S-Tek, Inc. - Designed PIC16F876A based I²C interface board. The single chip, interface board operated a 16-character, x 2-line LCD module, status LED, and enabled 256 bytes of EEPROM R/W, flash memory storage, in the PIC. The interface to the motherboard was accomplished via an I²C connection. The PIC16F876A had a custom address to allow many other standard I²C components to be used on the same bus. Firmware allowed I²C codes to be sent that would write either function or CGRAM data, to the LCD module. The PIC wrote to the LCD module using a 7-line (3-control, 4-high/low nibble) interface. An adjustable contrast voltage pot was included to enhance the display contrast under varying temperature

Mechanical/Electronic Design Package

S-Tek

• Complete turn-key product engineering and design : from generating an initial "wish list" of product features and specifications; through product production and testing.
• Suggest methods for integrating product mechanics and electronic controls to cost reduce product and offer more product features/functions at lower cost.
• Iterative review and design modification alternatives.
• Clear project phases, sign-off objectives and milestones.
• Proto-types: Proof-of-concept and pre-production; design, build, testing, verification and review.
• Written product or control module specifications.
• Complete project engineering documentation including : (Mechanical)- Pro-E or Solid Works, mechanical part and assembly drawings; (Electrical)-Schematic diagrams; Gerber files for PCB foil layout, PCB component layout, PCB solder mask, PCB drill drawing; Assembly hook-up diagram; Bill-of-Material; Operation descriptions; Logic equations; Flow diagrams; Software; MPLAB, Assembler, C, Source Code (complete step annotation, operating partitions), Source Code Listing, Hex code file, etc.
• Obtain module quotes from both domestic and far East sources.
• Vendor evaluation for level of expertise and ability to produce quality modules on time.
• Design of Test Fixtures for incoming inspection, production, service.
• Product design evaluation including: U.L./CSA/etc. compliance; proper material selection; circuit safety design; component ratings; fail-safe analysis.
• Technical patent write-up including: Abstract; Background of Invention; Technical description; Operation block diagrams; Operation flow diagrams; Suggested Claims.
• Evaluating Engineering Personnel and Staff Capabilities.
• Evaluating Product Concepts and Engineering approach to product design.