Running a graphical and computational piece of software in an Internet browser window seemed unachievable not too many years ago. With its 3D megahit Quake III, the video game pioneer id Software, of Doom and Wolfenstien fame, showed the world that a game could be run from any browser (under the name Quake Live). The game runs as if it is installed at the local machine, and countless games have followed suit.
This innovation is finally leaking into the application and work side of software. With cloud computing becoming more popular over the last few years, various companies are capitalizing on the medium by offering everything from data storage to mobile OS services. The Canadian engineering startup Upverter is looking to garner favor with the hardware engineering community by offering a GitHub-like (community software repository) cloud-based CAD platform to design, prototype, and test projects from conception to manufacturing.
Upverter's recently released cloud-based electrical engineering hardware or EDA (electronic design automation) software is actually a collection of updated tools (from the previous iteration of Upverter) for rapid design, prototyping, and manufacturing of hardware. It includes the schematic design ECAD (2D space only) for PCB layout and footprint generation, which can be shared and collaborated on in real-time. A simulation tool allows design rule checking/debugging and verification (a pay-as-you-go service), which can be done for simultaneous projects at the same time.
Despite the novelty of being cloud-based, an all-in-one package that takes the user from concept to production is well overdue.
PCB produced from Upverter's full assembly services. (Source: Upverter)
The new version of Upverter simplifies and quickens the process of prototyping projects; users can just go to the software dashboard's order button. The software tracks your design through the development process and displays a list of components that are needed (along with prices), which can be ordered directly through Upverter. Any parts not listed can be reconciled through the tool, which displays an alternative list of parts that will work for your project. After all the components are chosen, you can select how much lead time you need for the prototype, as well as a host of other options. Next you can have Upverter assemble and test the project for you, or you can do it yourself.
Upverter 2.0 has been in development for two-and-a-half years. Its creators say the idea behind Upverter is to give engineers a truly open-source platform with everything needed to design and build projects without limitations. People can use Upverter for hardware layout, design, and manufacturing, while the software can be coded through GitHub's community-based development site. This lets project developers collaborate with one another and share ideas over a broad spectrum of product development in a cloud-based environment.
Even better, Upverter is free to use; you just create a profile and then join an online community. Be warned: Using the free version negates any privacy you may want for your projects, since they are open for anyone to study or use. Those who prefer privacy can pay a $7 monthly fee (for the Awesome package), which also gets you unlimited storage. Even the $99 price for the Professional package, which is geared toward businesses, should give little reason to pause. After playing some Quake Live, open up a second tab, and design your first PCB with Upverter.
You can't beat free for a good deal on this cloud software. Even the private versions are quite inexpensive. The collaborative aspects are good as well. The cloud approach to software continues to offer good deals.
Now let's move the OS to the cloud as well. TransOS from the University of Beijing has shown that it is possible. If the bandwidth is there, computing/graphical power will be constantly upgraded, staying current will be a thought of the past. Like Upverter, everything in one spot.
Do you see the irony of the 30 year technology cycle-? In 1980, massive room-sized computer "Main-Frames" functioned as the CPU (central processing, literally). If you had a "Computer" you really had only a "Computer-Terminal". I did have one in my dorm room and it was really just a dumb terminal connected via a modem. No problem in guaranteeing that you were always running the latest of everything. No OS to load. No Apps to load. Oddly similar to today's cutting edge practices of Cloud Computing. Ironically funny, isn't it-?
I hate to be that guy who says, "I came up with that idea years ago." But, I did, about 10 years ago. I was planning on developing the idea or concept for my master's degree. However, I have put the concept on the back burner for a while now. Aside from my initial designs and work on a cloudOS, I have not found anyone else working on the idea. I wouldn't be surprised if it will happen in the near future by countless people.
It is an extension of the remote terminal concept. So, it doesn't take a genius to give it a shot again.
I wouldn't even be mad if I see someone come out with it, before I return to the concept myself. Progress is more important than accolades.
It is a good idea, Cabe. It's especially good given the mammoth shift to mobile devices. The mobile device wouldn't need huge processing capabilities. It would just need to be a terminal like the old days when the terminal accessed mainframes.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 5
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
For industrial control applications, or even a simple assembly line, that machine can go almost 24/7 without a break. But what happens when the task is a little more complex? That’s where the “smart” machine would come in. The smart machine is one that has some simple (or complex in some cases) processing capability to be able to adapt to changing conditions. Such machines are suited for a host of applications, including automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, computers and electronics, telecommunications, consumer goods, and so on. This radio show will show what’s possible with smart machines, and what tradeoffs need to be made to implement such a solution.
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
16 
