Our Process: Reverse Engineering Circuit Boards
There are three main areas to our PCB Reverse Engineering Services, these are namely PCB Copy, PCB Clone Services and PCB Upgrade:
PCB Copy + PCB Clone Services
Assuming the board is obsolete and no longer supported by the manufacturer (OEM) we can make a direct copy of your electronic circuit board.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 for PCB copy and clone services 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’s the limit with our circuit board reverse engineer services! 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
1. Obsolete PCB
In order to reverse engineer a circuit board from a schematic, we first take your obsolete PCB. We carefully document the circuit board, with photos + schematics then start a BOM (Bill of Materials).
2. Engineering
Next we take the PCB + carefully depopulate the components from the PCB. We then clean the board + digitize it for reference.
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.
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.
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.
7. Testing
We then fully test the circuit according to the customer’s specification. If needed we make test rigs to ensure that the reverse engineered circuit board is the same as the original in fit, form + function.
6. Component Population
The reverse engineered circuit board is then populated with components, soldered + cleaned.
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 circuit boards with multi layer designs 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 need to reverse engineer a circuit board 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 with our reverse engineering, PCB clone, and copy services – contact us today.