Question 1

How does an electronics development project work at CME – from concept to series production?

Accepted Answer

Every project begins with a feasibility analysis where we evaluate your requirements, applicable standards, and target costs. This is followed by circuit design, simulation, and layout – while embedded software and controller design are developed in parallel. After prototype manufacturing, all assemblies undergo our validation process including EMC testing and environmental tests. We then accompany the series ramp-up – regardless of whether you choose CME, another EMS partner, or in-house manufacturing. You decide freely: development only, manufacturing only, or both from a single source.

Question 2

What documents does CME need for a development inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, you provide a requirements specification or technical document – but this is not a prerequisite. We often start with a functional description, a sketch, or an existing product that needs further development. Our engineers work with you to define the requirements and create a detailed specification if needed. The key information we need includes: the desired function, the operating environment (temperature, vibration, protection class), relevant standards (e.g., IEC 60601 for medical devices or ISO 26262 for automotive), and planned production volumes.

Question 3

How much does electronics development cost and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on complexity: a simple sensor board may be in the low five-figure range, while complex power electronics with functional safety can reach six figures. Typical development timelines range from 3 months for straightforward projects to 12–18 months for standards-compliant systems requiring certification. We work with transparent milestones and provide a reliable cost and timeline estimate after the feasibility analysis. This gives you full control over budget and schedule.

Question 4

Can CME redesign or further develop existing electronics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, redesign and further development are among our core services. Typical triggers include component obsolescence management, cost optimization, performance improvement, or adaptation to new standards. We analyze your existing design, identify optimization potential, and carry out the redesign – including simulation and validation. We accompany the series ramp-up in every case, regardless of who handles manufacturing. You have complete freedom of choice: CME can handle both development and manufacturing – or you can commission us specifically for just one of the two.

Question 5

What makes CME a specialist for power electronics and thermally demanding projects?

Accepted Answer

Power electronics inherently generates high power losses – thermal management determines reliability and service life. At CME, thermal simulation is an integral part of every power electronics project: we analyze heat flows during circuit design and optimize layout, cooling, and material selection in parallel. Our engineers have extensive experience with SiC and GaN semiconductors, high-current designs, and demanding environmental conditions from –40 °C to +125 °C. The result is compact, efficient systems that operate reliably even under extreme conditions.

Question 6

What motor drive electronics does CME develop – and for which motor types?

Accepted Answer

We develop custom motor drive electronics for brushless DC motors (BLDC), permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), asynchronous motors, and stepper motors. Our range covers small drives in the watt range up to high-performance drives in the double-digit kilowatt range. We are particularly strong in model-based controller design (MIL, SIL, HIL) and integrated e-motor design, where we optimize lamination construction, winding layout, and electronics as a complete system. This achieves maximum efficiency with minimum installation space.

Question 7

Does CME also offer embedded software development?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hardware and software are always considered as a unit at CME. Our embedded developers program microcontroller systems (ARM Cortex, STM32, Infineon, NXP), develop real-time firmware, and implement communication interfaces such as CAN, EtherCAT, SPI, and UART. For safety-critical applications, we use MISRA-C-compliant development and model-based code generation. The close integration of our hardware and software teams allows us to identify issues early and significantly reduce time-to-market.

Question 8

How does CME ensure EMC compliance and certifiability?

Accepted Answer

EMC-compliant design at CME does not start during testing – it begins in the circuit design phase. We consider filter design, grounding, shielding, and trace routing from the very beginning. After prototype manufacturing, we perform pre-compliance measurements and optimize iteratively if needed. For final certification, we accompany you to accredited test laboratories and support the creation of technical documentation for CE, UL, FCC, or industry-specific standards such as IEC 60601 (medical) or ISO 26262 (automotive).

Question 9

Does CME offer electronics development for automotive projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes, automotive is one of our core industries. We develop electronics for pumps and compressors (exhaust aftertreatment, coolant), HVAC blowers and climate actuators, valve controls, on-board chargers and DC/DC converters, as well as fuel cell controllers for hydrogen applications. We work according to ISO 26262 (functional safety up to ASIL D), Automotive SPICE (ASPICE), and qualify to AEC-Q and AK standards. Our experience with high-voltage EMC and stringent automotive quality processes ensures your electronics meet OEM requirements.

