Contract Electronic Design
Circuit Design
This is the process of creating the desired electronic function for an invention in the abstract. Usually this is in the form of schematics but can also include algorithms and equations for analog and digital circuits. Modern designs usually rely on digital signal processing to allow for flexibility and repeatability. DSP tasks are now being divided between programmable logic, specialized DSP processors, and in the controlling microprocessors. Optimal designs must be based on algorithms that take advantage of diverse architectures. Examples include the analysis of power issues, beyond just getting the right voltage, to including heating, source impedance issues, and noise. Many circuits involve mixed signal design where analog and digital processes work together to produce maximum performance and a good understanding of both disciplines is necessary to optimize a design. We offer complete circuit design including programmable logic and simulations of analog, logic, and custom simulation software when necessary.
Physical Design
This is the process of turning conceptual designs and circuit designs into a real product for manufacturing. Here the circuit design is imported into the layout of printed circuit boards, custom components and sub assemblies. This process goes hand in hand with the mechanical requirements of an existing or off-the-shelf housing or the design of a custom housing in vacuum formed or molded plastic or shaped metal. The physical design has a the added issues of RF noise emissions and electrostatic and RF susceptibility best addressed with an understanding of the physics involved. We offer PCB layout as well as 2d and 3d CAD design for custom housings.
Design Review
Design review should be the step between each phase of a design and the next design or manufacturing step. Here is where assumptions often clash with reality. Every time this step is ignored, more will be invested in fixing the errors later. The best possible design review is from those with no vested interest or emotional connection to the design but with the experience necessary to understand it. If your organization does not have a redundant engineering staff with independent management to do this review, and very few do, then consultants are your best bet. A good consultant can suggest changes that can improve the product as well as provide oversights before the market and competitors do. Who is going to look over the shoulder at the design you just got from some third world country that would not be a third world country if they had put their claimed technical skills in practice there.