Development of embedded systems

Competences

  • AVR and PIC 8-bit microcontroller programming in C
  • ARM 32-bit microcontrollers programming in C or Python
  • Communication via Ethernet, UART (RS-422/232, USB), I2C and SPI
  • Integration of sensors and input devices
  • Selection and procurement of electronics
  • Testing and Debugging

Approach

In the last decade the world has witnessed the smartphone revolution. The lives of billions of people around the world have been impacted and as a side effect a plethora of smart and connected devices has been invented as well, to help us in many aspects of our daily life.

This has now become a must for new products: They are required to be equipped with automation and smart functions and old systems are updated to do so, in order to maintain their market value. This happens both for simple systems (like, for example, a garden irrigation system) as well as for large and complex systems such as cars, in which new features and options are continuously added.

The same, although with less visibility to the general public, has happened in the industry: Smart devices and the internet of things are contributing to the so-called fourth industrial revolution.

At systematica the development of embedded systems is part of the core expertise. Coupled with system modeling and simulation, it is one of the most powerful development tools:
Hardware or signal simulators can be built, for example, to perform hardware-in-the-loop software tests prior to having the actual hardware to test on so, that software and hardware development can take place concurrently and thus time and money can be saved.
Off-the-shelf hardware can be used to rapidly prototype new concepts, test new subsystems and their interactions within a larger system, quickly implement even complex control systems or build concept demonstrators in the early stages of the development.
The market offers a variety of boards and microprocessor architectures to suit almost any possible application, from the simplest 8-bit systems to powerful 32-bit microcontrollers and even OS-based 64bit systems such as the popular Linux-based Raspberry Pi.

We define the development of new products according to the V model: first the specifications are defined, then a concept is created and implemented into a detailed design, and finally the system is integrated and tested.
First implementations are always based on off-the-shelf hardware such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi or Atmel development boards. They are inexpensive and readily available, have plenty of computing power for most applications and provide all the commonly required interfaces. Moreover, many sensors and actuators are available with code compatible with these hardware platforms, so that most of the effort can be focused on the programming required for the project itself. Only after testing and debugging, when the risks are reduced, we develop a customized board if this is required.

In this field we have a lot of experience and know-how, and we can therefore be quick and effective in the implementation. Embedded programming can be a lot of fun. Just contact us about any possible need and we will be happy to show you why!

Applications

  • Automation
  • Robotics
  • Signal and hardware simulators
  • Control systems implementation
  • Hardware-in-the-loop testing
  • Internet of Things (IoT) integration
  • HMI / display solutions for prototypes
  • Data logging solutions