SwRI: Custom Design and Prototype Development. SwRI develops, integrates, analyzes, tests communications systems

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

image of chart showing SwRI's proven design methodology for developing custom products and systems

SwRI uses a proven design methodology for developing custom products and systems.  Click image for a larger view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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 COTS and custom systems. The following links provide brief descriptions of systems that utilize custom design techniques to varying levels.

 

Examples of Custom Design and Prototype Development Projects

Communications Devices Radar Systems
  • Telecommunications Interface Card Design & Limited Production

 

For more information about our custom design and prototype development capabilities, or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Mark Moczygemba at mmoczygemba@swri.org or (210) 522-3463.

 

communications.swri.org


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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. SwRI occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,200 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.