Hardware design HWDE
Specifying a hardware design model for a defined system architecture.
Updates for SFIA 9
- There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
- Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Application of SFIA skills for cloud-based working, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels), Making SFIA easier to consume (updates to skill name/skill description).
- New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
- Readability improvements have been made to levels 5 and 6.
- You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
- Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.
Guidance notes
Examples of computing and communications equipment include — but are not limited to — semiconductor processors, high performance computing (HPC) architectures and digital signals processor (DSP) and graphics processor chips.
Activities may include — but are not limited to:
- defining how hardware components fit into the system and integrate with software if required
- selecting, designing, specifying, integrating and prototyping of hardware components
- adhering to industry standards including compatibility, safety, security, reliability and sustainability
This is typically related to the integration with, or connection to, an IT infrastructure or network.
Levels of responsibility for this skill
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Hardware design: Levels 1-2
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at these levels of responsibility and accountability.
Hardware design: Level 3
Follows selected standard approaches and design patterns to design simple hardware components.
Seeks guidance when deviating from established design patterns. Takes account of target environment, performance, security, safety, reliability and sustainability requirements.
Translates logical designs into physical designs. Tests the performance of prototypes and production output against specification.
Submits hardware designs for approval. Documents all work using required standards, methods and tools.
Hardware design: Level 4
Designs hardware components, taking account of target environment, performance, security, safety, reliability and sustainability requirements.
Translates logical designs into physical designs and delivers technical prototypes of proposed components for approval and production.
Designs the tests to measure the performance of prototypes and production output against specification and inform iterative development.
Hardware design: Level 5
Specifies and designs complex hardware components/systems.
Selects appropriate design standards, methods and tools, consistent with agreed enterprise policies and ensures they are applied effectively.
Undertakes impact analysis on major design options and assesses and manages associated risks. Ensures that hardware designs balance functional, quality, safety, security, systems management, reliability and sustainability requirements.
Reviews others' designs to ensure selection of appropriate technology, efficient use of resources, and effective integration of multiple systems and technology. Contributes to policy for selection of components.
Hardware design: Level 6
Provides overall direction and leadership in the hardware design practice within an enterprise.
Influences industry-based models for the development of new technology and components.
Develops effective procurement strategies, consistent with business needs.
Drives adoption and ensures adherence to organisational policies, strategies and standards for hardware design.
Hardware design: Level 7
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.