Firmware and Software Solutions
At DSL, we offer a complete solution for electronic design services including firmware and software.
Any solution requiring a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) also needs firmware to function properly. Our engineers work together closely to ensure hardware and firmware work well together, producing solutions that meet and often exceed our customers’ expectations.
When it comes to software development, we follow a proven network model. For projects requiring software skills we don’t have in-house, we partner with selected software houses. We oversee these collaborations closely, making the process smooth for our clients. This way, they get the benefit of a unified team’s expertise, no matter how complex their needs.
Overall, we’re committed to an integrated approach to electronic design, making sure every component, from hardware and firmware to software, works together flawlessly and is of the highest quality. Our experience has taught us that this approach works well.
Firmware and Software Development Process
Our firmware and software development process is closely linked with our overall electronic design strategy, placing a strong focus on thoroughly understanding the project’s requirements from the start. This critical initial step is performed alongside the electronic design aspects of each project, ensuring all development phases are well integrated and aligned to work together smoothly.
The process begins with a detailed scoping exercise, key to capturing the project’s specific needs and ensuring that all components—hardware, firmware, and software—are designed to function as a unified whole. Depending on the specific needs of the project, we may handle the software development in-house, or partner with a specialist software house.
For firmware, we start writing as soon as we have a prototype Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This strategy allows us to develop firmware that is specifically tailored to the hardware, ensuring an ideal fit. Once we’re satisfied with the firmware version, we move on to rigorous internal testing against the project specifications to ensure every element meets our quality standards and expectations.
After successful internal testing, we transition to client testing. We provide our clients with the hardware, firmware, and software, allowing them to perform their tests. This step is crucial for confirming that the integrated solution works flawlessly in its intended environment.
At DSL, we have worked tirelessly to ensure our process produces the very best results for our clients.
DSL are Experts in Electronic and PCB Design
Embedded Firmware Development
At DSL, our proficient team of embedded hardware and software engineers excels in making the integration of non-standard functionalities appear effortless. With the expertise to develop embedded drivers, we seamlessly bridge the intricate gap between hardware components and embedded operating systems.
The distinction between what has traditionally been identified as ‘software’ and what is now increasingly recognized as ‘firmware’—especially in the context of ARM® microcontrollers—has blurred. This shift underscores the critical nature of firmware in today’s technological landscape.
To stay at the forefront of this evolution, DSL commits to continuous investment in the latest development tools and ongoing training for our team. This commitment ensures that our coding practices are not only time-efficient but also optimise run-time performance, guaranteeing that our solutions are both advanced and efficient.
Embedded Operating Systems
Embedded operating systems serve as the backbone for embedded computer systems, designed with a focus on compactness, efficient resource utilization, and reliability. These operating systems forego many of the functionalities found in standard desktop operating systems, which are often unnecessary for the specialised applications they support.
At DSL, our engineering team is adept at crafting solutions that leverage the most suitable embedded operating system to meet our customers’ specific requirements. While we have a broad capability in various systems, we often favour Microsoft as the embedded operating system of choice. This preference is rooted in its reliability and the extensive support it offers for a wide range of applications, ensuring that our solutions are both robust and versatile.
Application Software Development
DSL prides itself on offering a comprehensive, turn-key solution in application software development. Whether completing projects in-house or leveraging the specialized skills of our carefully selected software house partners, we manage the entire process with the diligence and cohesion of our internal team.
This integrated approach to developing hardware, firmware, and software in parallel is a cornerstone of our strategy. It fosters an environment where knowledge is freely shared across disciplines, enabling us to swiftly adapt to the unique requirements and challenges of each project.
This collaborative, cross-functional synergy not only accelerates the development process but also enhances the quality of the end product, resulting in significant time and cost savings for our clients. Our commitment to this holistic approach ensures that the final deliverables are not just solutions but are tailor-made to address the specific needs and exceed the expectations of those we serve.