ABSTRACT
Before we go ahead to design the PCB layout, we have to perform initial hardware design tasks. This includes all the analysis, decisions, and documents produced for creating the system architecture and the board schematics. This is taken later into the physical implementation of the PCB layout and mechanical designs. Hardware designs are done differently by different companies and different individuals. The concept of “one guy one board” is workable even on the most complex designs, but only by very capable designers, usually self-activated type personalities. Some companies divide every board design between several designers or develop it in the “one team one board” approach, with one of the designers being the lead designer while all other members are responsible only for a well-defined hardware block, plus participate in debugging all blocks together. In all cases there is a wider R&D team assembled for every project, including cross-functional engineering disciplines like software, FPGA, mechanical systems, and power supply engineers. The hardware engineer(s) from the hardware team is assigned as a member of the project team. Some designers need a mentor, who is another designer at the company who can help answer questions and provide regular course corrections. Others do not need a mentor and are self-taught through the process of “individual research”. This means figuring out what the problems are, figuring out what causes them, and determining the best approach to solving them, from literature, intuition, experience, and experimentation. Master's programs at universities require students to practice this method of engineering, which is more scientific than trade-like. In the “one guy one board” approach, one person has to figure out what needs to be done, including all activities, materials, tools, and arrangements required, and do it all until its done. In the team approach, the lead designer has to figure those things out and guide the other team members to implement it.
