Berenike & Bion embedded engineering involves the design and development of hardware and software systems that operate within devices or larger systems to perform specific tasks. Here’s an overview of design and development services we offer in embedded engineering:
Design & Development
1. System Design
- Architectural Design:
Define the hardware and software architecture.
Determine key components like microcontrollers (MCUs), sensors, and actuators.
- Hardware-Software Partitioning:
Decide which functions are implemented in hardware vs. software.
- Prototyping:
Use simulation tools or breadboards to validate the design early.
Communication Interfaces:
Select protocols (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C, CAN) based on data requirements.
- Power Management:
Optimize for low power or ensure battery life sustainability for mobile devices.
2. Hardware Development
- Component Selection:
Choose MCUs, memory, and peripherals that meet the requirements.
- PCB Design:
Design and simulate circuit layouts using tools like Altium Designer, Eagle, or KiCad.
Minimize EMI/EMC issues for compliance.
- Hardware Debugging:
Use oscilloscopes, multimeters, and logic analyzers for testing.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: A COLLABORATION
one hand, while diversity and inclusion represent different phenomenon, on the other hand, both the concepts are interrelated to each other as diversity focuses on acknowledging the different type of people working in an organization based on age, gender, ethnicity, nationality etc., while inclusion stresses upon leveraging the workforce diversity for organizational growth (Jordan, 2011; Arruda, 2016). However, it has been brought to the light through research that the influence of diversity and inclusion upon organizations are collaborative and inconclusive in nature (Wright et al, 2014; Rohwerdr, 2017) as diversity alone is not
sufficient for the holistic improvement of the organization (Arruda, 2016; Young, 2018). Bourke & Dillon (2018) asserted that as per the Deloitte’s research, diversity without inclusion is not fruitful. According to Deloitte’s review, diversity and inclusion both in collaboration are effective in achieving two times more financial targets, three times higher performance, six times more innovativeness and eight times better organizational outcomes (Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP, 2017; Deloitte Development LLC, 2018). The collaboration between the two is absolutely essential for the overall organizational growth and development. As diversity is a broader concept, we work at how gender diversity and inclusion can be seen collaboratively. Infact, bringing together both the concepts together essentially leads to more promising outcomes for the organizations.
3. Firmware Development
- Programming Languages:
Typically use C, C++, or assembly for low-level hardware interaction.
- RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems):
Consider RTOS when scheduling and timing are critical.
- Driver Development:
Write drivers for peripherals (e.g., GPIO, timers, ADC/DAC).
- Middleware:
Use standardized libraries or frameworks to simplify development (e.g., FreeRTOS, CMSIS).
- Bootloaders:
Develop bootloaders for firmware updates or recovery modes.
4. Testing and Validation
- Unit Testing:
Test individual software modules.
- Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL):
Simulate real-world conditions to validate system performance.
- Functional Testing:
Ensure the system meets all functional requirements.
Stress and Boundary
- Testing:
Evaluate the system’s behavior under extreme conditions.
5. Optimization
- Code Optimization:
Reduce memory and processing overhead.
- Power Optimization:
Implement sleep modes, reduce clock speeds, and optimize peripheral usage.
- Performance Tuning:
Use tools like profilers to identify bottlenecks.
6. Deployment
- Production Testing:
Test units for defects and calibration.
- Firmware Loading:
Deploy firmware using tools or in-circuit programmers.
- Mass Production:
Ensure the design is scalable and cost-effective for manufacturing.
7. Maintenance and Updates
- Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA):
Implement secure mechanisms for firmware updates.
- Diagnostics:
Provide tools or interfaces for troubleshooting.
Tools and Technologies
- IDE and Compilers:
Keil uVision, GCC, MPLAB, IAR Embedded Workbench.
Hardware Design: Altium Designer, OrCAD, KiCad.
- Debugging:
JTAG, SWD, debuggers like ST-Link or Segger J-Link.
Simulators and Emulators: QEMU, Proteus, MATLAB/Simulink.
- Version Control: Git, SVN.
Applications of Embedded Systems
- Consumer Electronics:
Smartphones, wearables, smart TVs.
- Automotive:
Engine control units (ECUs), infotainment, ADAS.
Industrial Automation: PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics.
- Healthcare:
Medical devices like pacemakers, infusion pumps.
- IoT:
Smart home devices, sensors, and gateways.
WIRELESS
- Consumer Electronics:
Smartphones, wearables, smart TVs.
- Automotive:
Engine control units (ECUs), infotainment, ADAS.
Industrial Automation: PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics.
- Healthcare:
Medical devices like pacemakers, infusion pumps.
- IoT:
Smart home devices, sensors, and gateways.
MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS
Existence of gender diversity and inclusiveness at all levels of managerial hierarchy in organizations results in 30% better performance (Das, 2018). Currently, organizations must focus on gender diversity and inclusion as a core of their growth strategy as both help in developing vibrant, thriving, creative and innovative workplaces. Gender friendly and inclusive workplaces
can be developed by facilitating working mothers, protecting their employment, removing unconscious biasness, offering flexible working hours, fostering an inclusive and respectful working culture, fixing and achieving gender diversity goals.
UNMATCHED SOLUTIONS START HERE.
Bring us your toughest challenges and connect with our team for staffing and consulting services.