Custom electronics development, from an idea to a tested prototype accepted by you
Micro Digital Engineering takes a new electronic device from an idea, a schematic or existing Gerber files to working prototype boards. We agree the specification, design the circuits and PCB and prepare the manufacturing files. The bare boards are fabricated by specialised PCB manufacturing partners; our engineering team sources the components, assembles the prototypes in-house, brings them up, tests and tunes them, and hands them over once you have accepted them against the specification.
Confidential task? We sign an NDA before you share technical files.
When you need this
- You have an idea for a new device and need its electronics developed and built as a first working prototype.
- You have a schematic or Gerber files and need them turned into assembled, tested boards.
- Your equipment needs a new generation of electronics with different functions or interfaces.
- A proof-of-concept exists and now has to become a prototype that is tested and documented against a specification.
What you can start with
- An idea. A description of what the device must do, where it will work and what it must connect to. The first step is then a written specification.
- A schematic. We review it against the specification, complete it where needed and continue with the PCB.
- Gerber files. We check the design data, source the components, build and test the boards; design changes are made where the tests show they are needed.
In every case the work is done against a specification agreed in writing, and the prototype is accepted against it.
What’s included
- Specification with measurable requirements and acceptance criteria.
- Circuit design and component selection, with simulation where it reduces risk.
- PCB design and manufacturing files: Gerber or ODB++, drill files, assembly drawings, bill of materials.
- PCB fabrication of the first boards by a specialised manufacturing partner, and sourcing of the components.
- Prototype PCB assembly, carried out in-house by our engineering team.
- Bring-up, debugging, testing and tuning; firmware for the prototype, when it is part of the agreed scope.
- Re-testing after corrections, and acceptance of the prototype by you.
Not included in this service: integration of the boards into an existing system or equipment, series manufacturing and official certification testing. Integration is a separate scope of work, agreed after the prototype has been accepted. If you need only one board designed, see schematic and PCB design.
Who builds the prototype boards
PCB fabrication is performed by specialised manufacturing partners. Prototype component assembly, bring-up, debugging and verification are carried out in-house by our engineering team. This keeps design decisions, practical assembly and measurement within the same engineering workflow.
Calibrated laboratory measurement capabilities
Our laboratory performs electrical measurements, waveform analysis and functional verification using calibrated measurement equipment. All measurement instruments have undergone calibration (etalonare) and are supported by calibration certificates.
For electronic prototypes this includes supply voltages and currents, signal and interface checks, waveform measurements and functional tests against the specification.
The applicable measurement ranges and test conditions are defined according to the engineering task.
What you receive
| Deliverable | Format | How it is checked |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Document agreed with you | Review and written approval |
| Schematics | Design files in the agreed format, PDF | Design review |
| PCB design and manufacturing files | Gerber or ODB++, drill files, assembly drawings | Review before fabrication |
| Bill of materials | Spreadsheet with manufacturer part numbers | Availability check before ordering |
| Prototype boards, assembled in-house | The agreed number of boards | Tests to the agreed test plan |
| Firmware, when in scope | Source code with build instructions | Tests on the prototype |
| Test and tuning report | Document | Results compared with the specification |
| Acceptance record | Document signed by both sides | Acceptance against the specification |
How the project runs
- The specification and acceptance criteria are agreed in writing.
- Schematics and PCB are designed and reviewed.
- Manufacturing files are prepared and the bare boards are fabricated by a PCB manufacturing partner.
- Components are sourced and the prototype boards are assembled in-house.
- Our engineers bring the boards up, debug, test and tune them.
- Corrections are made and the boards are tested again.
- You accept the prototype against the specification; the files and reports are handed over.
Each stage has its own deliverables, agreed before it starts. See how we work.
What to send us
- What the device must do and where it will be used.
- What you already have: an idea, a schematic, Gerber files, an earlier prototype.
- Interfaces: connectors, signals, communication, power supply.
- Known constraints: size, environment, standards the product must meet, target cost.
- How many prototype boards you need.
Common questions
Can you start from an idea?
Yes. The first stage then turns the idea into a written specification with acceptance criteria, which every later stage is checked against.
We already have a schematic or Gerber files. Can you build and test the boards?
Yes. We review the files, order PCB fabrication from a manufacturing partner, source the components, assemble and test the boards in-house and report the results. Corrections to the design are agreed with you before they are made.
Where does the service end?
With prototype boards that you have accepted against the specification, together with the design files, manufacturing files and test reports.
Can you integrate the boards into our existing system?
Yes, as a separate scope of work. It is defined and quoted after the prototype has been accepted, because it depends on the system the boards go into.
Do you fabricate the PCBs yourselves?
No. Bare PCBs, including multilayer boards, are fabricated by specialised manufacturing partners. Component assembly of the prototypes, bring-up, debugging and verification are done in-house by our engineering team.
Do you manufacture the devices in series?
No. Series production is carried out by a contract manufacturer of your choice or one agreed in the project, using the manufacturing files we hand over.
Can you continue a project started by another team?
Yes. We start with a review of the existing design and documentation, described in electronics troubleshooting and design review, and then agree how to continue.
Related services
- Power electronics design — when the device contains a power supply, converter or inverter.
- Embedded firmware and control — when the device needs programmable control, protection or communication.
- Functional test benches — when each manufactured unit has to be tested.
- Schematic and PCB design — when only one board is needed.
Discuss your device
Describe your idea or send what already exists. We will reply with questions or a proposed first stage.
Confidential task? We sign an NDA before you share technical files.