Microcontrollers & Embedded Platforms

"The right platform, implemented well, defines the success of an embedded system"

We design embedded systems using a wide range of microcontrollers and development platforms, selecting the most appropriate technology based on the specific requirements of each application. Our experience spans leading silicon vendors including Microchip, STMicroelectronics, Espressif, and WCH, covering architectures from efficient 8-bit devices through to high-performance 32-bit systems.

Rather than committing to a single ecosystem, we take a vendor-neutral approach choosing platforms based on performance, power consumption, peripheral integration, and long-term availability. This ensures each design is technically and commercially suited to the product it supports.

Platform Selection

Selecting the right microcontroller is a critical early decision. We assess:

• Processing performance and memory requirements
• Integrated peripherals (ADC, DAC, timers, communication interfaces)
• Power consumption and low-power operating modes
• Toolchains and development ecosystem maturity
• Component availability and lifecycle considerations

This allows us to define architectures that are robust, scalable, and appropriate for production.

This enables a single codebase to deliver consistent functionality across multiple platforms, while still providing responsive, native-quality interfaces.

Development & Firmware

We develop efficient, reliable firmware tailored to the selected platform using languages appropriate to the system, including C, C++, and Rust. For higher-level tools and supporting applications, we also utilise C# where appropriate.

Our development includes:

• Real-time control and embedded logic
• Peripheral configuration and optimisation
• Communication interfaces (USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wired protocols)
• Bootloaders and firmware update mechanisms

By working close to the hardware, we ensure predictable timing, efficient resource use, and stable operation.

Prototyping & Evaluation

Development boards and evaluation kits are used extensively during early stages to accelerate prototyping, validate concepts, and de-risk design decisions. This enables rapid iteration before committing to custom hardware, reducing both development time and technical risk.

From Prototype to Product

We transition designs from development platforms to production-ready hardware, ensuring that prototypes evolve into reliable, manufacturable systems. This includes schematic and PCB design, component selection, and optimisation for cost, performance, and long-term support.