Teddington unveils next-generation control panel technology

UK engineering specialist Teddington has unveiled its next-generation control panel technology designed for ultra-long-life products and critical systems.

IRISmodular is a new approach to the design and manufacture of panels that use Cortex-based digital processors.

The system’s fully interchangeable, advanced architecture means it is ideally suited to military and other extreme applications – solving issues around obsolescence and reducing development costs by as much as 60%.

Teddington MD James Henderson said the technology has been developed in response to changing market demands.

“Following discussions with the MoD and private sector we realised that the lifecycle of products was being extended by between 10-15 years,” he said.

“At the same time, people were approaching us and asking us to reverse engineer a variety of different systems because a lot of small, niche manufacturers that provided these services were going out of business or being bought by very large companies. The costs involved were just too high.”

IRISmodular is designed for all panel types, makes and uses and can be deployed in new panels or as retrofit internals.

The modular methodology is made up of three elements: IRISpower, IRIScore and IRISconnect.

Generic power modules connect to a cortex-based digital processor that acts as the beating heart of the IRISmodular system. A user interface then connects the new system to the real world.

The core and power modules are fully interchangeable, which enhances system resilience and helps to safeguard against obsolescence.

Greater standardisation also means ongoing maintenance is made simple because spare parts are easier to find.

Enhanced features include displays, additional or complex IO, remote monitoring and improved communications.

James continued: “The unique, generic architecture means the modules are completely interchangeable – allowing us to retrofit a new processor with no impact on existing systems. As a result, upgrades are made easier and critical systems can keep functioning, offering enhanced security and improved longevity.

“Crucially, around 80% of the work is already complete because many of the modules that clients need are already suitable for integration – GSM, MBUS, power control. Development efforts are then simply any bespoke hardware and software requirements. Production costs are reduced and time to market is that much faster.

“As a company, we’ve already been through the learning curve. We’re removing the risk element for our customers and offering the benefit of our experience. It allows clients to compete with companies that have far larger engineering resources.”

Teddington is a UK manufacturer with its headquarters in St Austell, Cornwall. The company specialises in electronics, critical systems, control panel technology, appliance controls and valve fabrication for sectors such as defence, aerospace, energy and transport.

Download our IRISModular presentation here.