Safety should be every manufacturer’s priority for electronic design. Creating safe, legally compliant systems will not only ensure a product adheres to national and international safety standards and regulations but will protect consumers and prevent lawsuits.
Don’t allow small or large mistakes to injure a customer and damage the business. Check out these six must-read tips for safe electronic design.
Table of Contents
1. Select the Best Electronic Components
Many manufacturers struggle to find a balance between adhering to safety regulations and sourcing cheaper, smaller electronic components. Yet, you can find many component types at Octopart, which will have different standards and specifications. Also, remember that some parts might be cheaper individually but expensive to install. Browse the different options available to ensure you find the right part for your budget and design.
2. Pick Protective Parts for a Device
Protect the PCB by choosing protective components for an electronic device. The right enclosure will prevent the circuit from direct exposure to a flammable environment, which will lead to safer electronic design during testing and once it hits the market.
3. Split Power
It is advisable to split power into multiple circuits when operating an electronic design. It will boost power to a prototype or device without using too much from a single circuit, which can create a safer environment during the early design stages.
4. Conduct Safer Tests
Safe, accurate testing is essential for electronic design. Yet, many manufacturers make the mistake of completing design verification testing (DVT) that only provides pass or fail results. Unfortunately, this type of testing doesn’t offer improvement recommendations.
If your business only uses this testing process, consider introducing characterization testing to examine electronic device operations using many power sources and workloads. It could reduce high voltage usage during the testing process, which will provide more accurate results while creating a safer working environment.
5. Use the Best Batteries
The batteries you use in an electronic design should withstand the end-use conditions, especially if you are planning to use a high-density lithium-ion option. Also, you must only use batteries that will have a reduced risk of electrolyte leakage should a short circuit happen.
6. Perform Pre-Compliance Testing
It might surprise you to learn that approximately half of electronic designs will fail their first EMC compliance test. Fortunately, you can pass it straight away by conducting pre-compliance testing first to avoid repercussions. The test will provide your team with an opportunity to make the appropriate tweaks and changes before the all-important EMC compliance test.
If a design fails the first EMC compliance test, it could cause serious issues for your business, as it may stop the products from traveling through customs. Also, your company might receive a hefty fine for non-compliance, which is the last thing you want. Pre-compliance testing might be an expensive process, but it could save your business a considerable sum and embarrassment in the long run.
Help an electronic device reach its market potential by creating a safe, efficient design that will protect consumers and your investment.
