PCB Reverse Engineering

• Obsolete products with no circuit diagrams or documentation available.
• Re-positioning of obsolete components.
• Design recovery.
• Products Re-designed for RoHS/ WEEE compliance.
• While retaining the core features & logic of existing systems migration to emerging technologies.
• Design Changes For increased performance.
• For new Feature additions.
• Manufacturing process changes: Through-hole to SMD parts Migration
• To address support/Repair issues on older PCBA where documentation does not exist.
• Cost Optimization /Lower System Cost
• Reduced life-cycle costs
• Competitor Analysis and gain
• Speed up the time it takes to get your product to market

• Good multi-meter.
• Continuity Tester.
• Inductive short tracer.
• Milli-Ohm meter.
• Microscope.
• Light panel & Torch for detailed PCB inspection.
• X-Ray imaging of PCB.
• Lot of Patience & Passion.

PCB Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering is the process of analysing an existing product or design for the desire & purpose of replicating the similar functionality or the behaviour without the aid of original manufacturing or actual design documents. Reverse engineering as such is a wide term and is applicable in multiple fields including electronic engineering, software engineering and mechanical engineering.

It’s a challenging task as the information given is limited and the task requires committed experienced professional to start from minimal information to the point where the production of the new design can take place.

In electronic engineering there is no standard to govern Printed Circuit Board Reverse engineering however from software perspective IEEE has defined reverse engineering as “The process of analysing a subject system to identify the system’s components and their interrelationships and to create representations of the system in another form or at a higher level of abstraction”, where the “subject system” is to be considered as the end product of software development.

Steps for PCB Reverse Engineering

• Assign reference designations (U, J, R, C, D) to unmarked components before starting PCB reverse engineering.
• Create a Component level BOM.
• Design -Identify the system’s components and their interrelationships.
• Components Placement & Mechanical.
• XY locations of Connectors, LED, Switches etc.
• Board mechanical Mounting holes & any special cuts on Boards, Board size etc.
• Download datasheets, application notes, and architecture information.
• Create net list.
• Make the Schematic Drawing and PCB Layout.

Where we can help

PCB reverse engineering is grueling process which seems impossible sometimes but right experience, dedication and success gives paramount satisfaction and overshadows the hurdles faced in the journey. Tfav Embedded System PCB Re-Engineering Services are designed and developed in accordance with the specific customer’s needs and demands. If the product or the PCB is re-engineered by us, we take responsibility of the custom developed hardware to test the functionality as per the original product. This assurance can not be given by most of the design bureau as either they are in to only manufacturing or only in the electronic product design. Our services are widely appreciated by the clients for their quality, timely execution and genuine prices.

• Obsolete products with no circuit diagrams.
• Products Re-designed for RoHS/ WEEE compliance.
• Through-hole to SMD parts Migration.
• While retaining the core features and logic of existing systems migration to emerging technologies.
• Design Change.
• To improve operations, maintenance and support issues on older circuit Board.
• For increased performance.
• Reduced life-cycle costs and lower System Cost.