Arduino Nano: when a prototype needs a custom board
An Arduino platform can help demonstrate a sensor or control idea quickly. An Arduino Nano prototype may show that the basic measurement works, but product development asks further questions: how will it be powered, mounted, connected, programmed and tested repeatedly? Moving to a custom board is useful when those requirements no longer fit the prototype assembly.
Keep a record of what the prototype actually proves. Store example inputs, software versions, timing measurements and known failures. This evidence is more useful to the next design stage than a demonstration that runs only under one set of bench conditions.
Turn the experiment into an interface specification
List each sensor and actuator, its electrical interface and the required update rate. Define supply variation, cable length, grounding and communication behavior. Replace assumptions about jumper wiring with connector, protection and service-access requirements. Include the enclosure early because mounting and cooling can change the electronics.
STM32 and other microcontrollers: choose from the workload
A microcontroller choice should follow memory, peripheral, timing and lifecycle needs. Development boards from different families are not automatically interchangeable. Review the libraries, compiler, licensing and supported interfaces before porting firmware. A larger AI model may require a different processor architecture rather than a faster version of the same prototype.
Design the PCB and test method together
Custom PCB design needs access for programming, electrical checks and repeatable production tests. Define how the team will identify a board revision and reproduce a reported problem. Review power sequencing, signal integrity and environmental requirements before treating a successful first board as a finished product.
Plan a controlled production handover
Agree the design files, firmware build instructions, test records and manufacturing information to be delivered. Prototype validation, regulatory assessment and production acceptance are separate tasks. Alvexis can scope electronics, embedded software and mechanical integration around the requirement. Arduino and other platform names here identify development options; they do not imply a manufacturer partnership.