Firmware

Embedded software (firmware) typically constitutes 25-50% of the overall embedded design budget. Close collaboration between the Firmware and Hardware Engineers is necessary to achieve optimal results.

Firmware design considerations:

  Program Specification / Features
  HW/FW cost/size/speed tradeoffs
  Architecture High Level Design
  Real time event analysis / scheduling
  Microcontroller Selection (ARM, PIC, 8051, Renesas)
  Development tool chain availability / maturity
  Power saving modes
  ROM /RAM / FLASH options
  Documentation !

Tools

Linux

Tiny OS

VxWorks

Palm OS

Windows CE

C++

pSoS