**Electronic design** is at the heart of technological innovation. Whether for connected devices, embedded systems, or industrial equipment, it transforms an idea into a functional product. But how do you go from idea to realization? This article guides you through the essential steps of the **electronic design process**.
Feasibility Study and Technical Specifications
Before starting development, a **feasibility study** is crucial. It allows you to verify the viability of the project by considering:
- The technical and functional constraints
- The applicable standards (CE, UL, RoHS)
- Production and maintenance costs
The writing of the specifications document follows this step. This detailed document sets out the expected features, design constraints, connectivity and power requirements, as well as performance expectations.
To discover how Symes integrates these specifications into its IoT products, explore our innovative solutions in connectivity and connected devices.
Schematic Design and Component Selection
The next step is to create the **electronic schematic** of the product. This includes:
- The selection of **electronic components** (microcontrollers, sensors, communication modules)
- The definition of **electrical connections** between the various elements
- Checking the compatibilities and tolerances to ensure the reliability of the product
At this stage, optimizing energy consumption is often a key criterion, especially for IoT devices.
PCB Placement and Routing
Once the schematic is validated, the next step is to design the **PCB (Printed Circuit Board)**:
- **Placement of components** to optimize space and signal flow
- **Routing the traces** to minimize electromagnetic interference and ensure reliable connectivity
- Use of **CAD software** (Computer-Aided Design) such as Altium Designer or KiCad
**Multilayer routing** (2, 4, or even 6 layers) is often used for complex circuits requiring a high density of connections.
Prototyping and Testing
Prototyping allows you to validate the design before mass production. At Symes, we use advanced technologies such as:
- **3D printing** for enclosures
- **SMT assembly** for surface-mount components
- **Functional and performance testing** to verify compliance with specifications
The prototypes are then subjected to thorough testing to ensure the reliability and durability of the final product.
Industrialization and Certification
Once the prototypes are validated, the product moves to the **industrialization phase**:
- **Optimization of the production file** by the methods department
- **Validation** of component equivalence, **standardization** of components
- Definition of the **manufacturing process**
- **Definition** and **manufacturing of the functional test bench**
- **Certification** according to the applicable **standards** (CE, UL, RoHS)
- **Validation** of the industrialization phase by **producing 10 initial EI samples**
To learn more about the requirements and process of European Certification, discover how Symes guarantees the compliance of its electronic products.
Transition to Mass Production
Once the EI samples are validated, the product moves to the **production phase**:
- **Mass production of PCBs**
- **Assembly of components** with automated machines to ensure precision and efficiency
- **Programming** and **functional testing**
- Packaging, labeling, and delivery
Conclusion
The **electronic design process** is a methodical sequence of steps, from schematic design to prototyping, to final production. Each step requires advanced technical skills and rigor in executing tasks to ensure the quality and performance of the final product.
Want to bring your electronic project to life? At Symes, we guide you from idea to realization with proven expertise in **electronic design**.
Discover our electronic design services and entrust your project to us!