The Design Process

The following flowchart describes Systec Engineering's design process. Because each project and customer are different, the process may be tailored as needed. See below for a detailed description of each item.

Project Introduction

An engineer and program manager will meet with the customer to discuss the project concept. The goal of the meeting is to understand the needs of the customer, the scope of the project, and how Systec Engineering can be involved.

Contract Negotiation

Based on information gathered at the Project Introduction, Systec Engineering will develop a proposal and draft a contract. Outputs from this stage include an Estimate, a Schedule, and a Contract.

Requirements Analysis

Upon being contracted to perform a design, Systec Engineering will begin to analyze all of the requirements. A Requirements Specification is the output from this stage, and represents Systec's understanding of the requirements. Upon customer acceptance of this document, the design process may proceed.

Preliminary Design

Once the requirements are understood, a Functional Specification is created. This document describes how the design will meet the requirements. Other documents may include an Interface Specification and a Firmware Specification.

Circuit Design

Armed with the Functional Specification, Systec Engineering will now conduct the circuit design. The final output from this stage is a Schematic Diagram, a Netlist, and a Bill of Materials (BOM).

Firmware Development

Designs with programmable components may require firmware. This stage transforms the Firmware Specification into code.

PCB Layout

Once the Schematic is complete, the Netlist is used to generate a printed circuit board (PCB) layout. Outputs from this stage are gerber files, which PCB shops use to fabricate the printed circuit boards.

Prototype Assembly

Once the boards arrive, Systec Engineering assembles them with the parts from the BOM. After this stage a complete prototype is ready for integration.

Integration

Integration is the stage where firmware begins to run on the hardware. Further firmware development takes place and the hardware is fully exercised. Integration continues until all of the requirements are completed.

Test

Once the prototype is completely integrated, the testing stage verifies that all requirements are met. Types of testing may include Proof of Design testing, Functional Bench testing, Field testing, Environmental testing, and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) testing, as required.

Action Item Database

Throughout the entire process, action items, issues, and problems are tracked in a database called PHP RT. This is a database that can be accessed by both the customer and Systec to open, discuss, resolve, and close action items.