What a Consultation Is (and Isn’t)
A Henway custom PCB design consultation is collaborative problem-solving: ideas, roadmaps, brainstorming, CAD expertise, and practical circuit know-how. The best results happen when you keep a clear picture of the outcome and ask questions anytime something’s unclear. If you don’t know – ask.
1) Initial Project Review (Goals, Context, Constraints)
We start with your functional goals, environmental constraints, board size/shape, target quantities, and timeline. This frames feasibility and the scope of design services.
What helps most: a production cost target, mechanical constraints, and a clear picture of who the end user is (consumer, elderly, trained operators, technicians, etc.).
2) Existing Files or Concepts (and How We Start from Scratch)
We’ll review any schematics, BOMs, early layouts, or even hand sketches. If you’re starting fresh, we’ll define the essential inputs (block diagram, part list, notes).
Gap analysis for takeover projects: we compare your goal against the current files, list required changes, and then estimate hours to bring manufacturing files in line with requirements.
Yes: We can work from partial files and reverse-engineer legacy boards as needed.
3) Electrical & Mechanical Requirements (Sanity Checks Early)
We capture voltage/current, signal types, thermal needs, connectors, keep-outs, mounting, and enclosure integration.
For tight mechanicals or harsh environments, we run a Sanity Check: place key parts in CAD, generate an approximate 3D model, and get quick feedback from mechanical teams. It’s cheap to iterate here; expensive later.
4) Regulatory & Compliance Planning (Involve Test Houses Early)
If UL/IEC, IPC Class 2/3, RoHS/REACH, ITAR/CM, or EMC/ESD apply, we bring a test house in early to confirm a checklist. These items go into your Project Requirements Document (PRD) and are validated during block testing after prototypes.
5) Manufacturability from Day One (DFM/DFA)
For standard specs and low volumes (hundreds), DFM is usually straightforward.
If you’re heading to mid/high volume, we include our PCB assembly team in layout reviews (panelization, fiducials, stencil apertures, test-point strategy, selective solder considerations). Early DFM saves re-spins and unit cost later.
6) Prototyping & Testing Plan (EVT → DVT → Beyond)
- EVT (Engineering Validation Test): first articles to prove the core electrical design. Minimal assembly documentation; build and deliver to validate fundamentals.
- DVT (Design Validation Test): focuses on performance vs. requirements. Here we add technician-friendly docs: how to test each block, photos for verification, programming and quick-test instructions, and start root-cause logs and quality checklists that evolve with each spin.
- Programming/Testing at Henway: billed by the minute at our hourly rate. If it takes 1 minute/board, you’re billed 1 minute. You can also set up your own test gear in our lab.
7) Deliverables You Can Expect
- Project Requirements Document (PRD): the written record of what we’re aiming to create. It’s not a guarantee of external performance (real-world variables exist), but it aligns the whole team.
- Complete hardware files: native CAD schematic + PCB, PDF schematic, BOM, Gerbers, and a README.txt with special assembly notes.
- Block test results: which design elements are in/out of spec.
- Firmware: MVP firmware to power on and perform core functions; application firmware releases as needed until the device is “good enough” for its purpose.
8) Who Brings What (Why 90% of RFQs Need a PRD First)
Fewer than 10% of RFQs arrive “ready to route.” Most need a Phase-1 PRD before schematic capture begins, because many customers can’t produce complete technical inputs alone.
What we need from you: price target, mechanical/environmental constraints, and especially the end user profile. The rest becomes a conversation + light research we lead.
9) Timeline & Milestones (Typical Ranges)
| Phase | Typical Duration | What moves the date |
| PRD | 1–4 weeks | Decision speed, compliance scope |
| Hardware Design | 1–3 months | Complexity, part changes, mech updates |
| Prototyping + Block Test | 1–2 months | PCB fab/parts lead times, rework cycles |
| MVP Firmware | 0–4 months | Feature count, dependency on hardware fixes |
| Application Firmware | 0–4+ months | Roadmap depth; can iterate indefinitely |
Clients leave the consult knowing what happens next and when—with honest dependencies called out (parts, compliance, mechanical).
10) Budgeting & Pricing Models (Fixed vs Hourly)
- Fixed price is uncommon for highly custom work; it’s possible when requirements are crystal clear.
- Most projects run on time & materials with clear scoping, visible hour burn, and proactive trade-off discussions. If more time is needed, we tell you early with reasons and options.
- NDAs: available for early-stage conversations.
FAQs
What should I provide before the consultation?
Goals, environment, size/shape, user profile, cost target, any schematics/BOMs/layouts/sketches, and enclosure info if available.
Can you start from a sketch or partial schematic?
Yes. We’ll fill gaps via PRD + gap analysis and estimate hours to get to manufacturing files.
Do you offer fixed-price design?
Sometimes—when the PRD is stable and straightforward. Otherwise, T&M keeps options flexible and transparent.
Who’s in the RFQ consultation, and how long is it?
Typically, an EE and a project lead; 30–60 minutes to start, with follow-ups as needed.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes—standard NDAs are available on request.