• EMC Compliant: Designed to meet Class B emissions standards
• Whole System Expertise: Design and development of hardware and firmware
• Plug Into Standard Systems: BACnet and Modbus connectivity for easy integration
• Optimised for Scale: high-performance and low-cost design for volume manufacture
• Customisable Firmware and Sensor Integration: allowing for flexible bespoke solutions
• Designed for Existing Product Integration: fitting within existing enclosures for design and cost benefit

Project summary

Trends in building sensors have shifted away from analogue signalling toward digital interfaces, allowing for improved functionality and reduced wiring complexity. Our client, an established manufacturer of analogue building sensors, needed to modernise its product offering without sacrificing brand identity. Having previously relied on rebranded third-party digital products, they partnered with us to develop a set of electronics that would compete with market leaders in terms of functionality.

We engineered a new solution that integrated the required digital communication capabilities while maintaining compatibility with the client’s existing enclosures, to preserve their well-known product aesthetics and avoid the costs of plastic retooling. This new design also supports a wide range of sensor configurations, enabling tailored solutions without the need for new PCB designs for each application. With over 10,000 units already deployed, the sensors have been extremely reliable.

Core components:

• STM32 MCU
• Sensirion RH&T sensor
• SenseAir CO2 sensor

Product features:

• ±60V fault protected RS485 transceiver provides reliability in noisy environments
• Able to run from either 24V DC or 24V AC power supplies
• Pluggable terminal blocks for easy wiring and reduced risk of damage during installation
• Zero crossing detect TRIAC outputs prevent current surge during turn on
• 3x 0-10V analogue outputs can be configured to represent any of the onboard sensors
• Onboard EEPROM for storing configuration settings
• Temperature sensor with ±0.5°C measurement accuracy
• Integrated relative humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and air quality sensors
• BACnet MSTP interface allows for simple discovery by building controllers
• MODbus RTU interface provides a simple, low-cost alternative for legacy installations
• Complies with EMC Class B radiated and conducted emission thresholds

Partner Electronics Scope of Work:

• Initial design concepts with client
• Circuit design through to schematic capture
• PCB layout through to manufacturing packs
• Liaising with EMS during fabrication
• Board bring-up and testing
• Refinements based on evolving client requirements

The post Case Study: Smart Building Sensor first appeared on Partner Electronics.

The CRA relates to products with digital elements (PDEs) that have, or could have, a connection to a network. If you have or are developing products that connect to the Internet, cloud or phone network, then this will affect you.

Is this serious?

The consequences for non-compliance are significant, with penalties of up to £10M or 2.5% global revenue.

It will also be difficult to retrospectively add CRA compliance to many products, so it needs to be considered now.

Under Development

While the act has been finalised, the details around its practical implementation haven’t yet been confirmed. You can be sure, though, that we will monitor information as it is released to understand its implications for your development.

Which developments will it impact?

The CRA will affect all manufacturers of products with digital elements intended for the UK/EU market unless they are specifically excluded (such as medical, automotive and aerospace, which all have separate security standards).

The affected product categories include industrial automation controls, IoT devices, smart appliances, and consumer electronics.

There are also supply chain implications, with all suppliers in your chain needing to demonstrate compliance through documentation. Integrated software must also meet CRA requirements, and there will be new documentation requirements for digital elements (CE marking).

What we know about timescales

Reporting requirements will begin on September 11th, 2026.

The full enforcement deadline is December 11th, 2027.

While current information is incomplete, we are in this with you and will support your development through this process.

Whether you’re exploring new ideas or ready to develop, we can take your product further.
Get in touch

The post What Do You Need to Know About the Cyber Resilience Act? first appeared on Partner Electronics.

While some in the office might not enjoy the chance to don woolly warmers – preferably with sparkles on, we all support the cause and are happy to donate to help children get the future they deserve.

Why Save the Children?

Save the Children launched Christmas Jumper Day in 2012. Since then, they have raised over £35 million for children in the UK and worldwide.

These are children like Kiki in Greater Manchester, whose family visit the Food Pantry each week to get £15 worth of healthy food for just £3. When so many families across the UK struggle to afford the food they need, projects like this are vital.

