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Capabilities

Our Process: Reverse Engineering PCB

There are three main areas to our PCB Reverse Engineering Services, these are namely PCB Copy, PCB Clone and PCB Upgrade:

PCB Copy + PCB Clone

Assuming the board is obsolete and no longer supported by the manufacturer (OEM) we can make a direct copy of your electronic circuit board. The advantage of this process is that the finished board is identical to the original in form, fit and function.

Reverse Engineering Upgrades

Depending on your needs we can take your original PCB and add extra functionality and features (such as extra inputs and outputs or a different control system) The sky is the limit! To get started fill out our Reverse Engineering Fact Sheet form.

Engineering

Sometimes it makes sense to re-design your system completely. We can engineer your product from the ground up ensuring that you get a custom electronic product for your application. To get started fill out our Reverse Engineering Fact Sheet form.

8 Step Electronic Hardware PCB Clone, Copy and Upgrade Process

Step 1 Obsolete PCB
1. Obsolete PCB

In order to reverse engineer a schematic from circuit board we first take your obsolete PCB. We carefully document the circuit board, with photos + schematics then start a BOM (Bill of Materials).

Step 2 Engineering
2. Engineering

Next we take the PCB + carefully depopulate the components from the PCB. We then clean the board + digitize it for reference.

Step 3 PCB to Schematic
3. PCB to Schematic

The PCB is made into a schematic by tracing signals across the board, any extra features are added (if required) + the layout is made. So that your board fits form + function.

Step 4 Convert Schematic to PCB
4. Convert Schematic to PCB

The schematic is converted into a PCB being sure to replicate the original design. The Design files are checked + tested then exported to Gerber format for a final check before production.

Step 8 Original and New PCB
8. Original + New PCB

The old PCB is now reassembled, and both are delivered back to you. We keep any spare components and all of the designs in case you want to order more in the future.

Step 7 Testing
7. Testing

We then fully test the circuit according to the customers specification. If needed we make test rigs to ensure that the reverse engineered PCB is the same as the original in fit, form + function.

Step 6 Component Population
6. Component Population

The reverse engineered PCB is then populated with components, soldered + cleaned.

Step 5 PCB Fabrication
5. PCB Fabrication

The Gerber files are sent off for production. Meanwhile components are sourced + received ready for population.

Our Capabilities: Reverse Engineering PCB

Schematic Capture, Prototype + Board Design

We capture the schematic and design the circuit board layout, in house, making sure you have full control of your final product. We are able reverse engineer multi layer PCBs in order to determine how the inner traces are routed.

We will work with you to enhance your equipment and extend its life. ENA can design and build a prototype design, fully testing it along the way.

Programming Obsolete ICs

Lost the code for your obsolete IC? Not to worry! Assuming that no intellectual rights are breached then we can often extract the original firmware from your old working board. Often software and firmware can be observed to observe how it functions. For instance, the operation of a microprocessor or FPGA/PLD can sometimes be seen by observing the inputs and outputs. At other times, we have to download the assembly code from the chip and decode it manually. If we can’t do any of that then we have the skills and talent to re-design your firmware making sure it has the same functionality as the original product.

Engineering

Do you have a physical restraint or in need of reverse engineering PCB to fit a certain dimension? Using our 3D CAD package we can expertly make sure that you not only get the right dimension but the circuit will look great in your product. If you need a particular mechanical clip or bracket made, we can do that too! The possibilities are endless – contact us today.