Embedded Hardware Workflow #
Template for hardware projects involving microcontrollers, custom PCBs, firmware, and physical enclosures. Follows the EVT/DVT/PVT hardware development lifecycle.
Legend: ✅ Complete | 🔄 In Progress | ⏳ Planned
Project Vision & Scope #
Define what the project aims to achieve and establish boundaries.
In Scope
- Core functionality and features
- Target hardware platform
- Key interfaces and protocols
- Physical form factor requirements
Out of Scope
- Features explicitly excluded
- Integration points deferred to future phases
- Capabilities beyond project goals
Milestone: Requirements & Constraints ⏳ #
Define what success means before building.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| User scenarios and use cases | ⏳ |
| Functional requirements (FR-xxx) | ⏳ |
| Non-functional requirements (performance, reliability) | ⏳ |
| Electrical & mechanical constraints | ⏳ |
| Acceptance criteria for each requirement | ⏳ |
| Risk register (top technical risks + mitigations) | ⏳ |
Milestone: Architecture & Design ⏳ #
Translate requirements into a complete system design.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| System block diagram | ⏳ |
| Power architecture & protection strategy | ⏳ |
| Signal chain & interface design | ⏳ |
| Sensor/actuator integration design | ⏳ |
| Communication protocol selection | ⏳ |
| Firmware architecture & state machine definition | ⏳ |
| Interface specifications (electrical, software) | ⏳ |
| Verification & test plan (requirements to tests mapping) | ⏳ |
Milestone: Proof of Concept / EVT ⏳ #
De-risk the hardest problems early using breadboards and bench tests.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Breadboard core signal chain | ⏳ |
| MCU bring-up & peripheral validation | ⏳ |
| Critical timing & signal integrity experiments | ⏳ |
| Interface validation (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.) | ⏳ |
| Power consumption measurements | ⏳ |
| Bench test notes and captured measurements | ⏳ |
Milestone: Firmware Development ⏳ #
Embedded firmware implementing system behavior and control.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Base firmware & build system | ⏳ |
| Hardware abstraction layer (HAL) | ⏳ |
| Core application logic | ⏳ |
| Communication stack implementation | ⏳ |
| Peripheral drivers | ⏳ |
| Configuration storage (NVS/EEPROM schema) | ⏳ |
| Logging & diagnostics | ⏳ |
| Firmware versioning & release tagging | ⏳ |
| OTA update mechanism (if applicable) | ⏳ |
Milestone: Custom PCB (DVT) ⏳ #
Transition from prototype to a reproducible hardware design.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Schematic capture | ⏳ |
| BOM with alternates | ⏳ |
| PCB layout & DFM/DFA review | ⏳ |
| Test points & programming header | ⏳ |
| Fabrication | ⏳ |
| Assembly | ⏳ |
| Hardware bring-up checklist | ⏳ |
| Electrical verification against requirements | ⏳ |
Milestone: Enclosure & Mechanical Integration ⏳ #
Package the device for real-world use.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Enclosure requirements & constraints | ⏳ |
| Connector placement & strain relief | ⏳ |
| Enclosure design (3D print or fabrication) | ⏳ |
| Thermal and safety considerations | ⏳ |
| Final mechanical assembly | ⏳ |
Milestone: Verification & Validation ⏳ #
Prove the system meets its requirements.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Requirements to test traceability | ⏳ |
| Functional test execution | ⏳ |
| Performance validation | ⏳ |
| Long-duration stability testing | ⏳ |
| Regression testing after changes | ⏳ |
| Issue tracking & resolution | ⏳ |
Milestone: Production Readiness (PVT) ⏳ #
Prepare the design for repeatable builds.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Assembly documentation | ⏳ |
| Manufacturing test procedure | ⏳ |
| Test fixtures / jigs | ⏳ |
| Calibration & setup process | ⏳ |
| Revision control (Rev A, Rev B, etc.) | ⏳ |
Milestone: Documentation ⏳ #
Create durable documentation for users and future builders.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Build instructions | ⏳ |
| Installation & wiring guide | ⏳ |
| User guide | ⏳ |
| Troubleshooting guide | ⏳ |
| Design notes & lessons learned | ⏳ |
Milestone: Deployment & Operations ⏳ #
Put the system into real use.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Final integration testing | ⏳ |
| Installation procedure | ⏳ |
| Field diagnostics workflow | ⏳ |
| Release notes | ⏳ |
| Ongoing maintenance plan | ⏳ |