Reference design refers to a technical
blueprint
A blueprint is a reproduction of a technical drawing or engineering drawing using a contact print process on light-sensitive sheets. Introduced by Sir John Herschel in 1842, the process allowed rapid and accurate production of an unlimited number ...
of a system that is intended for others to copy. It contains the essential elements of the system; however,
third parties may enhance or modify the design as required.
When discussing computer designs, the concept is generally known as a reference platform.
The main purpose of reference design is to support companies in development of next generation products using latest technologies. The reference product is proof of the platform concept and is usually targeted for specific applications. Reference design packages enable a fast track to market thereby cutting costs and reducing risk in the customer's integration project.
As the predominant customers for reference designs are OEMs, many reference designs are created by technology component vendors, whether hardware or software, as a means to increase the likelihood that their product will be designed into the OEM's product, giving them a competitive advantage.
Examples
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NanoBook, a reference design of a miniature laptop
*
Open source hardware
Open-source hardware (OSH) consists of physical artifacts of technology designed and offered by the open-design movement. Both free and open-source software (FOSS) and open-source hardware are created by this open-source culture movement and ...
(also
:Open source hardware)
**
RONJA, a free and open telecommunication technology ("free Internet")
**
VIA OpenBook
VIA OpenBook is a laptop reference design from VIA Technologies, announced in 2008. The laptop case design was released as open source. Windowsfordevices.com. May 27, 2008.
Specifications
Dimensions
*Dimensions: 24.0w x 17.5d x 3.62h cm (at ...
, a free and open reference design of a laptop
References
Electronics manufacturing
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