Metrics that Matter:
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a crucial metric that includes all costs associated with acquiring, operating and maintaining an embedded system throughout its entire lifecycle. Understanding TCO is vital as it influences every decision from the design phase to end-of-life management.
Typical advice on minimizing the TCO in embedded systems often relies on outdated strategies such as prioritizing upfront cost savings over quality or overlooking the importance of future-proofing your designs. These approaches were once suitable when supply chains were stable, technology advanced slowly, and shareholder demands for increasing returns on investments were less pressing.
Why this matters: Today the demands on embedded systems are significantly different. We must reevaluate what it means to truly optimize for efficiency and longevity in our designs. It is an opportunity to reduce total cost of ownership, decrease downtime, minimize system failures, and avoid costly redesigns.
Understanding Common Misapplications
Before we present the strategies, it's important to understand where traditional approaches can fall short.
Common tactics such as using cheaper components and minimizing initial investments might seem effective, but without a deep understanding of an embedded system's lifecycle or the broader market and technological trends, these approaches can be ineffective.
What works on paper often fails under the pressure of real-world conditions and rapid changes.
This is not just about choosing the lowest-cost options; it involves carefully discerning which expenses are essential and which cost-cutting measures might ultimately lead to higher expenditures.
We need to move beyond outdated practices and adopt a holistic approach that ensures decisions enhance and sustain value throughout the system's lifecycle.
Innovative Strategies for Today’s Challenges
In this issue, we share 10 actionable strategies to master modern embedded systems, designed to offer long-term benefits and effectively reduce Total Cost of Ownership.
Be cautious of relying on the onboard power supply of your SBC (Single Board Computer) or COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) systems for input protection.
These systems often lack the front-end transient suppression required to handle voltage spikes, which can compromise the reliability of your entire setup. Ensuring robust input protection is not just a precaution—it's a necessity
10 Strategies to Reduce TCO
1. Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Evaluate total cost of ownership (TCO) over time rather than just upfront costs when making procurement decisions, considering all factors that affect the lifecycle of the product.
2. Preventive Maintenance & Monitoring
Implement predictive maintenance strategies using real-time data to reduce unexpected failures and minimize downtime.
3. Component Selection & Sourcing
Select high-quality, reliable components from certified distribution channels or directly from manufacturers to minimize the risk of counterfeit components and avoid frequent replacements. Consider long-duration orders with suppliers to future-proof the product lifecycle and ensure product availability.
4. Thermal Management
Optimize heat dissipation to extend component lifespan and reduce cooling costs. (you will hear us talk about this a lot, it is a bigger problem than anticipated)
5. Advanced Power Settings
Leverage intelligent power management to minimize energy consumption during both idle and peak usage times.
6. Software & Firmware Optimization
Keep software and firmware up to date to improve efficiency and avoid security vulnerabilities that could lead to costly failures.
7. Considering Future Demands:
Design with scalability in mind to avoid costly retrofits or replacements as demands evolve.
8. Product Flexibility
Choose adaptable solutions that integrate easily with evolving technology to ensure long-term usability.
9. Avoiding Overloading
Ensure proper load distribution to prevent excessive wear, inefficiencies, and system failures.
10. Ruggedized When Possible
Build systems to withstand extreme environmental conditions, including high vibration, repetitive shocks, extended temperature ranges, and severe electrical transients which enhances durability and reduces the frequency of repairs and replacements.
Coming Spring 2025
New Products For Changing Demands
IsoPWR-100W: Small form factor isolated supply with wide input (10-56V) providing 100W output. Ideal for unregulated input applications. Outputs available (VDC): 5&12, 5&24, 5&3.3 custom outputs available.
PWR-150W: PC/104 150W adjustable power supply. Can be configured as 1 150W output or 2 -75W outputs that can individually turned on/off. Standard output voltages (VDC): 3.3, 5, 12, 15 & 24.
PWR-UPS/+UPS: Modular stackable ultra capacitor back up power for embedded systems. Can also be used as a stand alone UPS
For more information on our products and how they can support your applications, visit our website or contact our sales team at sales@tri-m.com