Circuit design

The process of circuit design can cover systems ranging from complex electronic systems all the way down to the individual transistors within an integrated circuit. For simple circuits the design process can often be done by one person without needing a planned or structured design process, but for more complex designs, teams of designers following a systematic approach with intelligently guided computer simulation are becoming increasingly common.

Formal circuit design usually involves the following stages:

sometimes, writing the requirement specification after liaising with the customer
writing a technical proposal to meet the requirements of the customer specification
synthesising on paper a schematic circuit diagram, an abstract electrical or electronic circuit that will meet the specifications
calculating the component values to meet the operating specifications under specified conditions
performing simulations to verify the correctness of the design
building a breadboard or other prototype version of the design and testing against specification
making any alterations to the circuit to achieve compliance
choosing a method of construction as well as all the parts and materials to be used
presenting component and layout information to draughtspersons, and layout and mechanical engineers, for prototype production
testing or type-testing a number of prototypes to ensure compliance with customer requirements
signing and approving the final manufacturing drawings
post-design services (obsolescence of components etc.)