Embedded Software
Microcontrollers constitute a widespread and important component in many modern electronics products with embedded software. Embedded Software is an integrated and essential core making products, machines, and factories intelligent and functional devices.
We develop and customize embedded software to ensure that the software fits perfectly with the hardware in your new electronic products. Embedded software functions as computer programs and forms a part in new smart devices like sensors and gateways for data collection from the physical analog world and data transmission to Cloud solutions in the digital world.
Use Cases for Requirements Specifications
In the concept phase of Develco Project Model for product development, we elaborate with you use cases describing the wanted technical requirements and functions of your electronic products. We define your interaction with the new products, communication between different devices, and other important details. We employ the use cases as a basis for elaborating requirements specifications for the finished product solutions. Afterwards we continue in the development phase with development of embedded software for your new products.
Operating System and Programming Language
Develco’s software developers are experts in developing embedded software, from low-level assembly code and small real-time operating systems to larger operating systems. For development of your embedded systems, we use selected operating systems as a platform to manage hardware and software:
- Zephyr – a small real-time operating system with support for +750 printed circuit boards for hardware for various embedded solutions
- Linux – a larger and more flexible operating system for executing the code in embedded software
We write code for embedded software in selected programming languages with different tools:
- C – a programming language for programming of operating systems, drivers, and applications
- Python – a programming language for starting drivers and monitoring applications
- MISRA C – a coding standard with rules for the use of the programming language C and focus on security and reliability in embedded systems
- Visual Studio Code – a reliable, versatile, and powerful program for writing codes
- Git integration – an efficient tool for storing different code versions
- Sphinx – an ideal and powerful tool for creating highly technical documentation of embedded software
Interfaces
Many electronic products with embedded software are important devices for data collection in IoT solutions. To collect and transmit data, the products need interfaces for communication between devices and Cloud solutions. We adapt the interface to your embedded systems and choose the best suitable connectivity with wired connection, wireless communication, or a proprietary protocol. If you want to collect a lot of data from many devices, you will probably need a gateway to transmit the wanted data to the Cloud.
The Development Process for Embedded Software
Embedded software is often very efficient, reliable, and secure, but it can also be complex to develop, test, and maintain. For these reasons we develop embedded software solutions structurally in three layers:
- Bottom layer – a layer with various drivers and close to the hardware – Hardware Abstraction Layer HAL
- Middle layer – a layer with software modules for data reception from HAL, decoding, and data transmission
- Top layer – a layer for data processing
For your electronic products, we develop embedded software solutions as modularly as possible to make it easier to update the software.
To ensure a high quality we develop your embedded software solutions based on the structured V-model consisting of two sides:
- Left side – requirements specifications for and development of embedded software
- Right side – test of various development phases from the left side such as system, architecture, modules, and codes
FAQ about Embedded Software
What are Embedded Systems?
Embedded Systems are complete product solutions with electronics. Embedded Systems include the entire products with Hardware, Embedded Software, wires etc.
Unlike for instance Linux, Zephyr RTOS, and similar systems, which are operating systems, Embedded Systems are whole products and product solutions with Electronics / Hardware and Software including user application.
What is Embedded Software?
Embedded Software / Embedded Firmware is software and applications constituting an integrated part inside devices, equipment, machines, products, etc. Embedded Software can be compared to BIOS – Basic Input Output System, which is the basic software to start a PC and load the operating system before starting up the computer. In the same way, Embedded Software starts the electronic unit in devices, equipment, machines, products, etc.
Embedded Software is integrated into Hardware in the specific electronic solution. In some electronic solutions, it is possible to make a continuous update of Embedded Software in the solution itself.
What are the characteristics of Embedded Software?
Compared to IT software Embedded Software is written in another programming language or another code, which can typically be C-code. Embedded Software is close to Hardware unlike ordinary IT software for computers. In electronics solutions with Embedded Software, it is possible to develop a customized product solution, where Embedded Software is adapted to Hardware in devices, equipment, machines, products, etc.
Embedded Software in electronics solutions runs often in real time and is sometimes time critical. Furthermore, Embedded Software takes up less space and requires fewer resources than traditional IT software for a PC. Besides, Embedded Software is characterized by a need for less processor power, memory, and power consumption.
What are the advantages of customized electronics solutions with Embedded Software?
Electronics solutions with Embedded Software and Hardware can require more development resources. On the other hand Hardware and Embedded Software are adapted to each other in customized electronics solutions.
When electronics solutions with Hardware and built-in Embedded Software are fully developed, it is stable product solutions that can last for many years without being updated.
With Embedded Software you avoid building a PC into electronics solutions. Product solutions with Embedded Software require fewer resources and are cheap and simple product solutions. At the same time Embedded Software takes up less physical space, and electronics solutions with Embedded Software have lower power consumption.
In which products and industries are Embedded Software and Hardware used?
Embedded Software and Hardware are used in electronics products or devices such as sensors, gateways, and similar units. Products or devices do not have a PC but instead a dedicated electronic unit to control the product. Products with an electronic unit are used both at the BtC market with consumer products and at the BtB market with industrial products.
As examples of consumer products with an electronic unit, we can mention among other things:
- Keyboards for computers
- Chargers for electric cars
- Engine controls in cars
- Remote controls for televisions
Industrial products with an electronic unit can for instance be:
- Monitoring of district heating systems
- Remote controls for pumps
- Control and regulation of industrial installations
- Gateways and data collection units
- IoT devices
And many other product solutions for many other industries with a need for an electronic unit.
If you need product development of electronic products with Embedded Software and Hardware for your company, we are always ready for a not binding meeting with you.
Selected Cases
No matter whether you are an established company, a start-up company, or a potential business partner, we guide you through the entire development process of your new electronics products with embedded software.
Start Development of Your
Embedded Systems
Do you have a need for development of embedded software for your new electronics products?
We are ready for a dialogue with you about the most optimal hardware and software platform, sensor technology, interfaces etc. for your specific product solutions with embedded systems. If you want more information about co-operation with us, you can contact us directly.
