Hardware Design

LN Systems' capabilities in embedded systems development are not limited just to software but also encompass hardware development.
Our experience in hardware and system-on-chip (SoC) development gives us capabilities for a wide range of hardware/software debugging techniques such as the use of in-circuit emulation, protocol analysers, logic analysers and also development of SoC designs via FPGA prototyping.

The range of microprocessors encompassed by these activities includes MIPS, PowerPC, ARM, 8051, x86 and PIC.

Having worked on a wide range of application areas, we have gained detailed knowledge of many technologies and standards including USB, Bluetooth, 802.15.4, Ethernet, DVB-T, PC Card and I²C.

As part of a product development we typically provide services including:

• System design to meet agreed application requirements, including any critical aspects such as low power and/or battery operation, user interfaces etc.
• Component selection to meet electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements, as well as cost targets. 
• Custom PCB design and layout, including 3D modelling.
• Prototype manufacturing runs, including kitting and PCB fabrication and assembly.
• Detailed validation and characterisation to verify prototype performance against the system requirements. The prototype hardware can then be brought together with the software development to produce a functional product demonstrator.
• Pre-testing of prototype EMC performance.

PCB Design

LN Systems' in-house PCB design capabilities provide a smooth and effective transition from system design to the initial prototyping stage.

Following schematic capture of the circuit, layout design is then done either to LN Systems' industry-standard rules, or to bespoke rules if required.
3D (STEP) models can be generated for integration with client CAD tools, allowing mechanical aspects such as housing design to be addressed throughout the design process, or used to produce photo-realistic product images for market feedback.

Other important aspects such as manufacturing test and in-circuit programming are incorporated with respect to client production processes. The completed layouts will also be reviewed for expected EMC performance, helping to avoid additional design cycles following testing.