zevon8
New Member
Not sure if this is the right forum, but some coworkers and I debated this the other day and I thought maybe some members would have opinions on this also.
When you are designing something, do you generally prefer to build using descrete, generic components, or use some finished assemblies and products when it would be faster?
Say for example you need a controller that will operate a machine. Sure, you can develope the entire thing, microcontroller, software, power sections, etc, or you can use off the shelf parts for certain functions like power control, power supplies, etc.
Some times it doesn't pay to reinvent the wheel for certain things, but there are trade-offs. The costs can be higher, but you get simpler, field replaceable parts. Another issue is developement time...
Anyone have an opinion on this?
When you are designing something, do you generally prefer to build using descrete, generic components, or use some finished assemblies and products when it would be faster?
Say for example you need a controller that will operate a machine. Sure, you can develope the entire thing, microcontroller, software, power sections, etc, or you can use off the shelf parts for certain functions like power control, power supplies, etc.
Some times it doesn't pay to reinvent the wheel for certain things, but there are trade-offs. The costs can be higher, but you get simpler, field replaceable parts. Another issue is developement time...
Anyone have an opinion on this?