Introducing a strain visualization tool for the STREAL semiconductor strain sensor monitoring unit "NE series"

Narrow down by specifying conditions

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Basic sensor software module

Introduction

Up until now, Macnica has provided strain visualization tools for measurement and evaluation for the evaluation kit of the STREAL semiconductor strain sensor. While the previous version had the necessary functions for evaluation, we also received the following issues from our users.

- The operation flow is difficult to understand.

- Icons and other elements are small and have poor visibility.

- Logs can be obtained, but they cannot be analyzed by the application.

Based on these challenges, this tool prioritizes "streamlining the operation flow," "improving visibility," and "an intuitive UX that allows for simultaneous measurement and analysis." Leveraging the functions and knowledge cultivated in previous versions, we have developed a new strain visualization tool for the "NE series" monitoring unit.

This article introduces the features and UX improvements of this tool, which has evolved in both functionality and UX so that it can be used not only for evaluation purposes but also for on-site monitoring and verification work.

Tool Overview

Tool image

This tool is a semiconductor strain sensor STREAL Monitoring unit for NE This is an evaluation and monitoring app that connects to the "Series" to measure, visualize, and analyze strain and temperature data.

mainly,
① Measurement and analysis during the development and evaluation phases
② On-site condition monitoring and verification
It is designed with both uses in mind.

While retaining the basic measurement and evaluation functions provided in previous versions, this version prioritizes improved usability and visibility. UI/UX The design ensures that even first-time users can operate it intuitively.

Changes from previous versions

To clearly summarize the changes from the previous version, we have compiled the main improvements in UI / UX and functionality in a Before/After format below. This will help you understand the key improvements to the tool.

Item	Before (Previous version)	After (New Tool)
Operation flow /UI	The buttons are small, making it difficult to understand the operation flow.	We streamlined the operation flow, revamped the UI based on that flow, and improved visibility.
Real-time waveform display monitoring	The horizontal axis of the waveform displays the number of samples.	The horizontal axis can be changed to display time, allowing for data tracking over time.
Analysis (filtering)	Manual analysis after log acquisition.	Features include moving average, FFT, and standard deviation.
Sensor waveform settings	Switch screens one channel at a time to configure settings.	All settings can be configured at once.
Log saving	Only measurement data is saved.	It is possible to save measurement data, screen captures, and analysis data. Furthermore, data can be recovered from logs.
Development and evaluation support	Setting it up and checking it takes time and effort.	Datasheets can now be viewed within the tool. The user interface has been improved for easier configuration.

Below, we will discuss the improvements shown in these "After" sections. We will introduce each function with specific screen examples.

Main features

Monitoring via real-time waveform display

The measurement screen displays strain and temperature data acquired from the sensor as waveforms in real time.

It supports auto-ranging and zoom in/out operations, allowing you to check everything from minute changes during measurement to long-term trends, depending on your needs.

Furthermore, you can view the current value, initial value, difference, and status information for each sensor in a list, allowing you to understand the status from both numerical and waveform perspectives.

Filtering function

Traditionally, analysis was primarily done after recording, but this tool provides an intuitive user experience that allows users to judge analysis results on the spot, simultaneously with measurement.
The software includes analytical functions such as moving average, FFT analysis, and standard deviation for the acquired data. By switching between real-time analysis and recorded data analysis depending on the application, evaluation and verification can be performed efficiently.

Measurement screen

moving average

The moving average function allows you to apply analysis to strain data being measured in real time.

Because it allows you to check waveform trends while suppressing the effects of noise, it is effective for understanding trends during long-term measurements and observing minute changes.

In-tool moving average image

FFT analysis

The FFT analysis function allows for real-time frequency analysis of data being measured.

It also supports setting resolution and window functions, allowing for more detailed evaluations such as checking vibration components and periodic characteristics.

In-tool FFT analysis image

Standard deviation

The standard deviation function is a feature that performs analysis on recorded CSV data.

This allows for quantitative evaluation of the variability and stability of measurement results, which is useful for comparing test results and conducting post-hoc analyses.

Intra-tool standard deviation image

Sensor waveform setting function

The sensor waveform setting function allows you to flexibly configure how the waveform is displayed for each sensor.

Because the waveform color, line thickness, and display offset for strain and temperature can be adjusted individually, high visibility can be ensured even when measuring multiple sensors simultaneously. An optimal waveform display environment can be created according to the evaluation content and measurement conditions.

Sensor waveform setting function

Log saving

Measurement data can be saved as logs, and automatic saving and specifying the save location are supported. Saved log files can be loaded later and redisplayed as waveforms.

Left: Actual acquired log Right: Waveform data restored from the log

Development and evaluation support

Building upon the register setting functionality that was well-received in previous versions, this tool further enhances user experience by enabling numerical input via sliders and spin Box. These features allow you to configure and read various STREAL registers directly from the GUI.

It also includes links to datasheets, allowing for efficient evaluation and tuning.

Furthermore, the display language can be switched between Japanese and English, allowing for use in development and evaluation environments.

In-tool register settings screen

Summary

This tool, newly developed for the NE series, While leveraging the measurement and analysis functions that have been well-regarded in previous versions, We redesigned the system with an emphasis on user experience (UX) that eliminates confusion about "what to do" and "what to check next."

As a result, not only for evaluation purposes, but also in monitoring and verification settings, This tool allows you to intuitively perform measurement, verification, and analysis in a single, seamless workflow.

We plan to continue expanding and improving features based on feedback from our users.