Custom Design & Prototype Development
Communications & Embedded Systems
SwRI uses a proven design methodology for developing custom products and systems. Click image for a larger view.
Specific problems call for specific solutions, and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) can develop a custom design to meet your system or product requirements. When considering the development of a new product or system, the use of a proven design methodology is a must. SwRI has the proven experience to develop your custom system or prototype product.
SwRI engineers have extensive experience working with many technologies and managing custom development programs to make systems or products that meets clients' requirements. SwRI also frequently helps clients analyze requirements so that they may decide if a custom or a COTS integrated solution will fulfill their requirements.
SwRI uses a proven design methodology for developing custom products and systems. This methodology includes:
- System definition
- Design
- Implementation and documentation
- Manufacturing or prototype development
A key component of this methodology is the definition phase, which includes:
- Defining the system's purpose
- Identifying and describing each task to be performed by the system
- Determining sequence of operations necessary to perform each task Identifying system components
- Determining system-to-system interfaces
- Defining user-friendly operator interfaces
- Performing system failure analysis and establishing fault tolerances
- Establishing system test methods and self-diagnostic capabilities
- Developing environmental specifications
Comparison of COTS Solution vs. Custom Solution
The table below summarizes some of the tradeoffs associated with the two different system development techniques.
| COTS Development | Custom System Development | |
|---|---|---|
| Development Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Development Time | Shorter | Longer |
| Availability of a Complete Solution | Not Guaranteed | High |
| Production Cost (low quantity) | Lower | Higher |
| Production Cost (high quantity) | Higher | Lower |
SwRI has significant experience with developing both types of systems, but the following links provide brief descriptions of systems that utilize COTS integration techniques to varying levels.
Examples of Custom Design and Prototype Development Projects
- Infrastructure and Network Systems
- Telecommunications Monitoring System
- Telecommunications Interface Card Design &Limited Production
- Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Receiving Set
- Radar Systems
Related Terminology
communication devices • communication networks • communication system definition • custom design • implementation • documentation • manufacturing development • prototype development • communication system requirements • custom product development • custom communication systems • communications engineering
