One of the first choices that must be made in the electronics design is which microprocessor or microcontroller architecture will be utilized in case your product idea requires processing capability. Most microprocessor or microcontroller tools are for sale in many different configurations of memory sizes by incorporating including non-volatile Flash memory for program storage, quantity and kinds of input and output pins, package types for surface mount or through-hole applications, clock speeds, and interfaces that are supported by the processor and never have to increase the devices.
Once a microprocessor or microcontroller folks are selected, additional decisions should be made on which system clock frequency to utilize, how much processor and system memory is going to be required for the applying, and the way the application development processes are to be supported. The option of processor architecture must think about the available software development and testing tools and the software design resources which will be necessary for your product's software/firmware design. Additional decisions must be made about how the software/firmware will probably be loaded to the processor's memory throughout the manufacturing process. Will the style enable the end product to just accept field or user initiated software/firmware upgrades, or will the item be described as a one-time programmable unit?
Before the processor portion of the design is done, you need to also define which forms of interfaces to external systems will be required (serial port, parallel port, USB, Ethernet, wireless connection for example 802.11x or Bluetooth, infrared, etc.) and also the minimum interface bandwidth rates required. All of these factors can play a job in selecting the most effective processor product to use in your design application. Some microprocessor/microcontroller product examples that you could research are the MicroChip PAL series and also the category of products from Atmel as both these suppliers provide some extremely effective but inexpensive processor solutions.
Electronic components, including microprocessors and microcontrollers, are generally available in both surface mount and through-hole versions. Some electronic components might be obtainable in just one format (for example some transformers, relays, capacitors, power resistors, or connectors being available only in through-hole packages). Surface mount components are preferred for almost any volume level production as they are usually less costly to buy, more easily obtainable, and permit for further compact printed circuit board designs because the components take up significantly less space and is applied to both sides of the board if necessary. Using surface mount technology may allow the printed circuit board design to utilize a smaller size and/or fewer layers, thus reducing raw board costs. However, surface mount components could make in-house assembly and soldering difficult if not impossible if you do not possess the proper equipment and expertise.