We design dedicated electronics for many industrial industries

Electronic design is a result-oriented science. Yet, at the same time, it is also creative thinking.

Our engineers and developers are also a bit of an artist.

At CTA, we design dedicated electronics, starting from a single board to the development of complex electronic systems that find application in a variety of industries. In doing so, we always pay strict attention to the creative process, which starts with the initial idea and slowly transforms it into something concrete and tangible, up to the realisation of the first prototypes.

At the heart of all our electronic design work is the mission to provide the customer with the best solution, committing ourselves along the way to a brilliant collaborative experience.

Electronics design with focus on manufacturing and product assembly

In industrial electronics, design with a focus on assemblability ensures that a product or system can be manufactured or assembled through a simple, linear and easy process. This leads to a significant reduction in the complexity of the production process, which can be achieved by anticipating and solving in advance, during the design phase, any complex issues related to the assembly of the electronic product being designed.

Designing electronic boards with a focus on the availability of materials and their procurement

The market for electronic components is often volatile and subject to frequent fluctuations, which makes the procurement processes for raw materials rather complex. Designing electronics with a focus on the availability of materials makes it possible to consider information relevant to the purchase and availability of the materials used and thus to opt for materials at the design stage that guarantee good purchasing conditions.

Electronic design with a focus on excellence of result

Our preferred approach: delivering results that aim to transform the industry or sector to which they relate. To achieve this ambitious goal, it is necessary to deploy wide-ranging expertise: the team that is usually assigned this kind of project consists of engineers, designers and user interface experts. In addition, these projects take between 12 and 24 months to complete, while ensuring full compliance with the agreed time-to-market.

Electronic design with focus on IOT (Internet of Things) functionality

The fusion of Industrial Electronics and Information Technology is incredibly powerful. The entire IOT system revolves around infrastructures, based on the Internet, that enable unprecedented levels of connectivity. Our approach to SCADA and digital HMI is proudly based on robust, modern and effective technologies. Cloud architectures, web or mobile applications and the latest trends in software development? We are at your side.

The Phases of Electronic Design according to CTA

In our approach to electronic design, each phase is essential and meticulously detailed. Only in this way can we offer an excellent customer experience and an effective work roadmap for our team of hardware, firmware and software specialists.

Here is an overview of the phases we always observe, both for small projects and for larger, more complex ones.

1. We listen to the customer and help him define the extremes of the project

At the outset, we take the time to carefully assess the customer's needs and requirements. This phase of active listening and close cooperation is crucial for laying a solid foundation for development. Through our understanding of the customer's perspective and our experience, we normally succeed in defining the project in precise terms, and consequently identify the best implementation strategy.

2. We acquire knowledge related to the specific field of application

While we provide our technical know-how relating to electronics and industrial electronics, we also take steps to acquire knowledge relating to the specific project context. Customers are always very happy to participate in this phase by contributing their own know-how, and we are always ready to join forces!

3. We focus strategically on the result or target to be achieved

We set clear objectives in terms of performance and reliability. At this stage, the project roadmap becomes official, final specifications are co-signed and everyone is officially committed.

4. We make good use of our technical and creative skills in the design phase

Superior industrial electronics contain something we still call magic. Our good fortune? The fact that we have a team of experienced hardwarists, firmwarists and softwarists who really do wonders when they get down to business.

5. We test the designed product or system and obtain approval from the Quality team

At this point, we take care of the internal validation of the project, ensuring that everything is tested and approved before prototype realisation.

6. We deliver prototypes and plan production

At this stage we deliver the prototypes, almost always in person, because being with the customer and celebrating together the arrival of the first results is something very special.

The role of hardware and firmware in electronic design

The hardware is the component physical and structural device electronic devices, is the concrete foundation that supports the intelligence and logic of the system.

Firmware is a programme that consists of a set of low-level instructions, usually in C or C++, that brings the hardware to life and makes it capable of performing functions, providing feedback, monitoring parameters and even communicating with other devices. Normally, its role is to:

manage basic activities device, such as boot and control low level hardware
provide a platform for executing complex instructions
monitor, update and find information dynamic relative to system variables or environment variables.

	Function
Hardware	Supports and powers the main and peripheral electronic components. Hardware development starts with the definition of the printed circuit board, which may be single-layer or multi-layer and have different characteristics, and normally continues up to the burning of the circuit board.
Firmware	Interface for direct control of the hardware and platform for executing a complex and dynamic instruction set. Firmware development on microcontrollers involves writing code in low-level languages, ideal for precise control of the hardware.

In general, the more the hardware and firmware development are in perfect balance, the more we see the creation of a coherent and high-performance electronic ecosystem.

Below you can find answers to the most common questions we receive about the design service.

Frequently asked questions on electronic design

How do you make a layout for a printed circuit board (PCB)?

To effectively realise the layout of an electronic circuit, we start with the circuit diagram and proceed with the addition and positioning of traces and components using CAD design software. In addition to ensuring the correct arrangement of components, we optimise the trace paths through circuit burning to minimise both noise and possible interference.

What parameters should be considered when choosing components for an electronic circuit?

Generally speaking, when selecting components, attention is always paid to a number of parameters, including electric current, voltage, resistance, physical dimensions and, last but not least, compatibility with the rest of the circuit. The fundamental laws of electronics are of course the starting point to be respected in any context and application, after which in each project there are special requirements and considerations that guide our choices, ensuring not only the optimal functioning of the circuit but also the satisfaction of the customer's expectations.

How can an electronic circuit be optimised to reduce energy consumption?

There are actually many precautions that can be taken to limit the energy consumption of a board or electronic system. It is possible, for example, to select low-power components at the outset, to introduce power management firmware systems, and to design with efficient power logic from the outset.