How do open source hardware, modularity and compliance with DIN SPEC 3105 go along? Our review and rebuild of the Open Source Building Kit (OSBK) provides some initial answers.
The OSBK is a framework for measuring and transmitting data, developed for marine observation.
The OSBK is now officially verified DIN SPEC 3105-1 compliant.
Since the publication of DIN SPEC 3105, we have been working continuously on putting various use cases to the test and subjecting selected good open source hardware (OSH) to a conformity check with our CAB (Conformity Assessment Body). Furthermore, by reviewing the projects, we can provide transparent and detailed feedback to the technical teams behind.
To this end, we have dedicated ourselves to a new commission from SOOP, represented by the Alfred Wegener Institute(AWI), and have subjected the OSBK to a thorough investigation. SOOP is an innovation platform of the Helmholtz Institutes AWI, Geomar and Hereon and has set itself the task of scaling up ocean measurements. Through the use of OSH, a broader group is to be given access to data collection and innovative business models are to be created in cooperation with research, industry and civil society. The OSBK is a framework consisting of hardware modules for connecting sensors, a Data Node for transferring data to cloud storage, an app for configuration and operation and a hub through which sensor configurations can be shared. The OSBK is at an early stage of development, yet, the first use cases and functioning module sets are available. The technical documentation should be deliberately opened up at this early stage in order to make the project accessible for the community and emphasise the consistent open source and citizen science approach.
The aim of the project was to carry out the theoretical test in accordance with DIN SPEC 3105 (1 definition, 2 conformity test) in line with the standard and, following extensive feedback, to attempt a rebuild based on a kit. It was the first project for us to introduce several new levels of complexity in modularity, even though the underlying hardware itself is quite simple. Similar to our BMS review together with the EnAccess Foundation, we were able to gain valuable insights for the review process. The new thing about the OSBK hardware: several modules that together fulfil a function in different configurations and also interact with a whole collection of available software (firmware, web service, app). In accordance with DIN SPEC 3105-2, we were able to officially certify the project and create another reference project. The entire review process can be viewed here. Based on the review, the OSE Germany e.V. CAB will soon publish official releases with certificates for the attestation of all modules.
Many thanks at this point to FabLab Hamburg (Fab Lab Fabulous St. Pauli e.V.) for the opportunity to hold a two-day rebuild workshop on site.
What is special in this case is that we have four boards that have been reviewed independently. In terms of their function, however, they can only be considered together and put to the test in a rebuild. As the software is also used in a rebuild, this is a borderline case for the current version of DIN SPEC 3105. In the theoretical review, the software is considered an “available component”, so its availability is sufficient. However, if you take a closer look at the software configuration, there is a different requirement for the software documentation, which the DIN SPEC (for open source hardware) does not currently require.
For us, such review and rebuild projects are the best opportunity to sharpen the standard, expand the accompanying documentation of the TsDCs (Technology Specific Documentation Criteria) and other possible tools that improve a clean, efficient review and rebuild. At the same time, it is a unique opportunity for projects to receive comprehensive feedback. In the long term, this basis of previously investigated projects can become a case study for best practice guides, allowing other organisations to set up a Conformity Assessment Body or even the independent conformity testing of open source hardware project teams.
One more comment on the OSBK: Of course, existing hardware typical for sensor technology or home assistant systems can also fulfil the basic purpose. In future, work will be carried out on the specifications to enable broader interoperability and, for example, the use of individual circuit boards or the connection of other systems to the data structure. The hardware is particularly relevant for specialised solutions, for example for low-energy systems such as those that may be required in the field of marine observation. If you want to follow the current development of the project or test the kit, you can find all the resources in their Gitlab.
Does your institute, organisation or company also have a requirement for well-documented open source hardware and want to put this to the test? Then get in touch with us at cab@ose-germany.de.
