FAQ

Custom PCB design costs range from $1,500 for simple 2-layer boards to $10,000+ for complex multi-layer RF or high-speed designs. Key cost factors include layer count, board dimensions, impedance control requirements, component density, and whether schematic capture is included.

For the most accurate quote, provide a schematic or functional block diagram, bill of materials (BOM), mechanical constraints, and target production volume. If you only have a concept, Imperium can start from a requirements document and develop the schematic in-house.

Our engineers work in Altium Designer, KiCad, and Cadence OrCAD/Allegro depending on project requirements and client preferences. All designs are delivered in industry-standard formats (Gerber RS-274X, ODB++, IPC-2581) compatible with any fabrication house.

DFM is the process of optimizing a PCB layout for reliable, cost-effective manufacturing. Imperium includes DFM review in every design project: checking trace widths, via sizes, solder mask clearances, and panelization against the target fabrication house's capabilities to prevent expensive prototype respins.

Yes, we have experience from 2-layer through 12+ layer HDI designs. Impedance-controlled traces, differential pairs, and RF circuit design (LoRa 868 MHz, BLE, WiFi HaLow) are among our core specializations. Signal integrity simulation is included in every design.

No. Imperium is an engineering services firm, not a fabrication house. We handle the complete design process: schematic capture, component selection, PCB layout, DFM review, and prototype validation. Fabrication and assembly are coordinated through our manufacturing partners as part of a full engineering engagement. If you only need bare boards produced from existing Gerber files, our services would not be the right fit.

We specialize in ESP32, STM32 (ARM Cortex-M), and Nordic nRF (nRF52/nRF53/nRF91) families. Platform selection depends on application requirements: ESP32 for cost-effective WiFi/BLE IoT, STM32 for industrial-grade real-time control, and Nordic nRF for ultra-low-power BLE and cellular IoT.

Firmware is low-level code running directly on microcontroller hardware: drivers, bootloaders, peripheral control. Embedded software includes higher-level application logic, RTOS tasks, and communication stacks. Imperium develops both, from bare-metal register-level firmware through complex embedded Linux applications.

Our service scope covers hardware selection and schematic design, PCB layout, firmware/embedded software development (C/C++), RTOS integration, sensor and actuator drivers, wireless communication protocols (BLE, WiFi, LoRa), OTA update infrastructure, and functional testing. We provide full-cycle support from concept to production.

Simple sensor reading and data transmission projects complete in 4–6 weeks, while multi-sensor industrial control systems take 3–6 months. Cost depends on hardware complexity, software scope, and certification requirements. TÜBİTAK TEYDEB funding can cover a significant portion of project costs.

We follow a 5-phase IoT development process: (1) requirements and architecture definition, (2) hardware design: sensor selection, PCB, enclosure, (3) firmware and connectivity development, (4) cloud/backend integration (AWS IoT, Azure IoT, MQTT), (5) field testing and certification. Each phase has defined deliverables and go/no-go gates.

LoRa is a long-range, low-power radio technology ideal for IoT sensors that transmit small data packets over 2–15 km while running on batteries for 8–15 years. Choose LoRa over WiFi when devices are spread across large areas and over cellular when per-device data costs must stay near zero.

LoRaWAN network setup involves 4 stages: (1) coverage analysis and gateway placement plan, (2) gateway and network server installation, (3) end device (sensor/actuator) development and integration, (4) field testing and optimization. A single gateway covers 10+ km in open areas and 2–5 km in urban environments using the 868 MHz ISM band.

A successful IoT project goes through 5 stages: (1) requirements analysis and architectural design, (2) hardware development: sensor selection, PCB, enclosure, (3) embedded software and connectivity protocols, (4) cloud platform integration, (5) field testing and certification. Imperium can work as a turnkey provider or as team augmentation at each stage.

We design custom RF hardware for LoRa/LoRaWAN (868/915 MHz), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 5.x), WiFi HaLow (802.11ah), sub-GHz ISM, and standard WiFi (802.11 b/g/n/ac). Services include antenna matching, RF layout optimization, pre-compliance EMC testing, and regulatory certification support (CE RED, FCC Part 15).

The SKY130 PDK is a free, open-source process design kit from SkyWater Technology/Google enabling custom IC design without traditional multi-million-dollar NRE costs. It makes sense for low-to-medium complexity analog/mixed-signal ICs, academic research commercialization, and IoT sensor front-ends where volume justifies custom silicon but budget doesn't support commercial foundry NRE.

ASIC design makes sense with annual production volumes above 10,000 units, specialized performance requirements that standard chips cannot meet, or intellectual property protection needs. With the SKY130 open-source PDK, NRE costs can be reduced significantly compared to traditional methods.

A typical prototype cycle takes 4–8 weeks from approved design to functional units in hand. Deliverables include assembled and tested PCBs, firmware loaded and verified, design files (schematic, layout, BOM, Gerber), test report, and a design review document noting any changes recommended for production.

Yes, we design with pre-compliance in mind from day one, conducting in-house EMC pre-scans during development to avoid expensive redesigns. For formal certification, we coordinate with accredited test labs (TÜV, Intertek, SGS) for CE (EMC + RED + LVD), FCC Part 15, and RoHS/REACH compliance.

The transition follows 4 stages: (1) EVT (Engineering Validation Test): prototype functional verification, (2) DVT (Design Validation Test): environmental and reliability tests, (3) PVT (Production Validation Test): production line optimization, (4) MP (Mass Production): quality control and shipment. We manage manufacturing partner coordination at each stage.

Yes, hardware development projects are supported under TÜBİTAK 1501 Industrial R&D Projects. SME-status companies can apply with no budget cap for project durations up to 36 months. Imperium provides technical consultancy for project proposal preparation and can serve as part of the project team.

Yes, the KOSGEB R&D, Product Development and Innovation Support Program prioritizes electronics (NACE 26.1 electronic components and circuit board manufacturing, 26.3 communication equipment, 26.4 consumer electronics). Small enterprises can receive up to ₺1,500,000 and medium enterprises up to ₺6,000,000, with 100% qualified personnel support.

Five critical factors: (1) reference projects and portfolio: completed projects of similar complexity, (2) end-to-end capability: single-source service from design through certification, (3) IP protection policy: NDA and intellectual property transfer terms, (4) TÜBİTAK/KOSGEB experience: grant application support capacity, (5) communication and revision policy: transparent process management and regular progress reports.

Turkey provides strong IP protection under Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (effective 2017), aligned with EU frameworks. Turkey is a signatory to the Paris Convention, Berne Convention, Patent Cooperation Treaty, and European Patent Convention. Imperium signs mutual NDAs, transfers full IP ownership upon payment, and uses encrypted file transfer protocols.

Istanbul (UTC+3) overlaps 6–7 working hours with Central Europe and 3–4 hours with US East Coast. We conduct weekly video sprint reviews, use English-language project management tools, and provide a dedicated English-speaking project manager. Prototype shipments reach Europe in 2–3 days and the US in 3–5 days via DHL/FedEx with full customs documentation.