to the production process, which is well considered throughout the design phase.
As a result of the perpetual quest for answers, Goingon Ltd undertook a huge innovative research
project. Initially the goal was a challenge with little commercial objective. As the quest unfolded
into a realm of discovery, the novelty and value of the work became evident. Using Altium technology,
Goingon Ltd developed a pioneering Cable Measurement System. By its very existence it evidences a
signal behaviour that has otherwise been overlooked or dismissed. The Cable Measurement System will
assist in the creation of improved cables for signal, data and telecommunications.
The Problem with Signal Cables
In audio circles, cable performance has been topical for many years. The scientific community can find
insufficient, plausible data that would suggest audibility in normal applications. The audiophile community
base their judgements on listening and point to a raft of accumulated experience that demonstrates that not
all that is heard can be measured. (Conversely not all that is measured can be heard...)
The problem is summarised as: "What is the behaviour that satisfies both (scientific and audiophile) communities and yet has been undiscovered for so long?"
In the domestic audio market, confusion reigns as any one wanting to try and understand the subject is met with a mixture of pseudo science and true science. Distinction between the two requires a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms involved. The sale of highly priced cables to the audio market, clouded by the mystical claims of a few, has led to widespread disbelief outside the industry. The prospect of serious investigation is hampered by this state of affairs. The lack of serious investigation probably compounds the whole issue. Therefore Goingon undertook the challenge of researching the area since the Design Director has a conventional science background and a long standing involvement in the audio world.
The Research
For Goingon Ltd, Altium Designer was the answer to the design challenges of the Cable Measurement System. Altium’s design environment simplified the task of assessing circuit performance both by parts and topologies using the simulation tools. The vast libraries and powerful schematic capture made for ready translation from a theoretical world to a practical one. Despite the endeavours of some semi-conductor applications engineers, the realities proved to be troublesome.
Time and cost constraints meant that any learning curve would be steep. Premier’s software training services allowed Peter to maximise his design efficiency using Altium Designer. By having a full working knowledge of the relevant advanced features of Altium Designer the challenges of each project phase could be dealt with quickly.
Research Conclusions
Goingon Ltd completed the research late 2005 and has found the project has positively contributed towards their professional reputation and business growth. The research findings are being used in the subsequent design projects and to assist in the creation of enhanced signal cables and licences for manufacture.
Customer Information
Peter Hawkins, formally of Solomat, an electronics based instrumentation company, set up alone in 1989. In 1992 Peter formed Kinshaw Electronics as a limited company to utilise design work in the creation of own products. Goingon Ltd was founded in 1997 and currently employs two people directly. It boasts a national and international client base and is involved in diverse projects including ample digital involvement.
Peter originally started with a 12MHz Elonex PC and used Protel EasyTrax in 1989, he swiftly upgraded to AutoTrax and is currently operating Altium Designer 2004.
Further Success
In September 2005 the cable measurement project received the accolade of being nominated and receiving runner-up in the Design Innovation Challenge 2005. The award, designed to give recognition to the outstanding applications of Altium software technology throughout the industry, honours innovative companies, teams and individuals. Premier EDA Solutions hosted the 2005 Design Innovation Challenge as part of Premier’s two-day Customer Conference and IPC Designers Learning Symposium.
Philip Mayo, Premier EDA Solutions presenting the
Certificate to Peter Hawkins, GoingOn Ltd
References
Read the complete cable measurement research project
Visit the GoingOn Ltd website
Premier EDA Solutions would like to express their thanks to Peter Hawkins and GoingOn Ltd for their help in producing this customer story.