As the first step, we establish a Function-to-Form Mapping framework to define the product architecture. This helps the hardware development team organize functional elements, determine the physical layout, and clarify the relationship between individual subsystems.

The architecture planning process covers hardware platform selection, communication technologies, power strategy, cloud connectivity, interfaces, subsystem relationships, and system integration planning.

We collect and analyze all relevant project requirements, including product objectives, target applications, desired functions, performance requirements, material options, communication methods, power requirements, environmental conditions, compliance requirements, cost targets and project timelines.

Based on this information, our engineering team establishes a clear technical problem statement and development specification before moving into detailed product design.

During the hardware schematic design stage, we provide a complete engineering service package. Whether the project involves a smart consumer device, IoT product or industrial-grade application, our engineers develop the electronic architecture and detailed circuit design.

The work typically includes schematic capture, component selection, engineering calculations, interface design, power management design, parameter configuration and design verification. Simulation tools such as PSpice, SABER or Multisim can also be used when required.

Once the electronic functions and schematic design are confirmed, the next stage is PCB layout design. Component placement, signal routing, power distribution, grounding and mechanical constraints are considered as part of the overall PCB design strategy.

A production-ready PCB design must consider not only circuit functionality, but also manufacturability, testability, signal integrity, thermal performance, electromagnetic compatibility, reliability and production consistency.

Firmware and software development is a critical part of modern hardware product development. Typical challenges include real-time processing, communication reliability, concurrency, resource management, system stability and performance optimization.

Our development approach focuses on reliable integration between hardware, firmware, mobile applications and cloud platforms.

• Parallel hardware and software development using clearly defined APIs and communication protocols.
• Reliable synchronization between devices, firmware, applications and cloud services.
• Embedded communication using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, UART, SPI, I²C, CAN and other protocols.
• Remote diagnostics, device management and fault reporting.
• Support for secure and seamless OTA firmware updates.

Our application development team develops companion apps for connected devices on both iOS and Android. The applications can support device onboarding, account management, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing, device configuration, remote control, real-time data visualization, notifications and cloud connectivity.

Mobile applications are developed together with the firmware and cloud architecture to ensure consistent communication protocols and a reliable end-to-end user experience.

After PCB layout is completed, KnownPCBA supports PCB prototyping and proof-of-concept development. The objective is to build a functional prototype that verifies the core electronic functions before moving toward engineering validation and production.

Prototype validation can include board-level testing, hardware and firmware co-debugging, communication testing, power testing, thermal evaluation, hardware-software integration and system-level functional testing.

Before mass production, the product goes through engineering validation to identify design risks and improve production readiness. Depending on the project, validation may include functional testing, environmental testing, reliability testing, interface testing, communication testing and manufacturing verification.

Engineering Validation Test (EVT), Design Validation Test (DVT) and Production Validation Test (PVT) can be incorporated into the development process according to product requirements.

We support product compliance preparation and certification activities according to the requirements of the target market. Depending on the product category and destination market, this may include EMC, safety, wireless and environmental compliance considerations.

Compliance requirements are considered during the design stage to reduce redesign risks before formal certification testing.

Once the design is validated, the project moves into production preparation and manufacturing scale-up. We support design-for-manufacturing reviews, component sourcing, PCB fabrication, PCB assembly, production testing and final product integration.

The goal is to transition the product from engineering prototypes to stable, repeatable and scalable production while maintaining consistent quality.