Client’s requirements are presented in a variety of levels of detail from the classic cigarette packet to an exhaustive requirement specification referencing a variety of international standards.
This document collates all the significant parameters which both the client and the designer consider of sufficient significance to enable a formal quotation to be provided.
Where pricing cannot be provided with any degree of certainty this will be clearly identified within the document.
The Design Specification tables how DSL intends to provide a solution to the requirement.
It offers greater detail on all aspects of the design from the problem presentation to functional and technological specifications right through to test and certification plans.
This is written at the technical level required to describe what the product does not how it does it, unless the requirements definition specifies otherwise. This allows the client to fully understand all that he is being asked to approve.
Once agreed, we then design the board to the Design Specification, employing techniques to meet with client type approvals such as EMC emissions, temperature range, vibration, and circuit protection. Completed schematics are then sent for approval before moving to the board layout stage.
Our Design Engineers then proceed to the board layout stage and this addresses and specific physical parameters as highlighted within the Design Specification document. DSL typically provide a 3D CAD model, or interactive 3D PDF, of the board to help clients visualise the final board layout.
Once the board design and layout are approved we are ready to manufacture the first batch of prototypes. Fast-turn build options are available for projects working to constrained timescales.
We work together with our clients to ensure the prototypes pass any environmental testing that is required. This can include EMC emissions, vibration, temperature and humidity as well as other industry specific standards.
With prototypes approved our job is sometimes completed and we will provide all schematics in Altium format along with PCB artwork, a full BOM as well as any other documentation and IP.
The production stage has many prerequisites vital to the on-going success of the project. These often includes management of software versions, assembly quality, system testing and component obsolescence. We can manage this entire process allowing the client to use their valuable resource on the competencies they are specialised in.