Simulation & Previously Proven Design Blocks

Simulation can be utilised in order to verify a design quickly, without investing time in buying real components and building physical hardware. In some cases this is not required, as some circuit “building blocks” are of a standard design and well proven. Over time here at MHW we have developed our own library of proven building blocks, which we offer to customers royalty free. Utilising these building blocks will ensure a highly reliable design can be developed quickly.

BOM

Once a circuit has been designed (and simulated if necessary), a BOM (Bill Of Materials) is created. This document contains information on all the components needed to create the product, and the suppliers of each component. Ideally components will have more than one supplier but this is not always possible. Some components, usually more basic parts are marked as “Generic” e.g. “Capacitor 1uF 25V 0805 Generic” whereas other more complex parts require the exact part number to match.

Board Layout

Board layout can vary from single layer through hole to multi layer surface mount parts, including tiny leadless packages. We can advise on the best approach for you product based on size requirements and estimated production volume. Gerber and Excellon files are generated to allow the board to be manufactured (by a 3rd party) and STEP files of the board can be used to fit the PCB into an enclosure, ensuring all connectors, switches, displays etc are in the correct place.

Functional Test

Once a board has been manufactured it can be tested in our lab. Performance criteria detailed in the specification are tested against the design and verified. This step is very variable, it can be completed very quickly for simple designs or weeks for complex designs.

Thermal Profiling

Utilising thermal imaging cameras, thermocouples and temperature controlled chambers we can ensure your product will continue to work reliably in a range of ambient temperatures out in the world, not just the 20C of a test lab. Test reports provided.

EMC Compliance

While we do not undertake EMC testing ourselves, we have several companies we can use depending on customer requirements. All too often designers forget about EMC until the time comes to test, then if the result is a failure a re-design is in order. At MHW we design boards with EMC in mind from the outset, and do “Pre-Compliance” testing during the design phase. Should the product fail at the test house we can work with both the customer and the test house to remedy the situation.

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