I was asked to investigate an intermittent fault with this device. It makes a nice #NameThatWare challenge. Can you guess/deduct what it is?

Please use a CW for your answers. Googling is fair game. Please don't just write a single word as answer, instead describe your observations and deductions.

@cccpresser ok. Very wild guess: probably the Audio codec is used as AD/DA converter for some $Measurment application. The 16bit ADC and the 2 OP Amps could be part of a compensation circuit. Since I didn't trace out the Codec's output pins, my guess is that it more or less feeds into the sub d connector and takes back feedback signal taken from there. due to the overall form factor of the PCB it is probably part of a DIN Rail mountable PLC expansion/connector. I settle for a...

@werdahias Nope, not even close.

@cccpresser sort of lock-in-amplifier, e.g. for reading out strain gauges. This is also a bit supported by only part of the pins on the connector being used and (probably?) being fed through ferrite.

I am probably completely wrong. But I am looking forward to the solution...

This was good fun 😊

@dickenhobelix I think the amplifier part is correct. I have not further reverse-engineered the thing, but I had the same conclusion and its highly plausible based on the type of device and measurement principle.

The guess is wrong though.

@cccpresser oh, nevermind it's not a ferrite, it's just glue. Welp.

@cccpresser second and last guess would be a circuit for reading a resolver https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resolver_(electrical)

@cccpresser the db9 is either rs232, can, or rs485. there’s a header labeled sensor, and the fpc cable might be going to a display or hmi module. looks like industrial design from between 2000 and 2010. the lack of obvious mounting holes or slot surprises me. the single button on the short side makes me think this isn’t an addon board to a larger equipment, but a standalone device? maybe a field sensor / transmitter.

@dickenhobelix nope, not a resolver.

@uint8_t
Awesome, you got a lot of things right!

rs232 or rs458 ✅
industrial design from between 2000 and 2010 ✅
display or hmi ❌
standalone device ✅
field sensor / transmitter ➖

@cccpresser DB9, compact form factor, layout, high quality board + components -> DIN-rail-ish industrial automation, measurement automation or telco equipment
I see Burr Brown + Analog Logos on ICs, some LF A/D, measurement stuff maybe