Pace Electronics specializes in precise PCB reverse engineering for manufacturers who no longer have access to original design files. Our engineering team combines hands-on expertise with advanced technology to carefully deconstruct complex boards, accurately capturing components, layers, and internal connections. This yields fully documented and actionable design intelligence embedded within your hardware.
Comprehensive Board Analysis and Documentation
The reverse engineering process begins with a detailed physical assessment of the PCB. Our team conducts close visual inspection, dimensional measurements, and thorough identification of all visible components, including markings, package types, interfaces, and connectors.
This baseline evaluation is more than a checklist; it’s the groundwork for accurate electronic reconstruction. By logging every observable detail, we build a solid foundation for later imaging and schematic capture. This step is critical to understanding the board’s intended design and ensuring all subsequent phases reflect the board’s true functionality.
Advanced Imaging and Digitization
Effectively deconstructing complex multi-layer PCBs requires advanced imaging and digitization methods that reveal far more than surface-level features. At Pace Electronics, we use high-resolution X-ray analysis, specialized scanning, and optical microscopy to capture detailed visuals of internal layers, trace routing, and vias that are hidden from view.
This non-destructive approach enables comprehensive digital mapping of the board’s structure, layer by layer. By converting these physical features into precise digital models, we gain a thorough understanding of how power, ground, and signal traces connect throughout the multi-layered design without damaging or altering the original PCB.
Intelligent Schematic Capture and Netlist Generation
Accurate PCB reverse engineering involves converting the physical layout and internal structure into a logical, functional design. Our experienced engineers carefully examine the digitized layers and component interconnections to capture a complete schematic of the board. This includes identifying how components relate to one another and how electrical signals flow through the system.
From this schematic, we produce a comprehensive netlist that provides a clear and definitive map of all electrical connections within the circuit. This structured process transforms raw physical data into an organized schematic and netlist, both of which are essential for accurately reproducing, troubleshooting, or understanding the original circuit’s behavior and performance.
Precise PCB Layout Reconstruction
The final stage of the process is full PCB layout reconstruction. Using data gathered from the imaging phase, schematic, and netlist, our team rebuilds the complete PCB design file with high accuracy.
This reconstruction includes all critical design elements:
- Trace, pad, and via placements
- Components footprints
- Silk-screen layers
The resulting digital file functions as a complete replica of the original board. This file can then be used for manufacturing, modification, analysis, or as documentation for legacy systems.
PCB Reverse Engineering from Pace Electronics
Pace Electronics combines engineering expertise with advanced technology to deliver reliable PCB reverse engineering solutions. Our thorough process helps customers recover critical design information, safeguard legacy systems, and support ongoing manufacturing needs. For more information about our PCB reverse engineering services or to get started on your next project, contact us today.
