Embedded System Design
Bringing electronics to life within the constraints of embedded processors
At the heart of many electronic product is embedded system design, which brings together hardware and software engineers to enable the device to do its job.
From smartphones and fitness watches to washing machines and car engine management systems, the firmware must be coded and programmed into the embedded microprocessor to bring the electronics to life.
As embedded processors typically have reduced processing power and memory, the system needs to be designed to make efficient use of the resources available. This often means writing custom code from scratch, rather than relying on an existing operating system.
Key to success is detailed knowledge of the capabilities of different microprocessors to make the right choice for the target application – along with the ability to design bespoke radio communications, if required.
Real-world challenges
Key skills
- Embedded software design
Our software engineers have a detailed understanding of embedded processors.
- Electronics design
Embedded systems often need to be combined with sensors and peripherals offering low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C). We have a track record of designing custom electronics to meet these requirements.
- Radio Frequency (RF) design
We have a long history in RF and microwave design, as well as millimetre-wave (mmWave) capabilities. We have experience in combining embedded systems with standards-based radio (e.g. Bluetooth and cellular) and have designed proprietary radio protocols to meet challenging systems requirements.
- Antenna design
Our antenna experts can advise on selecting the right off-the shelf antenna or design a custom antenna using simulation software. This might be an external antenna or a low-cost printed antenna located on the embedded circuit PCB.
- Algorithm development and Machine Learning (ML)
We are experts in developing detection algorithms using analysis of measured data. We are also able to apply ML to the decision-making process.
- Approvals testing
Our experts can advise on the required certification required to place a product onto the UK or overseas markets. We can organise and supervise the approvals testing process.
- Back-end server design
We have developed secure Internet of Things (IoT) servers in both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
In additional to embedded firmware, Plextek has in-house experience in electronics, mechanical design, approvals testing and manufacturing. This means we can undertake as much – or as little – of the design the client requires, filling in gaps in the client’s capability. Often, the required functionality cannot be provided by an off-the shelf module. This is where Plextek is able to design custom electronics and firmware to tailor an optimal solution.
Richard Emmerson
Lead Consultant
What sets us apart when it comes to embedded system design?
The Plextek team has a track record of delivering complex technology solutions covering a broad range of embedded applications, including:
- Industrial process monitoring and predictive maintenance
- Vehicle tracking and driver behaviour monitoring
- Infrastructure monitoring
- Smart Radiator valves
- Wearable GPS-denied navigation
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Smart cities – e.g. parking sensors, street lighting, waste bin sensors
Contact Us
Armour Integrity Monitoring System (AIMS)
Innovating a new Armour Integrity Monitoring System (AIMS) for the UK MoD, delivering a low SWaP-C solution that dramatically streamlines logistics and enhances protection through in-field armour integrity checks.
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Energenie Smart Home Controller
Redesigning the Energenie Smart Home Controller interface to introduce low-power radio technology, enhancing device functionality for centralised home heating control, and launching nationwide.
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Developing Automated Manufacturing Systems
Delivering a pioneering predictive maintenance solution for a global healthcare product company, utilising miniature battery-powered sensor systems to optimise automated production lines and significantly reduce costly downtimes.
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Surveillance Radar for Comprehensive Threat Detection
Advancing a perimeter surveillance solution with long-range detection and low false-alarm rates, using state-of-the-art Passive Electronically Scanned Array technology for robust and maintenance-free operation in a range of demanding environments.
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Ax1 – Revolutionising Car Infotainment
Developing the Clarion AX1, a revolutionary car infotainment system that uses Android OS to offer enhanced connectivity, streaming, and a touchscreen interface, redefining the in-car experience.
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Telehealth Innovation – Connecting Patients to their Carers
Revolutionising telehealth with the MonitorMe phone, seamlessly connecting patients to healthcare providers for vital signs monitoring.
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Cost-Effective Technology Development
Delivering reliable and affordable medical diagnostics through innovative, cost-effective technology development for early fertility screening.
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Vehicle Asset Management System
Designing a vehicle asset management system with custom-designed, multi-band cell and GPS antenna architecture, tightly integrated onto a PCB to meet stringent performance standards for the automotive insurance market.
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Marine Tracker
The team designed an advanced military-grade hybrid TETRA GPS smart tracker for ATLAS Telecom’s E-Passport programme, enhancing coastal security through cutting-edge surveillance and autonomous threat notification.
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Sensor Monitoring of Manhole Infrastructures
We designed and deployed an advanced sensor array system to monitor and mitigate risks in manhole infrastructures, enhancing urban safety and maintenance efficiency.
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Project Cubert
Transforming the initial concept of Cubert into a high-volume, market-ready product, combining touch-dimmable LED lighting with device charging capabilities for a major commercial rollout.
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Related Technical Papers
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Non-Invasive Auditory Sensing with Affordable Headphones
This paper presents a sensor for measuring auditory brainstem responses to help diagnose hearing problems away from specialist clinical settings using non-invasive electrodes and commercially available headphones. The challenge of reliably measuring low level electronic signals in the presence of significant noise is addressed via a precision analog processing circuit which includes a novel impedance measurement approach to verify good electrode contact. Results are presented showing that the new sensor was able to reliably sense auditory brainstem responses using noninvasive electrodes, even at lower stimuli levels.
An Introduction to Yocto
Yocto is a comprehensive project designed to address the complexity of building custom Linux distributions for embedded systems. Unlike conventional Linux distributions (distros) created for standard PC architectures, Yocto caters to the diverse and often incompatible hardware in the embedded world. By providing a sophisticated build system based on layered scripts called "recipes," Yocto streamlines the process of creating, maintaining, and updating embedded distros. Each package within a distro has its own recipe, maintained by the package developers, ensuring that updates and customizations are manageable and consistent. This structure allows developers to define precise sets of packages for their embedded systems, facilitates updates through package managers, and supports a wide range of hardware platforms. With support from major chip and board manufacturers, Yocto is becoming the go-to toolset for embedded Linux development, offering unparalleled flexibility and control for developers aiming to create finely tuned, market-ready products.