Improving My Process#

Over the past few days, I’ve been focused on customer work while also preparing for the next set of projects in my pipeline (the Digital Sequencer). One thing I’ve been deliberately investing time in is improving my development process—specifically by creating modular, reusable circuit blocks for common functionality.

Some of the building blocks I’m working on include:

  • USB-C interface circuit
    Handling both power and data, including appropriate ESD protection.

  • External power input circuit
    Covering:

    • Reverse polarity protection (using P-channel MOSFETs)
    • Over-voltage protection (Zener diodes)
    • Over-current protection (PPTC resettable fuses)
    • ESD protection (TVS diodes)

  • RS-485 interface circuit
    Based on the SP3485 transceiver, again with proper ESD protection.

  • ESP32-C3 module circuit
    This time using a certified module rather than the ESP32-C3 SuperMini boards typically sourced from marketplaces.

The motivation behind this is straightforward: these circuits appear in multiple designs, and reimplementing them each time is inefficient and introduces unnecessary variability. By standardising them into reusable blocks, I can improve both speed and reliability.

At the moment, I’m exploring how best to structure this within KiCad using hierarchical sheets—defining clear inputs and outputs via hierarchical labels, and understanding both the advantages and limitations of this approach. I’ll share more once I’ve settled on a workflow that holds up in practice.

I’m also exploring the idea of turning these into modular open hardware prototype boards, complete with circuit documentation and supporting information. The goal is to create reliable, ready-to-use building blocks that allow developers to get prototypes up and running quickly, without relying on inconsistent marketplace modules. At a minimum, each design would include a schematic, PCB layout, and an accompanying BOM.

Alongside this, I’m beginning to standardise on a set of commonly used components so they can be reused across multiple designs. This should simplify sourcing, reduce build variability, and make it easier to support both my own projects and those built by customers or other developers using the same designs.

Outside of development work, I’ve also completed the process of obtaining my amateur radio callsign (M7MQC). I’m looking forward to exploring that space further when time allows.

I’ve noticed there’s a local club affiliated with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) meeting nearby next month, so I plan to attend and get a feel for the community—and hopefully pick up some practical advice on equipment.

On the tools front, I’ve just picked up a Miniware TS21 Precision Soldering Iron. It looks like a good fit for quick jobs where it’s not worth setting up the hot plate or the main bench iron.

I run Protoworks (NI) in Northern Ireland, helping small businesses design prototypes and build custom software. If you have a hardware or software idea you’d like to sketch out, feel free to get in touch.