What is an embedded system ?
An embedded system is one where there is a processor providing a function, but there is typically no screen or keyboard.
Examples of such a system is the broadband box you may have plugged into the socket on the wall.
Another example is the multitude of computers installed in virtually all new motor vehicles.
There are exceptions, with some devices having an in-built display and touchscreen.
Generally, an embedded system will also not have any "spinning" media such as a hard disk drive.

We offer several aspects of Software Design for embedded systems, from initial proposals to finished project.
We can design and implement the entire solution, or just part of it depending on your requirements.
The company has expertise in many areas of embedded computer software.

Bare Metal
What do we mean by "Bare Metal" ?
This is where there is a processor or microcontroller as part of the hardware which is too small to efficiently run an operating system such as Linux.
This requires that all the code running on the device is stored in permanent read only memory (ROM), this can be in the form of a flash chip, or in some cases an SD card. The code is generated from source, and optionally includes some libraries to provide common functionality.

Providing code to run on these systems can be very challenging depending on the complexity of the product and what it has been designed to do.
We can also provide bespoke hardware designed to order if required.

Embedded Linux
This is where an embedded system has a powerful processor, plenty of memory, and a linux file system, which may be on some form of disk, or more often on a memory card.
The Raspberry Pi is a good example, although this can, and often does have a screen and keyboard.
We have over 12 years of working with embedded linux and bring considerable experience to the field.
Most recently we have worked on a system with a device that intercepted a PC screen, and a touchscreen connection to provide additional content for, and control over, a casino gaming machine.

We can also write bespoke linux device drivers to order. We can write from scratch, or amend existing drivers.

Other embedded OS
Several clients have had other operating system, e.g. QNX , or USX which provide a multi-tasking OS for the device.