Circuit Design

The process of circuit design can cover systems ranging from complex electronic systems all the way down to the individual transistors within an integrated circuit. For simple circuits the design process can often be done by one person without needing a planned or structured design process, but for more complex designs, teams of designers following a systematic approach with intelligently guided computer simulation are becoming increasingly common.

In integrated circuit design automation, the term "circuit design" often refers to the step of the design cycle which outputs the schematics of the integrated circuit. Typically this is the step between logic design and physical design.

Formal circuit design usually involves the following stages:

• sometimes, writing the requirement specification after liaising with the customer
• writing a technical proposal to meet the requirements of the customer specification
• synthesising on paper a schematic circuit diagram, an abstract electrical or electronic circuit that will meet the specifications
• calculating the component values to meet the operating specifications under specified conditions
• performing simulations to verify the correctness of the design
• building a breadboard or other prototype version of the design and testing against specification
• making any alterations to the circuit to achieve compliance
• choosing a method of construction as well as all the parts and materials to be used
• presenting component and layout information to draughtspersons, and layout and mechanical engineers, for prototype production
• testing or type-testing a number of prototypes to ensure compliance with customer requirements
• signing and approving the final manufacturing drawings
• post-design services (obsolescence of components etc.)