Hardware Design

The purpose of any design effort is to create a product that meets all the design requirements, is reliable and can be manufactured profitably.  We have been designing embedded systems for over 40 years.  ESC has designed products for the military, consumer and gaming markets.  We understand regulatory requirements including product safety, EMI, FCC and others.

We also understand the differences in the design requirements for a design with a total production volume of 100 units versus a design that will ship 10,000 units annually.

ESC uses the latest design and development tools to generate the schematics, printed circuit board artwork, detail drawings and the other documents necessary to complete a hardware design and support the manufacturing process.

Software Design

Many products require embedded software to interact with a human or other system and to control the electronics.  This embedded software is quite different from a web browser, spread sheet, word processor or inventory management software that you may be  used to using.   Embedded software is different in its structure and robustness.  Much of the time there will be no user to respond to any error signals.  The software design must deal with these problems and yet keep functioning and providing a solution.

ESC has developed software for medical systems, guidance systems, credit card processing terminals, communication systems for mission critical applications.  These systems all need to be upgraded in the field without being removed from service.

We use the language that is best suited for the particular design.  Most of the work is accomplished using the C language but BASIC, JAVA, FORTRAN, C++ and even assembly language will be included if it is the best solution.

FPGA Design

Programmable logic devices started with simple 4 bit and 8 bit latched output devices.  These devices were available in 16 and 20 pin packages.  This technology has grown from this simple glue logic to devices with hundreds of pins and millions of gates.  ESC has the experience to squeeze the last bit of performance from the smallest device for cost conscious projects.  We also have the skills and tools to manage the largest and most complicated applications.

Printed Circuit Board Design

ESC uses Altium DXP for schematic capture.  With this tool set we can generate schematics, simulation files,  parts lists, component shapes for printed circuit board design, net lists and Gerber files.  Our customers can download free viewers that permit working with these design files.  On the more simple designs with time permitting, ESC can complete the PCB design task.  The output is Gerber files, a bill of material and parts coordinates for the manufacturing process.  When time is critical and for larger more complicated projects, ESC works hand in hand with members of our team and other outside vendors to coordinate the PCB design effort.

RTOS - Real Time Operating System

Historically reserved for larger more sophisticated systems, an RTOS used to be impracticable for embedded single chip microprocessors.  With the acceptance of the ARM architecture, chip makers have a system powerful enough to support the simple to some what complicated ROTSes.  Today's systems are supported by dozens on RTOS vendors.  Some even come in ROM on the chip.  ESC has experience is using these solutions and can rapidly get your system up and ruining immediately.

Ethernet, USB, FAT Libraries

Modern microprocessors have shrunk the feature size so that a comprehensive list of periferral devices are included on the chip.  With all these devices, software is needed to make them functional.  In combination with RTOS and as stand alone ESC has used the various libraries and has the experience and tools to bring your project up in a rapid fashion.

Project Management

Most successful projects begin with a list of requirements and a detailed schedule.  The typical schedule includes measurable performance milestones and budget items so that progress can be accurately tracked.  ESC maintains its internal project scheduling and can provide overall project management.

Prototype Assembly

With the advent of surface mount technologies it takes a new set of tools and techniques to assembly prototype printed circuit boards.  We have these tools in house and have partnerships with assembly staff that are capable of hand building the most complicated assemblies.