Electronic Design

When designing a new electronic system there are always important factors to consider. Outlining the specific objectives, milestones, and timeline of the project functions creates a clear path for development.

First things first what will the ultimate goal of the end product functionality be? A general overview and a detailed project scope would be outlined. This would summarize the 360 degree view of the project and what the final electronics will be required to aid in accomplishing. It is a big picture process to determine what the expectations for the functions of the system are.

For example you are designing a humidity minder that will monitor the interior humidity level for a various range of household and industrial uses. To prepare a general overview it would be important to consider:

• The ranges of humidity and what output displays would identify?
• The type of buttons or controls needed?
• What would the screen or visual aspects entail?
• Power source? The detailed scope would dig deeper into the electronics.

Every design project will have different criteria. Some may rely on the expertise of the engineer developing the schematic of the electronics to suggest educated solutions for the best flow. Others may have a very specific specification sheet covering each detail and the engineering team will work within those confines to make a system that meets the challenge.

• Inputs/Outputs – USB?
• User Interface?
• Power?
• Physical Constraints?
• Budget?

It is important that the custom electronic design process exhaust as many questions, challenges, and scenarios at the onset of the project. While this can seem like an obstacle at first it is important to remember that this will limit the time and help to stay within the budget by being prepared.

In today’s manufacturing world a focus on quality and productivity are always under review.  It may be difficult to put a quality system in place but to take quality a step further some electronic design companies enlist a culture of continuous improvement.

What does this mean for the customer?  It means that not only is there a system in place at the end of the design process for your products electronic design and assembly but throughout the entire project.  This would include conceptualization, procurement of parts, and prototyping all the way through the finished product.  At the end of the process the electronic designer will continue to analyze the system to make changes to increase productivity and quality for future projects.  It is a learning process that really never stops.

Empowering the entire team that is involved to pull the trigger or question the process at any time because there is a culture of commitment to quality.  It comes from the top down allowing anyone from the team whether they are working to design a pcb or electronic assembly or anywhere in development or production.  The process would look something like this:

1. A question or suggestion is raised.
2. Review process for what can be done to solve the challenge.
3. Request feedback on improvement suggestions.
4. Implement change and improvements.
5. Repeat the process.

Your work is not ever really finished with regard to continuous improvement.  It works hand in hand with the lean manufacturing theories in place in many companies today.  The important piece is not only to make adjustments to the work process but always work to improve the steps from beginning to end.

In the end customers will receive the benefits because this leads to an efficient electronic design process which in turn leaves less room for error and more time to focus on the customer needs.

The electronic design process is all about workflow; a problem is answered with ideas, which flow into concepts and designs that evolve into prototypes. These prototypes are slowly refined and eventually produced with the end goal being a profitable product. This may seem like a simple process on paper, but rest assured that many problems may arise, slowing product development ultimately to a grinding halt.

First, the electronic design process must begin with the birth of an idea or a concept for improvement of a current product.  M Squared Electronics has the capabilities to assist in everything from drawing the electronics schematic, laying out printed circuit boards, and the electronics assembly of a product. The quality control process at M Squared was put in place to ensure that the system concept meets your needs and passes rigorous testing for improvements along the way.

It is simple for an engineer to take control of the entire electronic design process, but that is not the M Squared philosophy.  The goal is to focus on design for manufacturability (DFM) leading to a more efficient process with increased quality that is measurable through the lowered cost of manufacturing.  M Squared is dedicated to creating something with you as a collaboration that executes in the best possible way. The company strives to do far more than just making the electronics work.  As result of a culture of continuous improvement, M Squared consistently exceeds customer expectation.

M Squared Electronics is ready to partner as an extension of your company from prototyping to production bringing your ideas to life.  It is also important to simplify the electronic design process to streamline production.  Using years of experience, advanced design software and creativity, M Squared makes it possible to achieve a finished quality product as quickly as possible.  Also, M Squared knows how important it is to have open communication with clients throughout the process in order to take ideas and develop them into the product the customer desires.

Manufacturing abroad removes control from the production process and companies are finding a sacrifice in quality control as a result of this decision.  It requires a willingness to relinquish control to rely on overseas manufacturing of products.

As a result, recent reports are anticipating that some companies are going to put quality first and migrate manufacturing abroad back to North America.  The concept sometimes referred to as “onshoring” is encouraging to US based custom design houses that have historically focused on quality.  When companies test out overseas production often they are greeted with challenges relating to a lack of quality workmanship or in some cases counterfeit parts.

This will be a slow process and not an overnight decision for most but it is promising to companies in the United States that focus on quality and have the systems in place to pick up and manufacture formerly outsourced products quickly.

You may ask yourself what does this mean to me?  How will this impact my products?  Try to remember that you have the ability to control your product manufacturing and by making decisions to use a local company with the ability for quick response and extremely critical quality you can avoid the cost of reworking or delays in production.  It is empowering as a business to research a company and find a fit that will exceed the expectations on many levels.

Yes a business may look at the cost savings of manufacturing overseas and jump to that opportunity.  Remember that although the production cost when outsourcing was relatively low, the true cost of ownership can skyrocket due to many factors including servicing equipment failures.  The wise decision will be made after careful analysis of the big picture and potential compromising on the quality and time/scheduling.

In recent news the topic of quality, cost and efficiency have been recurring themes when it comes to electronic assembly.  It is important to make sure that the company supplying your circuit boards is working with the best components in order to minimize disappointment. You do not need to produce the components yourself to be assured of their effectiveness. There are companies that specialize in providing certification for the sources of the electronic components selected for design projects.  It is perfectly acceptable to request the certification documents from electronic assembly distributors to help you choose which company to hire.

The L.A. Times featured an article about the decision to go abroad for electronics and the caveats that a business owner should consider.  While you can save money sometimes you can sacrifice other aspects of quality or control over end results and consistency.  To read more click here:  http://lat.ms/ywW3G2

Quality of the components to be assembled is important. The life span of the electronic components of a product being assembled depends on this. Do not compromise for price over quality as the integrity of your company depends on it.  Instead, look for the smaller company that understands your needs and would work with your budgetary production needs. Trust that you will be a happy camper when you never have to recall your products from the market for any reason.

Electronic design and electronic assembly are specialties that when combined allow an electronics contract manufacturer take your products from initial specification to a completed production ready prototype. In addition to electronic contract manufacturing, you will want to look for a company providing both hardware and software electronic design services.

Be sure there are Warranty and Repair Services available for any of the electronic assemblies designed and built.

You should be able to find turnkey solutions that can become an extension of your company. A partner that can provide engineering services allowing you to concentrate on your core competencies. In addition, value should be added by providing you with ongoing engineering design support through the product life cycle.

You want an electronic design company to consistently produce cost effective high quality electronic designs and solutions that meet your exact specifications and delivery requirements. Consistency in the ability to provide highly reliable solutions is also vital in your selection of an electron design company.

Remember to consider these questions when choosing an electronic design company:

• What is the process for parts procurement?
• Can they provide complete system assembly?
• Will they review the designs for the ability to manufacture?
• What is the company’s level of consistency for on time delivery and quality?
• Will you have a direct point of contact or a designated project engineer?
• Are they able to provide product testing?
• What happens once a project is completed, do they offer continuing engineering?
• Do they have a proven quality assurance system in place?
• How in sync is the hardware & software design with the manufacturing process?