Thank you for visiting bitsmashed! My name is Aaron and I like to make things, as well as teach people about science and electronics. If you need help with a project, please contact me. You can also find information on some of the projects I have completed here. Below is a rough outline of an example project life cycle.
Concept and Feasibility
One of the first steps in development is to determine the feasibility, scope, and potential costs of the project. Rarely does a project grow without changes. From the start, you must plan for and anticipate potential modifications or revisions. At this phase, you have an estimated time and cost schedule, as well as a projected project outline with major milestones.
Part Sourcing and Hardware Design
Part sourcing and hardware design can be one of the most difficult tasks in the prototyping process. Design complexity needs to be balanced with your time and cost schedule, as well as part tolerance, availability, and cost. Hardware design and BOM selection proceed hand and hand to ensure the project is cost effective, while ensuring sound engineering practices. At this point, you have a schematic and BOM.
PCB Design
Once the schematic and BOM are defined, generally you will need to create a PCB (printed circuit board) to turn your prototype schematic design into a physical device. If there are mechanical constraints or if you system needs to fit in a specific At the completion of this phase you have gerber PCB layout files, which can be used to order your PCB from a fabrication house.
Firmware and Software
Sometimes your project needs a microncontroller with firmware to function. I like to write in C/C++ and use AVR and LPC-ARM7 microcontrollers with free tool chains and IDEs.
For computer applications and software, I use Python and can implement simple realtime visualizations and status monitors that communicate with external embedded hardware.
For computer applications and software, I use Python and can implement simple realtime visualizations and status monitors that communicate with external embedded hardware.
Assembly and Rework
I can handle small scale production assembly and reword. My capabilities include SMD soldering for even the smallest of packages (BGA, small pitch, etc.), cable design and assembly, and solder paste stenciling and reflow.
This phase, will provide you with a working physical device and finalized BOM.
This phase, will provide you with a working physical device and finalized BOM.
Prototype Enclosures
I can design for small batch prototype enclosures and provide vector formatted (SVG) design files for 3D printers and laser cutters/mills.
