impFactory
The impFactory™ is Electric Imp’s recommended BlinkUp™ fixture. This off-the-shelf appliance allows your assembly line to prepare Devices Under Test (DUTs) to load and run their factory firmware. It does this by sending a factory enrollment token and, if required, factory WiFi credentials to each DUT’s on-board imp. This data is transmitted optically via an LED connected to the impFactory.
Features
The impFactory is a great option for all imp-enabled products going to manufacturing because it can be purchased directly and includes many useful features:
- Large, durable front-panel button for triggering factory BlinkUp.
- BlinkUp emitter status indicator on the front panel.
- LCD and keypad to provide options for more complex tests and/or operator interaction.
- Red and green LEDs on the front panel can be used to display test Pass/Fail information or other vital stats.
- Foot-switch port allows an external switch to be used as a BlinkUp trigger.
- LED port to drive assembly line factory BlinkUp emitter
- Ethernet port for wired networking — WiFi also supported.
- Photosensor for BlinkUp.
- BlinkUp status LED.
The new impFactory 2 adds these features:
- Two external USB-A ports allow the impFactory to drive other assembly line equipment, such as a label printer.
- Two internal USB headers for further expansion.
Operation
To set up an impFactory, use the Electric Imp mobile app to add the fixture to your Electric Imp account. Within impCentral™, Electric Imp’s online development and production management tool, you assign the impFactory to a Test Fixture Device Group or to a Fixture Device Group. Whichever of these groups you assign the impFactory to, you will deploy your fixture firmware to the same group.