In Kyiv, Save the Children supports the Your Way project, which provides safe spaces where children like Viktoriya can talk. Many families have left the area, but this is a chance to get some real help for the children who have stayed. Here, Viktoriya not only enjoys the help of the staff but also Parker, a golden retriever and therapy dog who gives the children the chance to feel calm and loved – as every child should.

Supporting People and Communities

We know how fundamental community is for everyone, and we are happy to be able to support these communities across the world. While our team members are involved with various community groups, we as a company have organisations we contribute to alongside specific events like Christmas Jumper Day.

At a time when children all over the world are struggling through war, hunger, and poverty, we’re pleased to be able to do something to raise money and awareness. Have you been wearing your Christmas jumper?

The post Festive Fun for a Good Cause: Christmas Jumper Day at Partner Electronics first appeared on Partner Electronics.

Jeremy became part of the team at Partner Electronics soon after the business was launched, joining while the company resided at our first office in the Silverstone Circuit Innovation Centre. Having worked with Richard in a previous role, bringing Jeremy into the company was a milestone and a huge benefit. As Richard said, “Jeremy has been a really important part of the business the whole time.”

Thinking back to those early days, Richard remembered many long hours and late nights. “I remember working on the development of some high-powered coffee machines. There were lots of late nights, staying up to get work done and being unable to drink the coffee because what we were testing with wasn’t allowed for human consumption. Jeremy’s work was vital.”

“Every Day Has Been Interesting”

This is what Jeremy told me when we talked about his time at Partner Electronics.

In fact, Jeremy told his own stories about those early days at the Silverstone Circuit office, trying to test a new audio speaker while the Formula 1 tyre tests were going on was particularly challenging.

Back then the company had limited equipment which meant hand crafting circuits and soldering microscopic components.

Clearly, lots has changed throughout Jeremy’s 44-year career. Computers were just being brought in for design work, but calculations were still being done by hand. He tells me, however, that much of the knowledge and skills he learnt at the beginning – through his degree in Physics and Electronics – has continued to be useful, supporting his work right through to today.

I asked Jeremy what was so special about Partner Electronics, for his view on why clients work with us and why people stay. In this industry, he said, most other companies you’ll come across are much bigger or solo consultants. Partner Electronics is special, the customer needs are central to everything we do – even after the contract is over. This is why people keep coming back.

Reflecting on this he continued, “Communication with customers and the fact we build great relationships means things work even when they’re not going to plan. I’ve always appreciated being in touch with the clients, the relationships you build and the understanding you have helps you all get through the tough times.”

So, after 15 years I had to ask what had kept Jeremy at Partner Electronics. Without hesitation, he replied, “the friendships”, adding “There’s an emotional investment having seen the business grow from the very beginning.”

Jeremy also mentioned how much he values the support Partner Electronics has provided allowing him to be involved with projects outside work. When he was involved with the Tove Valley Baptist Church community building project, Richard and the team at Partner Electronics enabled his participation. Equally, when it came time to consider retirement, Jeremy was encouraged to think about how he made the break and being able to ease himself away from the office has been positive for everyone.

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next?

First and foremost, Jeremy is looking forward to spending time with his granddaughters, he’s already enjoying the time they spend together so the plan is to make much more of it.

There are jobs around the house too, he tells me, a long list of DIY to complete now he’ll be spending more time at home. Although that will need to fit in around his plans to get out and about, hiking, volunteering, and travelling with family and friends.

One thing is for sure, the relationships made here at Partner Electronics won’t be forgotten, these are friends and they’ll be in touch. As Richard has said “Jeremy says he’ll come back for odd jobs if we need him – as long as he’s not busy doing something else!”

It’s difficult to imagine Partner Electronics without Jeremy. As Richard said, both the team and clients will be sorry to see Jeremy go “His experience and ability to see a problem from a different perspective will be greatly missed”.

Jan added, “We’re sad to see Jeremy go, thanks so much for everything you’ve brought to the company Jeremy.” We all wish you the best.

The post Goodbye Jeremy, Here’s to a Wonderful Retirement and Exciting New Adventures first appeared on Partner Electronics.

In the last few weeks, we’ve welcomed three graduates into the office, and we thought it was about time we introduced you.

Welcome Chineme, James, and Owen

Chineme

We’re welcoming Chineme from Imperial College, who chose to study engineering to explore why things are useful and to understand how they work. She tells us she’s always been interested in technology and likes solving problems, so – with many engineers already in the family – it seemed only natural to follow that path. She was, indeed, following her grandad, one of the first people in Nigeria to get an electronic engineering degree.

