Why Development Boards Should be Avoided in Commercial Products

Development boards like PIC boards, NodeMCU ESP8266, and hobbyist platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi are excellent tools for prototyping and learning. However, they are not intended for integration into commercial products where long-term availability, cost efficiency, and reliability are critical. They come with pre-built circuitry, including microcontrollers or microprocessors, and often feature standardized interfaces and connectors. While this makes them excellent for rapid prototyping and education, their one-size-fits-all design is rarely optimized for any specific commercial application. 

 

 

Commercial products often have strict space constraints. Dev boards like the nodemcu and pic board are not designed with compactness in mind; instead, they prioritize accessibility of components and pins. In contrast, a custom PCB design can be tailored to fit precisely within the dimensions required by the end product, eliminating any wasted space and optimizing the form factor. 

 

While individual dev boards are inexpensive, they become costly when used at scale. They include components and features unnecessary for the final product, driving up the unit cost. Designing a custom circuit board strips away these superfluities, which can significantly reduce production costs, especially when manufactured in large volumes. 

 

Dev boards are not optimized for power efficiency. For battery-operated devices using say an arduino or a teensy board, the power draw can drastically reduce operational time between charges. Custom designs allow for careful selection of components and circuit optimization that minimize power consumption, which is critical for portable and remote applications. 

 

The lifecycle of a dev board is typically shorter than that of commercial-grade components. Manufacturers may discontinue a board after a few years, which can be a severe problem for commercial products that require long-term support and availability. Commercial components usually have a more extended lifecycle, which is crucial for maintaining and updating commercial products. 

 

Dev boards are typically not built to withstand the rigors of continuous commercial use. Custom-designed electronics, however, can be engineered using industrial-grade components that are rated for higher reliability and longer life under challenging conditions. 

 

Using a dev board like a raspberrypi or an arduino board, means relying on a third-party design that cannot be altered at a fundamental level. Custom PCBs, on the other hand, are entirely owned by the creating company, protecting intellectual property and allowing for deep customization to meet the specific needs of a commercial product. 

 

While platforms like the NodeMCU ESP8266 and combinations such as Arduino Raspberry Pi are popular in prototyping, they often fall short in commercial environments. Similarly, using a PIC board can introduce challenges related to component sourcing, scalability, and product certification. 

 

At Circad Design, we believe in developing tailor-made solutions that match our clients' unique requirements. By avoiding off-the-shelf development boards, we deliver products that are: 

 

 

 

 

For robust, cost-effective, and reliable commercial products, avoid reliance on development boards like PIC boards, NodeMCU ESP8266, or combining Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms. Instead, opt for custom-designed hardware tailored to your product’s specific requirements.While dev boards serve an important role in the initial stages of electronic design, they fall short in meeting the demands of commercial products. 

 

Circad Design's approach prioritizes custom-designed solutions that align with the specific needs of our clients. By forgoing development boards in favour of custom designs, we help our clients achieve success with products that are both functional and tailored to excel in competitive commercial markets.