Hardware Design

The purpose of any design effort is to create a product that meets all the design requirements and can be manufactured profitably.  We have over 30 years experience in the field.  ESC has designed products for both the military and consumer 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 5000 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 probably are very used to using.   It's different in its structure and robustness.  Many times there will be no user to respond to any error reports so 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, FORTRAN, C++ and 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 and net lists.  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, Bill of Material and parts coordinates for the manufacturing process.  When time is critical and for larger projects, ESC works hand in hand with outside vendors to coordinate the PCB design effort.  These vendors are fornd on the Vendor Links.

Prototype and Production Manufacturing

ESC will purchase the standard components from authorized vendors along with any custom components such as printed circuit boards and sheet metal enclosures.  These components will be scheduled to arrive so that assembly can take place to meet the customer's requirements.

Prototype manufacturing requirements usually include quick delivery times without breaking-the-bank by paying unnecessary or extreme premiums for the rapid delivery.  Production manufacturing requires negotiating coordinated and scheduled deliveries so that the components arrive on time to support production, but also to minimize the dollar amount of inventory waiting for the assembly operation.

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.