Altium > Case Studies > Danish Interpretation Systems: Pioneering Digital Conferencing with Altium Designer

Danish Interpretation Systems: Pioneering Digital Conferencing with Altium Designer

Technology Category

Automation & Control - Distributed Control Systems
Networks & Connectivity - 5G

Applicable Industries

Electronics
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Services

System Integration

About The Customer

Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS) is a company with over 50 years of experience in the communications and meeting industry. They specialize in designing and developing innovative communication solutions that balance both technical and human communication complexity. DIS communication products are used in many political arenas by international delegates, chairmen, and interpreters translating up to 32 different languages all in real-time. They are known for their innovative approach to communication solutions and their products are recognized for their ability to handle complex multi-language translations on the fly.

The Challenge

Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS), a company with over 50 years of experience in the communications and meeting industry, was faced with the challenge of developing the world’s first fully-digital conferencing system, the DCS 6000. The system was to handle the complexity of multi-language translations in real-time, with the ability to deliver 32 different language channels simultaneously and have eight active microphones in use at the same time. The system also needed to be fully expandable using LAN-based extension units. The design of the product was also a challenge as it had to be small enough to fit into the armrests of chairs or the legs of tables. The DCS 6000 required a high degree of design customization and power in the smallest possible enclosure.

The Solution

After evaluating various vendors, DIS selected Altium Designer for their design needs. Altium Designer provided a fully customizable rules-based design environment, allowing engineers to set specific component placement rules that kept them in full compliance with manufacturing and electrical guidelines. It also offered powerful high-speed design tools, enabling DIS to take full advantage of the high-speed routing tools including impedance-controlled routing. This allowed them to easily route complex and high-density PCBs. Altium Designer also provided an easy-to-use interface and design environment, enabling DIS to reach their productivity potential without a steep learning curve. With the help of Altium Designer, DIS was able to successfully launch the DCS 6000.

Operational Impact

The successful launch of the DCS 6000, the world’s first fully-digital conferencing system, significantly contributed to the ongoing financial success of DIS. It also solidified their reputation as an innovator in the communications and meeting industry. The system's ability to handle the complexity of multi-language translations in real-time, deliver 32 different language channels simultaneously, and have eight active microphones in use at the same time, all while being small enough to fit into the armrests of chairs or the legs of tables, demonstrated the company's ability to balance both technical and human communication complexity.