Circuit Design is a project that is completely separate from actual circuit construction. Circuit design takes place months and years before the final product is actually assembled. Here are the major steps of circuit design and their purpose.
Specification- Specification is the first step of circuit design that designates the functionality of the finished circuit. Specification is a technical description of the circuit including electrical requirements and physical parameters. Specifications are continuously updated and fine tuned and referred to throughout the design process.
Design- The next stage is the design stage which includes the physical plan of construction of a circuit. The first step is to create a diagram of the circuit and all the functions it must perform. This diagram is then scrutinized further to determine how each function will be carried out, if possible. Finally all the components are chosen and the physical layout and electrical connections are decided. Because of all the options, this stage can be very costly and time-consuming. Self-diagnostic tools are also considered during the design stage.
Verification and Testing- Verification and testing are done after design to find any potential problems in circuit design. Verification is performed by using large scale computer simulations on the design that use complex mathematical processes to test the functions of the circuit. Testing involves building a prototype of the circuit and checking it for proper functionality.
Prototyping- Prototyping usually occurs in the beginning stages of design in a process known as bread boarding. Prototyping is important to make sure the circuit is worth the investment.
Results- The results stage of circuit design is where the actual “blueprint” for constructing the circuit is determined. The physical instructions, as well as size, dimensions, and connectors are all described.
By: Angela Oliver