Consulting

We highly recommend this service for designs that integrates one of our System on Module (SoM). Who is better to review the design than the engineers who designed the SoM itself. The service includes:

1. Power connections
2. Reset connection
3. Capability of firmware update
4. Capability of special system on module modes
5. Overview of the PCB connections

The service does not include the power supply or any circuitry outside the scope of SoM circuitry, like relays and sensors. We have years of experience in design, production and distribution. Having our own in-house production line and large world-wide distribution network allows us to design, manufacture, support and ship, all from our facility in Michigan, USA.

We can help you with these stages. Each stage is billed individually and due upon completion. Customers are free to stop at any step. The prices showing are only estimates for designs containing one of our System on Modules, simple DC power supply, display connector, and a handful of interface connectors (similar to FEZ Cobra).

1. Product Idea, Manufacturing and Profitability
   Have an idea and not sure what is the best route, best processor or best channel to push your idea through? We can assembly a team to study the idea and provide some advices, from SoM to use, to estimated unit cost and engineering cost. We start by learning about your idea, your capabilities and your end customers. Then we give you all the details you need to know before starting your design.
   
   This "jump start" service costs $500 USD. This will be credited towards step 2 if you choose to proceed.
2. Schematics & Bill of Materials (BoM)
   When finished with "jump start" service or you already know what you need, the very next step is completing the schematics and Bill of Materials (BoM). We will work with you on selecting the appropriate components that need to go in the design, from what power supply and electronics to use to what connectors and cables. At the end of this stage, you will receive and own the schematics and BoM. It is up to you to continue on the next stage, make modifications or finish the next stages in-house or hire anyone else. When this stage is complete, you will have an exact final BoM. This allows you and us to calculate the exact final unit cost.
   
   In most cases, this "Schematics & BoM" service costs $5,000 USD.
3. PCB Layout & CAM Output
   Once the schematics are completed, we take your specifications on the circuit board dimensions and layout the components on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Once completed, we send layout in PDF format for final approval then generate the CAM files needed by PCB manufactures.
   
   In most cases, this service costs $3,000 USD. This service is only available if we designed the schematics.
4. Prototypes
   The last step before getting into production is in manufacturing a few samples. While production units cost can be reasonable in volume, making a few samples is very costly, from PCB setup and FAB to bringing parts to the machines and assembly. We sometimes assemble the samples manually as it is more time saving than setting up the machine.
   
   In most cases, we provide two samples for $2,000 USD. This service is only available if we also did "PCB & CAM Output."
5. Revisions, Production Samples, Plastic Enclosure and Production
   The cost for these is quite different between products and needs.
   Contact us with details on your needs.