28/11/2022
5 Key Factors in Engineering Design and Manufacture
DESIGN
Whether your project is a simple sensor amplifier, or a complex data logging system, there are certain risks you must consider when undertaking a new design. Your project structure and size need be taken into account. You need to identify what your requirements are and create well-defined specifications. And all aspects of your project need consideration from system to low-level functions. Another side-effect of the pandemic has meant that, more recently, component availability has become a high priority design consideration. On top of this, you have to understand the technical capabilities of your staff and internal resourcing. All of which can affect the delivery of your product.
SIMULATION
Do you know your Analogue signals? How is your power supply going to respond to transients? It’s important to understand signals from the real world in order for you to get the most accurate measurements out of your sensors, especially if your product is wireless. Simulation is a key tool in an engineer’s arsenal and a design-heavy approach can be paramount to successful delivery.
HARDWARE
Are you up to date with the latest component data? Do you have access to the right CAD tools? Hardware engineering design requires a clear understanding of circuit simulation, schematic design and capture, and PCB layouts. Getting the hardware right is the first step towards successful development.
FIRMWARE
Embedded processors often form the core of embedded systems. Their programming ultimately defines your product’s behaviour and performance. Design options surrounding the choice of device and its defined behaviour can have far reaching effects on your product, but also on the systems it interacts with. Clear, concise documentation and robust design are crucial to delivering a working product to your required specifications.
SOFTWARE
Do you have knowledge of how to tailor your software to suit your needs? Will you be able to accurately display and analyse your data? If not managed properly, your hardware and software design can become like a chicken and egg situation. You need to understand your hardware and firmware to understand your software… to understand your hardware to understand your software. Sound design specifications and communication protocol definitions remove any disconnect between software and hardware.
Ultimately, is your technology strategy watertight? Need help?
Learn more about how I.C.E. can lend a hand with every single element of your new product... https://iceelectronics.net/capabilities