Question 10

Does CME develop electronics for medical technology?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we develop precision electronics for medicine and life sciences. Our range includes medical embedded systems, precision controls and dosing electronics, sensors and signal processing, user interfaces and displays, as well as laboratory devices and diagnostics electronics. We work according to the regulatory requirements of the MDR and IEC 60601, with particular emphasis on highest reliability, miniaturization with full functionality, and long-term availability with proactive obsolescence planning. This ensures your medical electronics remain available and standards-compliant throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Question 11

Does CME offer electronics development for industrial automation and robotics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we develop control electronics for the factory of the future. This includes machine controllers and PLC-adjacent systems, HMI and operator panels, robotics and cobot controllers, intralogistics solutions for AGV/AMR, as well as safety systems and SIL electronics. We implement industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, CAN, and IO-Link and develop robust systems that withstand the demanding requirements of industrial environments – from vibration and temperature cycling to electromagnetic immunity.

Question 12

Does CME develop drive electronics for off-highway, e-mobility, and mobile machines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, drive electronics for mobile applications is one of our strengths. We develop BLDC and PMSM motor controllers, FOC inverters and converters for e-mobility applications (e-bike, LEV, scooter), power tools, AGV/AMR, and conveyor systems. Our systems are designed for robustness under vibration, temperature cycling, and harsh operating conditions. Through highly efficient control algorithms (FOC, sensorless) and compact form factors at high power, we deliver drive electronics that operate reliably even in demanding off-highway and outdoor environments.

Question 13

Does CME offer electronics development for energy systems and charging infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we develop power electronic sub-components for energy systems and charging infrastructure. Our focus is on electronics development of individual assemblies: DC/DC and AC/DC converters, inverter power stages, wallbox control electronics, and battery management systems (BMS). We master the special challenges of power electronics in these applications: high efficiency, thermal management at high currents, and safe handling of high voltages. System integration and higher-level charging control remain with our customers – we deliver the core electronic components for it.

Question 14

Does CME develop electronics for building technology and smart infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we develop intelligent electronics for buildings, infrastructure, and security. This includes elevator controls and drives, HVAC and climate controls, building automation and smart building systems, access control and smart access, security and surveillance technology, as well as energy management and smart metering. Our solutions combine reliability with energy efficiency and are designed for long product lifecycles – a decisive factor in building technology, where systems are often in use for 15–20 years.

Question 15

For which industries does CME develop electronics – and which standards are covered?

Accepted Answer

CME develops electronics for six core industries: drive technology and motor systems, automotive and functional safety, medical technology, industrial automation and robotics, building technology, and energy systems. Depending on the industry, we work according to relevant standards – including ISO 26262 (automotive ASIL), IEC 60601 (medical devices), IEC 61508 (functional safety), EN 61800 (drive systems), and the Machinery Directive. Our cross-industry experience enables us to transfer proven approaches from one sector to another.

Question 16

Why choose electronics development in Germany instead of offshore – what are the advantages of a German development partner?

Accepted Answer

A German development partner like CME offers decisive advantages: direct communication without language barriers and time zone issues, deep understanding of European standards and certification requirements, and protection of your intellectual property under German and EU law. CME is EMS-neutral: you decide freely whether we develop only, manufacture only, or handle both – we accompany the series ramp-up in every case, regardless of the manufacturing location. For international clients, this means: highest quality standards, IP protection, maximum flexibility in partner selection, and a responsive partner in the Central European time zone.

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From idea to series-ready electronics.

Development Services – Electronics Overview

Hard & Software Design

E-Motor Design

Control Design

Simulation

Validation & EMC

Test & Verification

Core Competencies

Redesign & Product Optimization

Consulting & Advisory

Clarify technical feasibility – before it gets expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electronics Development

Process & Services

Technology & Expertise

Industries & Applications