PCB Development
Classic design of a PCB follows the creation and testing of the discrete electronics components in a comprehensive setup usually made with the use of a so called Breadboard. The final diagrams are based on the 'trial and error' principle.
Nowadays, the theoretical schematic diagrams are converted directly into a preliminary PCB layout design, in order to be modified and developed into the final design with the software used. Cutting out this practical elaboration and testing of the discrete electronics design is made possible by software being equipped with the necessary simulation and test functionalities, to check whether the devised circuit does what's intended.
Still many professional designers don't want to skip this Breadboard phase, despite the availability of sophisticated simulation tools, wanting to produce detailed electronics schematics based on the findings during this practical development process.
Our Developers use the Number One industry standard: Altium™ Designer. It's one of the most comprehensive and effective PCB Development Software available on the market today. It offers all the tools to get the best possible results in the shortest development time. With its perfect simulation and management tools, the results are always cutting-edge in less development duration compared to other PCB software.
Absolutely no problem at all: We are able to convert all supplied file formats/extensions into Altium™ Designer. So whatever PCB Design Suite you use, we can integrate your concept in our development process. In case you want to use the design in your own design suite, we can if desired convert the Altium files back to the PCB design suite you use.
Printed Circuit Boards have come a long way. PCB evolution has led to so much innovation that you can find boards in everything from the simplest electronics in children’s toys to sleek, cutting edge smartphones. But the PCBs for these projects don’t magically appear. There is an entire PCB development process that occurs before you can even start manufacturing the final product, and there could be lots of lag time in between.
The Complete Electronics Design Process
█ 1. Requirements Definition
█ 2. Estimates
█ 3. Design Proposal - Cost and Timescales
█ 4. Project Plan
█ 5. Design Specifications
█ 6. Schematic Design
█ 7. PCB Design
█ 8. Prototype Manufacturing
█ 9. Environmental Testing
█ 10. Setup of Production Manual and BOM
█ 11. Production Management
The moment an electronics schematic diagram has been fully developed and all revisions have been implemented, the process of developing the actual PCB starts. By using Altium™ Designer, it is possible to perform simulations and checks during this development process that prevent errors, but above all, adjust matters in the design that guarantee higher operational reliability. This means that the end result will be a well-functioning prototype with an even higher As-Built succes probability. As previously noted, errors and problems that arise when the first hardware PCB has been designed and developed - the so-called Proto-0 board - must be taken into account.
Once the first PCB version is produced, it is not guaranteed that it will function error-free. Before a completed prototype (also called a pilot) can be deployed, it is important to extensively test the PCB and identify any bugs or errors you encounter.
At this stage there are usually bugs that need to be fixed within the µProcessor or µControllers. The µController Unit (or MCU) - in combination with the µProcessor (Embedded) - is the "digital highway traffic controller" of the electronic product. It is responsible for controlling components such as memory, sensors, movements, displays and switches. If we find bugs in the µController section, it must be reprogrammed. Our developers use Visual Studio Code Compiler C or C++, or C# (C-sharp) / CodeFusion Studio™ in case an embedded software platform is applied, which are used to code the µProcessor / µController for proper operation.
This process of debugging, testing and evaluating the changes may have to be repeated a number of times before it has the desired functionality, but above all continues to work stably.
After fully testing the PCB for required functionalities, it is determined together with the designers whether the board meets the requirements for the device in which it is used. In contrast to a complete product development process, of which the PCB is part, it must now be carefully investigated whether the individual board fits into the intended product.
This applies to both the mechanical and electronic properties. Together with the developers and mechanical engineers, it is now determined which specific properties require adjustment to obtain a synergistic whole.
Once it has been determined by the team of mechanical engineers, industrial designers and the electronics developers - after the required revisions - the board is fully functional and within specifications, its mechanical properties are modified to ensure that the PCB fits into the intended enclosure. After this step relevant properties such as mechanical stress on the PCB and the internal heat signature, thus providing sufficient internal cooling, are also thoroughly tested by simulation and practical tests.
More Specifics
As you already might understand, it's impossible to explain all the ins and outs on PCB Development on this single page. Call or email us for more specific or detailed information.
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By examining the results and their statistics, we can proudly say that 92 percent of the projects were completed within the agreed development time segment. Where necessary, constant improvements are made, which guarantees as a client that your product will be available within the planned date.