Embedded Programming

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ITDev is expert at developing embedded software and firmware for a range of operating systems, microprocessors and microcontrollers.

We are frequently contracted to implement complex algorithms on embedded targets with strict criteria for performance and timing.

Limited System Resources

Embedded systems are often characterised by limited memory and CPU performance, and may have a requirement for low power consumption. We use various techniques to develop high quality code efficiently in these situations, including:

  • Identifying and removing bottlenecks with performance analysis and tracing tools.
  • Using low-level languages such as C or assembler for greater control over resource usage.
  • Developing unit tests to quickly verify software modules on higher performance machines.
  • Tuning code for low memory usage and looking for memory leaks using tools such as Valgrind.
  • Preventing memory leakage by using static allocation if necessary (for example in a safety critical application).

Time-Critical Systems

We use timing diagrams and state-transition diagrams to document the timing requirements for applications where precise timing is essential. We can recommend an operating system or microkernel for the project based on this analysis. For real-time applications this might be a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS). We can architect the system, and develop the software code and the related test harnesses to achieve the required timings and performance.

Typical Platforms

  • ARM, MIPS, Motorola, ST, TI, Microchip...
  • Arduino
  • Xilinx MicroBlaze (Softcore Processor)
  • Xilinx and Altera FPGA (see Electronics Overview)

Typical Operating Systems

  • Embedded Linux
  • Android
  • FreeRTOS
  • μC/OS

Latest Blog Posts

Balancing the benefits of contractors vs consultants
Posted 19th November 2024, By Jon O
Recently I was in discussion with a potential client about the challenges he was having with resourcing one of his projects. His automatic assumption was to ...more
Laurence at his desk in the office
Posted 29th August 2024, By Jon O
At ITDev, we are passionate about the work we do and the impact it has. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming a bright year 10 pupil, Laurence, for a 7 ...more
Joseph UKESF profile
Posted 5th August 2024, By Joseph S
We sponsored Joseph as a UKESF student, offering him a 1 year work placement. This is his report on the experience and what you can expect on a placement with ...more
VPK120 development board pictured wearing ear defenders with silent smiley on the fan
Posted 13th June 2023, By Aysa D
This blog contains the final steps for adding the minimal IP to send the necessary SYSMON data to the System Controller for controlling the fan on the AMD ...more

Latest News

IABM logo
Posted 30th August 2024
ITDev are pleased to announce becoming a silver member of the IABM. With a long-standing knowledge of creating custom solutions for the ...more
Posted 12th September 2023
ITDev is proud to announce the launch of a new FPGA video IP core. The core allows integrators to quickly and easily add high-quality colour space conversion ...more
Shot of Sydney Harbour Bridge
Posted 3rd March 2023
We welcome David back from Australia and review some of the actvities we've been engaged with in February 2023.
Posted 9th August 2022
Last month we attended the second TechNES FPGA Frontrunners event, here's our write up from the day ...