When developing an electronic product, the journey from concept to functional prototype is both thrilling and challenging. As technology advances, so do the methods and tools available to engineers and designers. Improved prototyping methods allow for greater accuracy and efficiency in the design phase, which can accelerate an electronic product’s path to production. At MJS Designs, we understand the intricacies of this process and strive to provide comprehensive solutions that streamline a project from vision to realization.
Bidding Farewell to Breadboards: The Rise of Printed Circuit Board Prototyping
Traditionally, breadboarding has been a staple in the early stages of electronic prototyping. Its simplicity and flexibility made it an attractive choice for quickly iterating on ideas and proving basic circuit functionality. However, with advancements in component and printed circuit board (PCB) technologies, this development stage may no longer be necessary.
Over the last few decades, the assortment of integrated circuit (IC) components has risen exponentially. Certain modern day ICs are designed to achieve application-specific functions that were once only possible through complex and risky circuit design. By embracing these all-in-one chip solutions, engineers can mitigate design risks and streamline the development cycle.
Additionally, the amount of technical documentation for modern components, including comprehensive application notes, reference schematics, and detailed datasheets, serves as a valuable resource for electronics designers. When building complex circuitry, engineers can leverage this wealth of information and proven designs. Today’s embedded designers no longer need to reinvent the wheel with every circuit. This widespread access to deep technical knowledge not only expedites the design phase but also mitigates the risk of design flaws.
While components have become more capable, PCB manufacturing processes have simultaneously become more economical. As the world continues its electronics revolution, PCBs are becoming increasingly common. To keep up with this demand, PCB manufacturing and assembly processes have improved to be faster and more efficient than ever.
With the risks of circuit design decreasing, as well as the costs of PCB manufacturing, the breadboard prototyping phase is becoming obsolete. For newer designs it can be more economical and efficient to bypass the breadboarding phase altogether and proceed directly to prototype PCB assembly.
Simulation Software: Ensuring Accuracy Before Implementation
Before committing to the physical fabrication of a prototype printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), it is essential to verify the design’s correctness and functionality. This is where simulation software plays a pivotal role. Circuit simulation allows an engineer to observe the estimated behavior of a circuit before it is built, providing an opportunity to ensure the desired functionality is achieved. By modeling complex circuits, engineers can validate designs, identify potential issues, and optimize performance—all before a single component is soldered onto a board.
Versatility is Key: Designing for Adaptability
With electronic prototyping, it is common for board requirements or desired functionality to change throughout the development phase. Innovative engineering practices can be employed to maximize the flexibility of a prototype PCBA, even after it has been built. Circuits can be designed with increased adaptability by incorporating interchangeable components. This allows for simple changes to alter functionality without the need for physical modifications such as cutting or rewiring signals on the board.
Modern prototype PCBAs often incorporate highly versatile microcontrollers, capable of executing a wide range of functions and tasks. These microcontrollers can be reprogrammed on the fly, allowing engineers to address design flaws, implement new features, or adapt to changing requirements without the need for hardware modifications.
Chasing Perfection: The Realities of Electronic Development
In the world of electronic prototyping, perfection is an elusive goal—especially with complex PCB designs. It is unreasonable to expect the first iteration of a prototype to be flawless. Often times a prototype PCBA will have a couple design flaws in the circuitry, resulting in the board having reduced performance or, in extreme cases, being completely inoperable.
New electronic products will often go through multiple PCBA revisions before landing on the final design. This iterative process requires significant time and resources to complete. However, MJS Designs has a highly skilled manufacturing team that specializes in complex PCB assembly and repair. This allows our engineers to work directly with IPC certified solder technicians to incorporate circuit changes on an assembled board. These changes, or “wire edits” can be used to improve the design requirements, and achieve a fully functional prototype without the added cost and time of building a new PCBA. This approach reduces both the cost and duration of electronic product developments.
Working with MJS Designs
At MJS Designs, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in the electronic prototyping process. We have experience designing and building PCBAs for a variety of industries, including commercial, automotive, industrial, and aerospace. With a team of experienced engineers and a commitment to versatility and innovation, we are equipped to bring your electronic development projects to life.
We believe that your idea should belong to you. That is why we provide all electronic design files to our customers after every project and our customers will own the intellectual property.
From initial prototype development to full production builds, we offer a one-stop-shop solution for electronic product development. Contact us now to see how MJS Designs can bring your ideas to life.