Challenge

A new HMI platform for medical centrifuges

Andreas Hettich GmbH is a leading manufacturer of laboratory equipment and develops centrifuges and incubators for use in medical research and diagnostics. To further expand its technological lead in the market, the company was looking for a new, intuitive, graphical user interface.

In search of the perfect solution

Hettich required customized HMI electronics with a customized Linux-based operating system platform and a 3.5” display that would integrate seamlessly into the existing device while enabling intuitive operation. The solution had to be stable in the long term and meet the legal requirements of the IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation). Thanks to its extensive experience with embedded Linux platforms and many years of expertise in medical technology, Hettich chose Ginzinger electronic systems.

SAFE Medicine

The challenge

Control unit for medical centrifuges

Several requirements had to be taken into account when developing the new HMI for Hettich:

Integration into existing devices
The interfaces and mechanics had to fit perfectly into existing centrifuges and the control architecture.
Intuitive usability
Control via buttons and rotary push encoders had to be simple and user-friendly.
Parallel development of hardware and software
In order to get to market quickly, it was crucial that hardware and software development could take place in parallel.
Cyber security
The system had to be designed to be secure from the outset in order to prevent cyber attacks and thus already meets the requirements of the CRA (Cyber Resilience Act).
Cost-efficient
The price of the new HMI had to remain within a specified budget.

The Ginzinger solution

A customized platform

Ginzinger electronic systems developed a customized embedded Linux solution for Hettich based on the NXP i.MX6UL (Cortex A7) processor with 256 MB RAM and 512 MB flash. The entire platform (software components, libraries, and tools) is based on mainline-compliant open source software with long-term support (LTS). This includes a customized embedded Linux kernel and tested drivers that are precisely tailored to the target system and the required temperature range.
In addition to all necessary runtime libraries and applications, Ginzinger also supplied all necessary tools and utilities. An extensive cross-development environment was also provided, containing all tools and libraries required for embedded Linux on the target architecture.

Hettich & Ginzinger

GELIn – proven Linux distribution with added value

GELin, Ginzinger's embedded Linux distribution established for over 15 years, offered Hettich a fully integrated development environment with a Qt-based graphics framework. Application development was carried out by a partner who quickly found their way around thanks to the tools, libraries, and tutorials provided.
Ginzinger provided comprehensive tools for debugging, profiling, and license analysis for the host system. In addition, Hettich was supported with workshops, documentation, and development boards. All regulatory tests and verifications were documented in a shared ALM tool. A comprehensive maintenance and support package ensures long-term support for the platform.

Start developing with us now!

HMIs of Ginzinger

cybersecurity consulting

Ginzinger provided Hettich with comprehensive support in developing a customized security concept. Potential threats were analyzed and systematically evaluated in interactive workshops. Based on this, the team developed concrete solutions for the secure design of system architecture and communication interfaces.

Another focus was on implementing current security measures in accordance with internationally recognized standards such as IEC 62443, ISO 27001, and NIST SP800-x.
Technical feasibility was ensured through targeted plausibility checks. In addition, Ginzinger carried out security assessments and derived specific requirements and practical recommendations for increasing IT security – all tailored to the sensitive requirements of medical technology.
Ginzinger also created all test equipment for end-of-line tests to ensure the flawless functionality of all devices in series production.

“Our promise is that Hettich can focus 100% on the benefits for its customers. We take care of the robust hardware and software platform, from the initial idea through the entire life cycle of the devices.”

DI Andreas Pfeiffer

Customer advisor at Ginzinger

The advantages for Hettich:

Reliability and technological safety

The specially adapted software architecture ensures maximum operational reliability.

well-thought-out safety concept

Ginzinger implemented state-of-the-art security-by-design principles and supported Hettich in complying with relevant standards.

user-friendliness

An intuitive, Qt-based graphics framework provides a user-friendly interface for Hettich centrifuges.

Efficient development

Development kits provided by Ginzinger enabled Hettich and its application development partner to develop the hardware and software in parallel.

“In Ginzinger, we have found a partner who not only understands our requirements but also translates them into a technically perfect solution. We particularly appreciate the high level of reliability and long-term support—exactly what we need for our safety-critical applications. From the very beginning, the collaboration has been solution-oriented, efficient, and characterized by genuine technical expertise.”

Armin Brendle

Project manager at Hettich

You would like to develop an HMI?

Write us

A single point of contact for the entire project

Ginzinger provides comprehensive support for projects—from development to series production—and impresses with its extensive expertise in safety and certification. ISO 13485 certification ensures full compliance with standards for medical technology applications. Thanks to its partnership with Ginzinger electronic systems, Hettich can focus entirely on developing innovative laboratory equipment.

About Hettich

Andreas Hettich GmbH has been at the forefront of the development and manufacture of centrifuges and laboratory equipment used worldwide for over 120 years. Founded in 1904 as a small craft business, Hettich has grown into an international organization with more than 500 employees.

Electronics development in medical technology

The CRA (Cyber Resilience Act) is an EU regulation aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity of digital products and software through binding requirements for security, updates, and transparency throughout the entire lifecycle.

IEC 62443: International series of standards for IT security in industrial automation technology, which defines protective measures for systems, components, and processes.
ISO 13485: International standard for quality management systems in medical technology, covering regulatory requirements for the development and manufacture of medical devices.
NIST SP800-X: Series of guidelines from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for IT security and data protection, where the “X” stands for a specific sub-publication such as SP800-53 (Security and privacy controls).

The ALM tool (Application Lifecycle Management Tool) is software that supports the entire lifecycle of an application – from planning and development to testing and maintenance.

consulting team

Security by design is the principle of software and system development in which security aspects are integrated into the development process from the outset.

Success Stories