All digital circuits are designed to operate from two discrete levels or states. In simple terms, this means that the signal is either off or on, true or false or 0 or 1. There may be one or more logic gates within the circuit to create the desired result for a specific type of application.
As there are limitations to the digital circuit, it is essential to carefully consider digital circuit design elements. Incorrectly designing the logic circuit or the digital circuit will create performance problems that can be very difficult to detect.
The Overall Layout
Specific elements in the digital circuit design need to be considered for practical reasons. It will be essential to design the board for the lowest interference from high waveforms and noise. This typically includes using leads that are as short as possible and not exceeding the recommended length for the lead.
Considerations with regards to the positioning of components on a printed circuit board are also important. This includes access to the important components, the appropriate space between components on the board as well as the orientation of the components in the most efficient and effective configuration.
Testing the design through computerized software systems is now a standard process. By running these tests with various layout and design options, it is easy to compare the results and choose the most appropriate layout for maximum efficiency. This testing also eliminates any potential problems with the design, helping to speed up the prototype development.
Supply Line Power
Having the right system in place to prevent spikes in power through the circuit will be essential in digital circuit design. This is known and supply decoupling and it prevents false triggering of the circuit if there is a power spike. In most boards, there will be a general regulator or capacitor used on the power supply coming into the board and then also decoupling for each of the digital circuits on the board.
Current technology using electronic design automation or EDA systems allows engineers and designer produce these circuits quickly and in a cost-effective way. Of course, full-scale production of these circuits is only started after the development and testing of prototypes, which can be a lengthy process.
Working with a specialized design team that is experienced in creating digital circuits of any level of complexity required is going to result in lower lead times from design through test and production. This, in turn, will help to reduce costs and keep the prototype on budget and on schedule.