Chineme has enjoyed her introduction to Partner Electronics, with friendly people and a great culture. As well as opportunities to learn and ask questions, she says she likes that team leads also ask for other’s opinions: “Our ideas matter”. She’s looking forward to being involved in projects from beginning to end and exploring different areas of development.

James

James joins us from Loughborough University, where he studied Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering. While he considered studying computer science at university, he felt the degree course at Loughborough gave him an excellent opportunity to get deep into computing while also exploring other areas and developing new skills.

Having grown up in Northampton, James was pleased to find a job which was such a great fit so close to home. With such a lot of variety at Partner Electronics, there are many learning opportunities and the chance to try things out. James says he’s already pleased to have discovered friendly people and close-knit teams. “They want to see people grow and train to become complete engineers.”

Owen

Finally, we welcome Owen, who studied Electrical Engineering and Innovation at Bristol. His interest in electronics started with a love of music; playing saxophone and oboe in orchestras, Owen became interested in digital music and started building a synthesiser. He says, “I love the combination of science and art.”

Owen is also looking forward to the opportunity to explore different projects and ideas here at Partner Electronics. He says Partner Electronics is “a good environment to develop as an engineer”, developing hardware, firmware, and software skills. Owen appreciates the focus on teaching and learning, friendly people, and a homely environment where everyone cares.

A Team to Be Part Of – A Team Building Futures

We hope you’ll get a chance to meet our new graduates and will make them feel welcome; we’re sure we all have a lot to learn from each other.

The post Meet Our Fab 3 Engineering Graduates, Ready to Make an Impact! first appeared on Partner Electronics.

October and November bring us two significant events in our diary – The Engineering Design Show and the Advanced Engineering Show. Will we see you at either?

The Engineering Design Show

We’ll be over in Coventry on the 11^th and 12^th October, hoping to meet lots of interesting people and share the news of what Partner Electronics has been up to recently.

If you’re heading along, we’re on stand G31, it would be great to say hi.

The Advanced Engineering Show

This is followed on the 1^st and 2^nd November, by the Advanced Engineering Show at Birmingham NEC. Here we’ll be sharing space with our neighbours and collaborators of the Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC). Just look for the ‘Silverstone Technology Cluster’ signs and you’ll find us.

Come and say hello

Shows like this are a great opportunity to meet new people and catch up with what’s going on in the industry. We’re looking forward to some interesting conversations, come and say hello if you’re there.

The post We’re Out and About, Will We See You?   first appeared on Partner Electronics.

Recently, Isabel was asked to consider her time at university and how that prepared her for the working world, we were pleased to hear how much she is getting out of her time with us and thought you might like to see it too. Here’s the profile, originally published on the website of Lancaster University, Electronic and Electrical Engineering MEng Hons.

A future for Isabel

I studied MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Lancaster, and after graduating, I secured a role as Electronics Design Engineer at Partner Electronics, based in Silverstone. At the moment, I am part of a team that designs PCBs, writes firmware and creates software for a range of products different products – from smart sensors to components used in space flights! Here, we take ideas from prototype, right through to a point where they are ready for manufacture.

My work here is so varied, and I learn something new every day – but thanks to my time spent at Lancaster’s School of Engineering, I have a solid foundation of technical knowledge to draw and build upon. The School is also very interdisciplinary, which gave me an excellent starting point for being able to communicate with clients. Many of our clients are quite technically-minded, but may not necessarily have expertise within my field. At Lancaster, we often had the opportunity to work alongside engineers from other disciplines, so we would need to convey our ideas in a manner that can be understood by everyone, in a similar way to how I do now.

Many of the modules I studied at Lancaster have greatly benefited me as I have transitioned into the working world. As an MEng student, I got the opportunity to undertake a number of group projects and management modules. These have all stood me in excellent stead for the project management aspects of my work today, which I have been undertaking pretty much since I started! The course at Lancaster, as well as the many extra-curricular opportunities available to students, have helped to build my confidence to get me where I am today.

Looking ahead to the future

We’re always looking for skilled graduates who are excited by engineering and the chance to learn more. If you’d like to see what we could offer you, get in touch at recruitment@partnerelectronics.com.

