Design choice: 8-bit architecture
This device is designed to collect attendance events and transmit them over the network in a predictable and consistent way. The 8-bit architecture is a deliberate engineering choice aligned with this scope.
What the device does
The device performs a limited and deterministic set of operations:
- Detect an attendance event (check-in / check-out)
- Associate the event with an identifier (badge/user)
- Transmit the event to a central system
The device does not store attendance logs for later manual retrieval. Events are transmitted immediately so that no on-site data collection is required.
The device does not generate timestamps locally. When the event is written, the server assigns date and time automatically.
Why events are transmitted over the network
In systems where data is stored locally, attendance records must be retrieved manually by accessing each device. This introduces operational cost, delays and additional points of failure.
By transmitting events over the network when they occur, there is no technical reason to send a person to retrieve data from the device. The system remains simple, and the operational process is reduced.
Server-side timestamping
Timestamping is applied centrally when the event is written to storage. This provides a uniform time reference across multiple devices and sites, without relying on local clocks.
- Consistent time reference across devices
- No local clock drift management
- Simpler firmware and fewer critical components on the device
Why 8-bit
The required functions do not involve complex computation. The priority is predictable behavior and reliable event transmission. An 8-bit microcontroller enables:
- Simple, verifiable firmware
- Deterministic execution flow
- Fast boot and predictable recovery after resets
- Reduced dependency footprint
Power consumption and battery operation
The 8-bit architecture supports low and predictable power consumption, making battery operation possible. This allows:
- Installations where mains power is not available
- Temporary or mobile deployments
- Improved continuity in case of power interruptions
Scope reminder
This is a data collection device. It does not calculate payroll, manage shifts, or interpret labor regulations. Its purpose is to produce attendance events that can be processed by existing workflows.