Choosing components.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Processing required Memory required Connectivity needed Power budget Environmental requirements Cost target
WHAT TO PREFER
Modules combining processor, radio and supporting circuitry.
WHY
They reduce design work and carry certifications already.
WHAT PRE-CERTIFIED MODULES SAVE
Radio certification, which is expensive and slow.
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE SELECTING ANY PART
Availability, now and projected Expected production lifetime Documentation quality Availability of development tools Whether alternatives exist
WHY AVAILABILITY MATTERS ENORMOUSLY
Supply disruption has made parts unobtainable for long periods, halting production.
WHAT TO DESIGN FOR
The possibility of substituting an alternative part.
WHAT TO AVOID
Sole-sourced components Parts approaching end of life Parts with poor documentation
WHAT TO ORDER EARLY
Long-lead components.
WHY THAT MATTERS HERE
Import lead times add substantially, and delays compound.
WHAT TO PROTOTYPE WITH
Development boards using the same components as the intended product.
WHY THE SAME COMPONENTS
Firmware developed against different parts must be rewritten.
