Electronic Product Design
We supply electronic design services to a wide range of industries across the UK, Europe, Asia and USA.
We are committed to delivering the best electronic product design services and building long lasting working relationships that include manufacturing and on-going product support.
Circad is more than just an electronic design house. When an off the shelf design cannot meet requirements, Circad can offer a bespoke electronic design to your specification.
We simplify the incorporation of embedded devices into your product. From concept through prototype electronics to full manufacture and test, we will manage the whole process completely from within our factory.
Learn more below about our design methodology and how customers value our approach to electronic product development .
roXiva Jimi Simpson | Owner
“We have been working with Circad since October 2020 and their responsiveness combined with the quality of the three circuit assemblies they produce for us is fantastic."
"We have collectively shared in numerous challenges, initially Covid-19 delays and now the unprecendented semiconductor situation, but with planning and open communication we battle on...! "
"Thank you all for the great work.”
Product Concept
Discuss your product concept and ideas with our team, in full confidence and under an NDA. Our design engineers will work with you to explore the concept, including any prototyping required.
We will produce an electronic design proposal describing the product operation, project milestones and all associated costs and time-scales.
Discovery
The discovery stage is used to resolve unknown factors about the product operation before the design stages can start.
We may need to mock up some prototype electronics to measure current draw for battery life calculation, or we may need to undertake an outline electronic pcb design to ensure it can fit into the available space. Space and weight concerns increasingly favour the adoption of a flexible pcb.
Specific information may be required about regulatory requirements for the type of product.
Electronic Schematic Design
The schematic design defines the components to be used and is a source document for the PCB layout. The schematic represents the components and the connections between them and is fundamental for verifying basics such as pin numbering, labels, symbols, connectors, decoupling capacitors and so on.
Good electronic component choice is critical to product cost, longevity of supply and any specific compliance requirements for the product. Where there is sufficient space on the board, we try to use larger size components for ease of assembly. However, space, current, voltage, frequency and availability play their part in the selection of components.
Custom Layout
Any electronics design will have specific space requirements. We work with our clients using various 3D CAD tools to ensure that the PCB layout will fit the enclosure and that the product will be easy to manufacture.
An inadequate PCB layout can result in problems such as electromagnetic interference and even total board failure. Any rework will add manufacturing delays and costs.
There is no requirement for clients to have any CAD tools, we will supply a 3D PDF showing the finished assembled PCB layout and its components.
Warren Services Will Bridgman | Chairman
"I had been unable to find the product that I wanted off the shelf so I approached Circad Design in Ipswich. I wanted to get a product designed around what I wanted and I liked Circad's can-do attitude.
They felt like an extension of my own team, as though I had my own electronics department with whom I could discuss my product. They are very nice, professional people to deal with and I am happy to recommend them to anyone who is in need of an electronics based solution.
They offer very good value and always based on a realistic timeline and cost. Everything is under one roof, from design and development through to production. They are very easy to deal with.”
J.A.M. Limited Gary Cole | Sales Director
“Our business relationship with Circad is now entering its 16th year, with outstanding service from design to finished product.
We are so pleased with the service that we have them designing and developing our next generation of system.
We would highly recommend Circad to anyone looking for an Electronic Development and Production partner and we look forward to continuing our co-operation with them well into the future.”
Electronics Prototypes
Once the electronic board design is complete we can produce a low volume of pre-production prototype electronics to test performance and develop any firmware or software required; prototype development is based at our factory in Suffolk, UK.
Firmware Development
Using the pre-production PCB we develop the firmware for the defined operation, including any FPGA programming required.
A development document is produced detailing the product testing and early electronic test. The customer will receive a set of custom PCB’s so they can test the product in parallel.
In addition to firmware we may produce PC software, Android applications or simple websites to communicate with the PCB. Firmware development will be detailed within our proposal.
Product Compliance Testing
Once the product is operational we can work with external test houses for EMC CE, UKCA, or FCC compliance and electrical safety testing.
Our engineers have years of experience of electronic product design & test. By taking product designs through compliance testing, we can ensure products can comply with the relevant standards.
Post Development Support
Our team of design and test engineers will continue to assist you with on going product support.
Once in production we can program and functionally test every electronic product we supply to ensure you can focus on selling.
If product operational changes or additional functionality are required, we can rework the electronics or the firmware to support these changes.
If a component goes obsolete we can assist by identifying alternative compatible components or reworking the product to use available components.
Global Automatics Ltd Del Thomas | Managing Director
“I have worked with Circad for just over 6 Years, during this period we have utilised both their design and Manufacture departments.
The Manufacturing is of the highest Quality including build and assembly of mechanical parts. The strength this company has is their single source manufacturing; they have a very personal yet professional approach.
The fast lead times and dependable designs are a refreshing change from other suppliers I have worked with in the past.
I have no hesitation in whole heartedly recommending Circad Design Ltd.”
PCB DESIGN
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