At USA Firmware, our growth strategy is intentional: expand capabilities where it directly improves outcomes for our customers.
Our acquisition of Quarter Century Design (QCD), a highly experienced PCB design services firm, reflects that strategy in a focused and meaningful way.
This move strengthens not only what we build—but how we engage with the people we build it for.
The Reason Behind the Acquisition
Quarter Century Design has built its reputation over decades by delivering high-quality PCB design services across a wide range of industries. Their work sits at a critical point in every hardware product: the foundation.
We recognized two key opportunities:
1. Strengthening the Hardware Foundation
PCB design is not a peripheral function—it is central to product reliability, manufacturability, and performance.
By bringing QCD into USA Firmware, we:
- Expand our capabilities directly into PCB design
- Improve coordination between hardware design and firmware development
- Reduce friction between design stages that are traditionally siloed
2. Preserving and Leveraging Proven Expertise
QCD represents decades of practical design knowledge that cannot be easily replicated.
Rather than rebuilding that expertise from scratch, we chose to integrate a team that already delivers:
- Production-ready PCB layouts
- Design-for-manufacturing insight
- Consistent, experience-driven execution
Strategic Alignment: Hardware + Firmware Under One Roof
This acquisition allows USA Firmware to move closer to a more complete engineering model.
Tighter Integration Between PCB and Firmware
By aligning PCB design with firmware development, we can:
- Identify issues earlier in the design cycle
- Improve signal integrity and system performance
- Reduce costly redesigns and iteration cycles
A More Cohesive Development Process
Instead of fragmented workflows across vendors, we can now provide:
- Better communication across disciplines
- Faster iteration between board design and firmware validation
- More predictable project timelines
A Unique Advantage: Direct Customer Engagement
One of the most valuable aspects of this acquisition is the opportunity to engage QCD’s existing client base in a more direct and meaningful way.
Through this integration, USA Firmware gains the ability to:
- Meet QCD clients in person
- Build stronger, trust-based relationships
- Introduce our broader suite of services beyond PCB design
This is not about replacing relationships—it’s about expanding them.
Expanding Value for QCD Clients
QCD clients will now have access to the full capabilities of USA Firmware, including:
- Firmware development and optimization
- Embedded software support
- Engineering staffing and augmentation services
- Long-term product lifecycle support
This creates a natural extension:
From PCB design → to complete system development → to ongoing support
What This Means for USA Firmware Customers
For our existing customers, this acquisition delivers immediate benefits:
Expanded Capabilities
- In-house PCB design services
- Stronger hardware/firmware alignment
- More complete engineering solutions
Improved Project Efficiency
- Reduced handoffs between external vendors
- Faster iteration cycles
- Better cross-functional collaboration
Higher Quality Outcomes
- Designs optimized from board layout through firmware
- Fewer late-stage issues
- More reliable end products
Cultural Fit and Execution
Beyond capability, QCD aligns with how we operate:
- Detail-oriented engineering
- Practical, production-focused design
- Long-term thinking over short-term shortcuts
This ensures the integration strengthens our standards rather than diluting them.
Looking Forward
This acquisition represents a deliberate step toward a more complete engineering organization.
By adding PCB design to our core capabilities and deepening our relationships with customers, we are positioning USA Firmware to deliver:
- More integrated solutions
- Stronger partnerships
- Better long-term outcomes
Closing
Quarter Century Design enhances both our technical capabilities and our ability to connect with customers.
It allows us to:
- Build better hardware
- Deliver more complete solutions
- Engage more directly with the people we serve
And most importantly, it ensures that as USA Firmware grows, we continue to increase the value we deliver at every stage of the product lifecycle.
Bob Scaccia
CEO & Founder
10060 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