The post Meet Isabel, Lancaster University to Partner Electronics – Building Excellence on a Solid Foundation first appeared on Partner Electronics.

Our three interns – Arek, Fergus and Henry – have left us to return to their university lecture halls. Before they went, we asked for some feedback on their time here.

The Engineering Journey – Silverstone Stage

What did you particularly enjoy in your time here?

Arek: The range of work the team undertakes is much bigger than I expected, and getting involved in such a variety was interesting.

Henry: We’ve had the opportunity to try lots of new things, which is excellent.

Fergus: Yes, the number of projects in progress was surprising and getting involved in so many, too.

Arek and Henry, you both had previous placements in large international companies; what stood out as a contrast to that experience?

Arek: I’ve found myself naturally involved in the projects I hoped to explore. There are opportunities to try different things here.

Henry: Socially, there’s a lot more going on – both in the office and outside – with a team this size, you can get to know people, and being in the office is a big part of that.

Are there any surprising things you’ve learned through the process?

Henry: Having a structured day in the office has been really important.

Arek: I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone, but in this environment, it works.

Fergus: With people around all the time, you can ask any questions, so the learning is much easier.

What are the most important things you’ll take away from Partner Electronics?

Henry: Consultancy, working directly with clients, has been very interesting. There’s a real need to understand what you’re doing and why.

Arek: Process is so important. The work done by the Partner team has been well documented, so picking things up is relatively straightforward.

Henry: Yes, jumping in part way through a project is difficult, but with the processes and documentation the Partner team produce, it’s easier.

Fergus: Communication is key. Communication within the team has been great for learning and picking things up, but also in projects with clients.

Opportunities to learn, opportunities to grow

It is great to have new faces in the office, allowing them to explore areas they may not have worked on before and the confidence to work on client projects that will make their way out into the real world.

Good luck to Henry, Fergus and Arek as they work hard to complete their degrees. We’re looking forward to seeing where they go next.

The post Learning and Innovation – the Intern Experience at Partner Electronics first appeared on Partner Electronics.

Welcoming these interns allows us to support a new intake of learners while benefiting from their skills and new perspectives. We chatted with them to discover what they hope to gain from working with us.

Welcome

Arek

We’re pleased to welcome Arek from Bath University, where he’s studying for his Master’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Most recently, though, Arek has been doing his placement year in industry, working in a large corporation in Nottingham.

Born in Poland and growing up in Plymouth, Arek is pleased to have chosen this path. ‘With so much to learn,’ he says, ‘I can see it will be interesting for a whole career.’

Before starting his final year, Arek says he is looking forward to this time in Partner Electronics to compare against his experience in his previous corporate placement. He says he is already enjoying the variety of projects, the opportunity to be involved in different parts of the project, and seeing his work’s impact so quickly. The work here has been ‘very deep, very fast,’ with the chance to get involved in project work immediately with a good team’s support.

Most of all, Arek says he is looking forward to the experience of learning from a team of engineers in the field and making real-life products. The learning at university is very academic, with experts distanced from such development. Partner Electronics presents an opportunity to learn from engineers combining technical expertise and business skills.

Fergus

From Imperial College London, we’re welcoming Fergus, who’s studying Biomedical Engineering. He chose the course, he tells us, because it’s diverse, allowing him to explore mechanics, materials, and electronics – in which he’s specialising.

Drawn to engineering by an enjoyment of taking things apart and a curiosity to find out how they work, Fergus’ experience at university has sparked an interest in electronics, which he wants to explore in real-world developments, which is why he applied to Partner Electronics.

Fergus started his internship looking forward to seeing what it is like working in an engineering company and experiencing such a workplace before he finishes his degree. So, what does he think so far?

Fergus says, ‘I like the variety, the projects are interesting, and it’s very different to university work – there’s such a lot going on.’

Henry

Henry is joining us from Nottingham University, where he will soon enter the final year of his integrated Master’s degree. He also took a year out of his degree for industry experience working for a large engineering firm in London, where he focused on software.

Henry told us he’s always enjoyed computers and technology, so he considered studying computing at university until he discovered electronic engineering.

At his previous placement, Henry’s work mainly focused on web-based software, so one thing he’s looking forward to is the opportunity to do more work on hardware projects. He likes the variety of work at Partner Electronics and the idea of working directly with clients to create usable products.

