Embedded Software Development
System software for products that have to work: Linux platforms, FreeRTOS and bare-metal firmware, drivers and application code.
Since 2009 we have written the software inside smart energy systems, medical devices, transport infrastructure and scientific instruments, at scales from one-off prototypes to fleets of hundreds of thousands.
Our work spans bare-metal control, RTOS platforms and embedded Linux.
Our BSP Approach
Our Embedded Software Expertise
Embedded Linux Systems
Our embedded Linux development expertise spans from kernel customisation to complete platform creation. Using Yocto Project methodologies, we build production-ready Linux systems tailored specifically for your hardware and application requirements.
Embedded Linux Systems
Key Capabilities:
Custom Yocto Linux distributions optimised for your target hardware
Kernel configuration and customisation for specific performance requirements
Security hardening with automotive-grade Linux security implementations
Over-the-air update systems using Mender and SWUpdate with Hawkbit
Device tree development for seamless hardware integration
Power management optimisation for battery-powered and energy-efficient systems
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
When timing is critical, our RTOS development ensures your system responds predictably and reliably. We work across multiple RTOS platforms, selecting the optimal solution for your performance and resource requirements.
Expertise Includes:
FreeRTOS implementation and customisation, including ESP32-class designs
RT-Linux for applications requiring real-time guarantees within Linux environments
Bare-metal RTOS solutions for resource-constrained systems
Task scheduling optimisation and priority management
Inter-process communication design and implementation
Real-time performance analysis and optimisation
Bare-Metal Programming
For applications requiring maximum performance and minimal overhead, our bare-metal development creates direct hardware control with no operating system overhead and complete control over system behaviour.
Core Services:
Microcontroller programming across ARM Cortex, x86, and specialised platforms
Hardware abstraction layer development for portability
Interrupt service routine design and optimisation
Memory management for resource-constrained environments
Direct hardware register manipulation and control
Assembly language optimisation where performance is critical
Driver Development
Seamless hardware integration requires expertly crafted drivers. Our device driver development creates the essential bridge between your hardware capabilities and software applications.
Driver Development Services:
Linux kernel drivers for custom hardware components
Character and block device drivers for specialised peripherals
Network device drivers for custom communication interfaces
USB and PCI drivers for standard interface compliance
SPI, I2C, and UART drivers for sensor and peripheral integration
GPIO and interrupt handling for real-time hardware interaction
Application Software
Application Development Focus:
Multi-threaded application architecture for complex system requirements
Protocol implementation for industry standards and custom communications
User interface development for embedded displays and control systems
Data processing and analytics for IoT and smart device applications
Security implementation throughout application layers
Integration with cloud services and remote management systems
Beyond system-level programming, we create the embedded applications that deliver your product’s core functionality. Our application development balances performance with maintainability, ensuring long-term system reliability.
System Optimisation
Performance matters in embedded systems. Our system optimisation services ensure your software runs efficiently within hardware constraints whilst meeting functional requirements.
Optimisation Services:
Performance profiling to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies
Memory usage optimisation for resource-constrained environments
Power consumption reduction for battery-powered applications
Boot-time optimisation for faster system start-up
Real-time performance tuning for time-critical applications
Code size reduction for systems with limited storage
Testing & Validation
Reliable embedded systems require comprehensive testing. Our testing and validation processes ensure your software performs correctly across all operating conditions.
Testing Methodologies:
Unit testing frameworks adapted for embedded environments
Hardware-in-the-loop testing for complete system validation
Stress testing under extreme operating conditions
Security vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
Compliance testing for industry standards and certifications
Automated testing integration with continuous integration systems
Industry Applications
Smart Energy Systems
Software inside smart energy products from home energy monitors to grid-connected systems: smart meter integration, EV charging and home energy management.
Medical and Healthcare Devices
Software for hospital bed monitoring and other healthcare equipment, built for the reliability and audit trails the sector demands.
Industrial Automation
Monitoring, control and optimisation software for connected industrial equipment, running in real time.
Scientific Instrumentation
With companies like Oxford Instruments, we have written control and acquisition software for electron microscopes and nano-spectrometers, where timing and precision are the product.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Software in motorway signage and railway monitoring equipment, engineered for long life in the field.
Scientific Instrumentation
With companies like Oxford Instruments, we have written control and acquisition software for electron microscopes and nano-spectrometers, where timing and precision are the product.
Development Platforms & Technologies
Hardware Platforms
ARM Cortex (A/R/M), ESP32, x86 embedded, microcontrollers, FPGA integration
Tools
Cross-compilers, debugging/tracing, simulation/emulation toolchains
Protocols
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, Zigbee, MQTT, Modbus, CAN, TCP/IP, plus custom protocols
The Rufilla Approach to Embedded Software
Quality-First Development
We follow strong coding standards, thorough testing, and clear documentation to ensure reliability and maintainability.
Knowledge Transfer Focus
We provide documentation and training so your team can confidently maintain and extend the software.
Collaborative Development
We work closely with hardware, systems, and product teams to ensure platform-level alignment and smooth integration.
Long-Term Partnership
Many clients stay with us across multiple products, benefiting from continuity and accumulated context.
Talk to us about your embedded software.
We develop embedded software that is reliable, maintainable, and built for real-world deployment. Whether enhancing an existing platform or building a new one, we’re here to help.
Speak with our embedded software engineering team