| Milestone | Objective / Outcome | Estimate | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 — Additional Equipment |
Procure oscilloscope + backup FPGA; finalize ECAD layout and manufacturing package so the circuit is fully defined and ready for fab.
Deliverable: Lab bring-up kit + release-to-manufacturing fileset
Dependencies: None
|
2–4 wks |
$40,000
This is the only funding required until M1 is finished. M2 starts after M1 completion and receipt of M2 funds. |
| M2 — Single-FPGA Prototype |
Bare-bones proof-of-concept build; hardware bring-up; functional test against core design specs (capture, process, basic I/O).
Deliverable: Bench-validated POC
Focus: Risk burn-down on clocks, JESD, PCIe paths
|
6–8 wks |
$70,000
Only M2 funds are needed while M2 is in progress. M3 begins once M2 is complete and the M3 funds are received. |
| M3 — OTS-Style Prototype |
First off-the-shelf-style build of the Intelligence Collector with full functionality and NRE applied; prepares transition into production run.
Deliverable: Feature-complete OTS-style unit
Includes: NRE + enclosure + cabling + thermal
|
8–10 wks |
$85,000
Only M3 funds are required during M3. M4 starts after M3 sign-off and receipt of M4 funds. |
| M4 — Production Build (1 Unit) |
Manufacture one production unit; allow for rework/blue-sky margin to ensure full compliance with performance and spec.
Deliverable: Validated production unit (1)
Scope: Manufacture, QA, environmental checks
|
6–8 wks |
$90,000 (ceiling)
M4 funds cover the production build and close out the seed phase. Optional expansion below is separate and post-M4. |
| Seed subtotal (M1–M4) | ≈ 5–6 mo. | $285,000 | |