How do you plan out your electronics?

kkazem it is my project. its just verrry large.

phoenixcomm  wrote:

 

kkazem  Rember this is a large flight simulator, not a small one-off.

Cristina, I didn't know we were talking about a flight simulator. I thought this discussion was about documenting our engineering projects.

kkazem Rember this is a large flight simulator, not a small one-off.

As I have gotten older documentation to me is to put down enough details like bread crumbs in the tale of Hansel and Gretel to find my way back

phoenixcomm  I don't think it necessarily has to be that complicated for every project. I might start a new project with a block diagram either on paper or using AutoCAD. I often do the B.O.M. using a Microsoft Access database with a single table. Then, I'll do a schematic in Altium, and simulate using LTSPICE (I do analog and mixed signal most often). After simulation of PARTS of the circuit, I'll either breadboard or layout a PCB. When testing, I use a lab notebook and this is most helpful later on. I also use Excel for many design calculations. Obviously, I'm not talking digital here as I specialize in Inverter, DC-DC Converter, and magnetics design.

Before choosing parts, I carefully inspect the datasheet. This is especially important for ALL new ICs and even for caps and resistors in certain applications to ensure reliability. For example, if I'm using a resistor for a high pulsed power application, I must be sure the part can take the pulsed power without damage. But manufacturers don't typically provide pulsed power specs for resistors, so the engineer must work with the available information.

Anyway, the documentation process for sure depends on the type of project. I document differently for a Arduino or Raspberry Pi project than for a power inverter.

We all have our own procedures for documenting a project. What's really important is that you put down enough information so that it's there when you need it in the future.

kkazem OMG, did you say documentation LOL!! For each piece of gear that goes into the sim, I have one book for part numbers, description, and my part number which are <categroy><my number><manufacure><description> category and categories numbers 1 -100.

Each Modules Book has a number which is in the parts list.

Normally, there are sections like Intro/scope, design theory, user manual, repair section, and of course our friends the part number section. This list is <descrption by category><partnumber><manufacure><mypartnumer>

~~Cris

It's important to me to properly document my projects. This includes schematics, BOM, mechanical design, and simulation.

Your technique of relaxing has worked for me in the past. I find coupled with a good sleep and by good I mean, a few restful nights that the bladder doesn't have to use the white phone every three hours, the creative juices can kick life into dormant brain cells and the world narrows to your focal point, the project.

What I really enjoyed and found rewarding was flushing out an idea at morning coffee at work. Sitting with some techie's (those whos company you enjoyed) and sounding out an idea. Out comes a few pens and a napkin! The napkin from those session filled with doodles became like biblical stone tablet brought back from the mount. The environment was non-judgemental. Questions probed understandings. Success and pitfalls became evident. The brain share expanded awareness and seeded some paths for further investigation. If but nothing else it was an enjoyable break from the salt mine.

I tried the morning coffee scrum on E14CommunityA white board excercise on designing a Raspberry Pi temperaturing measuring device . I find the decorum of the participates on the site provide the right environment for successful interaction. The group effectively monitors it's self and ferrets out the bad. Disrespecting someone or being an elite that begrudges a few crumbs of their knowledge doesn't flourish here.

Too true - the dog is full of good advice - she reminded me only this morning that I'd be better off basing my input amp for the Earth Resistance thread on a ready made diff amp with a Vocm pin !

I think she must communicate by telepathy, since she was splashing about in a river when the idea popped into my head this morning.

More seriously, I often find that the best thing to do when stuck is relax and do something else - walking is good, gardening doesn't work for me

MK

kmikemoo  wrote:

 

colporteur   YES!!!  That's exactly how it goes! 

and if you're michaelkellett :

• walk dog