So far, Henry says Partner Electronics has been great; the people are welcoming, and the atmosphere is friendly. We talked about the social side of the team, which three interns have experienced already with an opportunity to visit Silverstone Racetrack on the Formula 1 Grand Prix qualifying day.

Henry is looking forward to opportunities to work on hardware projects and the variety of the work here. He is also pleased to experience a workplace so different from his previous corporate placement, a chance to see something different and to find out which works best for him.

Opportunities to learn, opportunities to grow

Having interns in the company provides us with so many benefits. While they experience how we work and learn more about real-life product development, we give them experience in a variety of areas and learn from their experiences too.

If you’re working with Partner Electronics over the next two months, you might meet Arek, Fergus or Henry – we hope you’ll say hello.

The post Here to Make a Difference – Meet Our New Interns first appeared on Partner Electronics.

One of our engineers here at Partner Electronics, Dan has been involved in rowing since his university days and was pleased to have the opportunity to row at the Henley Regatta this year. We’re so pleased to be sharing his story.

A Competitive Edge

This was my third time doing the qualifying regatta for Henley and my first time with the Northampton Rowing Club (NRC). My first two attempts at qualification were with Imperial College Boat Club, a highly competitive university rowing club. Unfortunately, both times I attempted to qualify with Imperial, I narrowly missed out on the cut-off for qualification.

When I started work at Partner Electronics, I joined the local rowing club in Northampton and, over the past couple of years, have competed with NRC as we have progressively targeted more national competitions. This year, we aimed to compete at the large regattas held at Eton Dorney and Nottingham Holme Pierpoint, to get Northampton Rowing Club’s name out there. As a crew, we are keen to build our reputation as a club that can achieve great results for both junior and adult rowers.

Northampton Rowing Club is a relatively young rowing club having only been established in 1976, we’re always looking to bring in new members – of any age or ability. There are a number of learn to row sessions throughout the year to train up complete beginners, so if you are interested we’d love to hear from you.

Getting Qualified

Henley Royal Regatta was first held in 1839 as a local fair and public attraction but quickly became focused on competitive amateur rowing. With events taking place across a week, the number of teams in each category is reduced each day as they get knocked out until the best teams race in the finals at the weekend.

Each event at Henley has a limited number of entries. My crew’s category was the Wyfold Challenge Cup; there were 32 racing places available, of which 24 were allocated to teams pre-qualified based on club prestige and yearly performance. As a small club, Northampton didn’t pre-qualify, leaving us among 35 crews fighting for the remaining 8 places at the qualifying regatta on Friday.

On the morning of the qualification race, we had a pre-paddle on the river to get a feel for it. The flow had picked up on the racecourse with a strong headwind to fight coming down the course. Feeling pretty confident after our paddle, we adjusted the boat’s rigging to improve our efficiency in the strong headwind and spent the rest of the morning resting in the shade and chatting.

When it came time for our qualifying race, we boated and met our competition at the start line for the time trial. Every crew had lined up in race order so we could be set off, one at a time, to attempt our fastest time down the ~1900m qualification course. Our crew put a solid effort into the race and were relatively happy with our performance. We had to battle bouncy water and a strong headwind down the course but managed to make it to the end in one piece – other crews weren’t so lucky, hitting the sides of the race lane on the way down the course and ruining their run at qualification. I was particularly pleased that my steering managed to keep us in lane all the way down.

After the race, we packed the boat back in the tent, waiting to hear the eight qualifying crew names be announced. Sadly, we were not on that list of names. Out of the 35 crews, we placed 16th and were roughly 9 seconds off qualification. Although this was disappointing, we’ve had a great season as a crew. We will continue to build our skill and fitness into the next regatta season next year. The highlight of the day for me was catching up with many of my old rowing mates from different clubs I have rowed with over the years. Regattas and other competitions are great places to catch up with people you don’t often get to see.

When employees thrive, so do companies 

We’re sure Dan and the rest of the Northampton Rowing Club crew will have more stories to share next year, and we look forward to hearing them.

Many of our people are involved in sports clubs or societies, and we’re pleased to be able to support them in these interests – whether that’s giving them time to participate or helping with fundraising. Companies only thrive when their people do, and it’s our aim to encourage our people to thrive.

The post From the Lab to the River: Dan Shares His Experience at the Henley Regatta first appeared on Partner Electronics.