Design your Motherboard and I/O board
We design custom motherboards and IO boards tailored to your exact specifications, giving you the edge to outperform the competition.
From ultra-compact footprints to highly customized I/O layouts, we deliver the precise engineering your project demands.
Contact us to discuss your custom motherboard today.
Process
Overview
Phase 1
Project Kick Off
Goal: Align on all technical, commercial, and logistical requirements, ensuring a solid foundation for the project.
Input:
- Project summary & product positioning. [Decision Required]
- Form factor & mechanical constraints. [Decision Required]
- Detailed Technical Specification. [Decision Required]
- IC Development / Reference Board or Tool. [Decision Required]
- Packing Requirements. [Information Only]
- Timeline requirements. [Decision Required]
Responsibilities:
- Conduct stakeholder interviews to align on project goals and constraints.
- Analyze technical and market requirements to formulate a comprehensive technical brief.
- Formalize the service scope and project timeline.
Deliverables:
- Design Requirement Agreement (DRA)
- Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
- Project Schedule & Milestones
- Communication protocol & point-of-contact
- Contract
Milestone Checkpoint:
✓ DRA and contract signed, project officially kicked off. [Approval / Sign-off]
Goal: Select, verify, and document all key components, establishing a stable and cost-effective supply chain.
Input:
- Preferred/specified key ICs (CPU/Chipset). [Decision Required]
- Critical materials list. [Information Only]
- Component EOL (End-of-Life) timeline. [Information Only]
- Target Cost Review. [Approval / Sign-off]
Responsibilities:
- Source and verify component/connector datasheets and footprints.
- Analyze EOL and supply chain risks for all critical parts.
- Develop a preliminary block diagram of the system architecture.
Deliverables:
- Block Diagram
- Mutually Verified component/connector List (AVL)
Milestone Checkpoint:
✓ Mutually Verified Component List and Block Diagram approved. [Approval / Sign-off]
Phase 2
Build Component Library
Phase 3
Placement Simulation
Goal: Create a feasible component placement map that balances mechanical constraints, thermal performance, and signal integrity.
Input:
- Mechanical files (STP/STEP). [Decision Required]
- Enclosure constraints and keep-out zones. [Decision Required]
Responsibilities:
- Integrate mechanical constraints with the electronic component layout.
- Perform pre-simulation for signal integrity (SI) and thermal hotspots.
- Define PCB stack-up and material strategy.
Deliverables:
- Preliminary Placement Map
- Stack-up Recommendation
- Simulation Report (Thermal, SI)
Milestone Checkpoint:
✓ Preliminary Placement Map and Simulation Report approved. [Approval / Sign-off]
Goal: Translate the schematic and placement into a fully routable, manufacturable, and reliable PCB design.
Input:
- Finalized Specification Freeze. [Approval / Sign-off]
Our Responsibilities:
- Execute high-speed PCB layout following best practices for signal integrity.
- Conduct comprehensive DFM, DFA, and DFT reviews.
- Prepare final manufacturing files and Bill of Materials for prototyping.
Deliverables:
- EVT Gerber Files
- Layout Review Documentation
- SI/PI/ESD/EMI/DFM/ME Preview
- EVT BOM
Milestone Checkpoint:
✓ EVT Gerber files and EVT BOM released for fabrication. [Approval / Sign-off]
Phase 4
PCB Layout
Phase 5
Engineering Verification Test - First Prototype
Goal: Build and validate the first functional prototypes, verifying the core design and identifying areas for improvement.
Input:
- Enclosure/Chassis for test fitting. [Decision Required]
- Prototyping materials and budget confirmation. [Approval / Sign-off]
Responsibilities:
- Manage prototype PCB fabrication and assembly (PCBA).
- Execute board bring-up, BIOS/firmware flashing, and functional testing.
- Track all identified hardware and software bugs.
Deliverables:
- EVT Samples
- BIOS / Firmware / Function Test Report
- Bug List Tracking Table
- BOM Update
- Drivers
Milestone Checkpoint:
✓ EVT samples validated and design revisions approved for DVT. [Approval / Sign-off]
Goal: Verify the design against all functional, performance, and environmental requirements using production-grade components.
Input:
- EVT Review feedback. [Decision Required]
- Final Certification requirements. [Decision Required]
Our Responsibilities:
- Build DVT units using production-intent components and processes.
- Conduct a full suite of verification tests (Stress, Compatibility, Reliability, etc.).
- Manage and support pre-certification testing with third-party labs.
Deliverables:
- DVT Samples
- Verification Reports (Function, CPU Stress, Compatibility, Reliability, Safety/Regulatory, OS Testing)
- Certification Processes & Support
Milestone Checkpoint:
✓ DVT passed and design frozen for mass production. [Approval / Sign-off]
Phase 6
Design Verification & Compliance Testing
Phase 7
PVT & Production Readiness
Goal: Ensure the design is fully prepared for mass production and provide all necessary documentation to the manufacturer.
Phase 7.1 | Production Verification Test (PVT)
Input:
- DVT Review feedback. [Decision Required]
- Specified/recommended manufacturing facility. [Decision Required]
- MP (Mass Production) sign-off. [Approval / Sign-off]
- Packing SOP confirmation. [Approval / Sign-off]
Responsibilities:
- Prepare production fixtures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Execute a small-batch trial production run on the actual production line.
- Validate production process feasibility, efficiency, and quality.
Deliverables:
- Production SOP
- Test Fixture Preparation
- Factory-ready Production Data Package
- PVT Test Report
Milestone Checkpoint:
✓ PVT passed and process approved for mass production. [Approval / Sign-off]
Phase 7.2 | Engineering Documentation Handover
Input:
- Final approval of all engineering documents. [Approval / Sign-off]
- Confirmation of manufacturing partner for handover. [Decision Required]
Responsibilities:
- Compile and organize the complete "Golden Package" documentation set.
- Conduct a final review meeting to walk through all deliverables with the client and manufacturer.
Deliverables:
- Design Source: Schematic & Layout
- BOM: Approved Vendor List and Second Source
- Software: BIOS, Firmware, and Drivers
- Test Report Summary (Consolidated reports from EVT, DVT, and PVT stages)
- Certification Documents
- Manufacturing: Final Production Gerber, Drill files, Pick & Place, Stencil File, Fixture Suggestion
Milestone Checkpoint:
✓ Golden Package delivered and final sign-off completed. [Approval / Sign-off]