Experience Embedded

Professional Training, Consulting and Project Support

Expertise and Experience in the Development of Embedded Systems and Industrial Software

Our Strong Point:

Our support is not limited to finding solutions for tricky project tasks. Our training and coaching experience enables us to explain complex coherences in an intelligible way and thus create a basis for you to master these challenges yourself in future.

Our Expertise and Experience:

EDA, microcontrollers, microprocessors, bus systems (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, USB), driver development, application development (embedded systems, Windows, RTOS, Unix, Linux, embedded Linux), operating systems (RTOS, Windows, Unix, Linux, embedded Linux), Internet of Things (IoT), networks (LAN, WAN, TCP, UDP, IPv4, IPv6, VoIP, NGN, IMS, WLAN, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN), security, safety, object-oriented development (OOA, OOD, OOP), model-based development (UML, MDA, MDD, SysML, MBSE), embedded software architectures, inspection, test, formal verification, software development process, agile methods, Scrum, embedded software engineering, development processes, requirements engineering and requirements management, project management, product management, leadership, soft skills, software law/ IT law.

Our Expertise and Services - Overview:


Selection and Use of Tools, Methods and Processes

Tools are always great - on paper. But we all know that they have both strong points and shortcomings - most of which become apparent when things come to a head. We are familiar with a wide variety of tools and their users and applications in the embedded industry. We have moreover established excellent contact with tool manufacturers, which gives us access to invaluable information. Sometimes, it is just the famous right tick set in the right checkbox - where you would never think it works - that saves you hours or even days of work.

Tool Types:

Assemblers, CASE tools (UML, SysML), compilers (C, C++, embedded C++, Java, embedded Java, C#, .NET, WPF), graphic modeling (UML, SysML), graphic programming (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Simulink), debuggers, EDA, emulators, trace analyzer, measuring, signal generation, testing

Tool Suppliers:

Agilent, Arm, EASYCODE, GNU, Hitex, IAR, IBM, iSYSTEM, Keil, Lauterbach, The MathWorks, Mentor Graphics (Verilog, VHDL), Microsoft, MID, National Instruments, Percepio, PLS, PTC (Atego), SPARX Systems, Synopsys (Verilog, VHDL)

Methods:

OOA, OOD, OOP, MDA, MDD, MBSE, SA, SA/RT, SD

Processes:

V-Model, V-Model XT, COMET, COPES, HARMONY (ROPES), RUP, USDP, agile development

Process Models:

Scrum, Kanban, ScrumBedded, test-driven development, extreme programming

MicroConsult Training & Coaching:

Overview


Hardware-near Programming of Microcontrollers and Microprocessors

The complexity of modern processors raises many questions, and often the devil is in the detail. What are the prerequisites for initializing cores, interrupt controllers, peripherals, debug functions, cache, MPU, MMU, embedded emulation devices etc.? How do you get a grip on the unmanageable amount of registers, configuration bits or coupled functions with the available tools? What should be considered when porting existing software?

The complexity of new multicore microcontrollers is huge as well. Can existing singlecore software be ported? What are the challenges embedded developers are going to face in this process?

Microcontrollers, Microprocessors, DSP:

Infineon microcontrollers:

TriCore family:
AURIX: TC21xL, TC22xL, TC23xL, TC26xD, TC27xT, TC29xT
AUDO:
TC1798/TC1793/TC1791/TC1784/TC1782/TC1728/TC1724 (AUDO MAX)
TC1797/TC1767/TC1736 (AUDO Future)
TC1796/TC1766/TC1762 (AUDO Next Generation)

32-bit industrial microcontrollers based on Arm® Cortex™:
XMC1000, XMC4000

16-bit microcontrollers:
XC2700 family (powertrain)
XC2300 family (safety)
XC2200 family (body)
XE166 family
C166 family

8-bit microcontrollers:
XC800-I family (industrial & multimarket)
XC800-A family (automotive)

NXP (Freescale)/ST Microelectronics PowerArchitecture® microcontrollers:
SPC560/SPC570/SPC580 /MPC56xx family

Kinetis Arm® Cortex™ microcontrollers

MX application processors:
i.MX35, i.MX53, i.MX6

Atmel:
AT91SAM7, AT91SAM9, AT91SAM11 Smart Arm® based microcontrollers
AVR32 32-bit MCU/DSP AT32AP7000
SAM4S

NXP:
LPC21xx Arm7 based 32-bit microcontroller family
LPC22xx Arm7 based 32-bit microcontroller family
LPC23xx Arm7 based 32-bit microcontroller family
LPC24xx Arm7 based 32-bit microcontroller family
LPC28xx Arm7 based 32-bit microcontroller family
LPC29xx Arm9 based 32-bit microcontroller family
LPC31xx Arm9 based 32-bit microcontroller family
LPC32xx Arm9 based 32-bit microcontroller family
LH7A400 Arm9 based 32-bit microcontroller family

NXP (formerly Freescale):
MAC7100 Arm7 based microcontroller family
i.MX21 Arm926EJ-S based multimedia applications processor
i.MX31, iMX35 Arm1136JF-S based multimedia applications processor
i.MX37, Arm1176JZF-S based applications processor
i.MX515 Cortex™-A8 based multimedia applications processor

STMicroelectronics:
STR710, STR730, STR750 Arm7 based 32-bit microcontroller family
STR910FA Arm9 based 32-bit microcontroller family
STM32F10x/ STM32F20x Cortex™-M3 based 32-bit microcontroller family
STM32F40x/ STM32F20x Cortex™-M4 based 32-bit microcontroller family

Texas Instruments:
TMS470 Arm7TDMI® based microcontrollers

Intel:
XScale® processor

Toshiba:
TMPM3xx Cortex™-M3 based 32-bit microcontroller family
TMPA9xx Arm926EJ-S based 32-bit microcontroller family

Manufacturers:

Arm, Atmel, Infineon, Intel, NXP (Freescale), Renesas, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, STMicroelectronics

Tools:

Debuggers, in-circuit emulators, assemblers, compilers, logic analyzers, simulation

Tool Suppliers:

Agilent, Altium (Tasking), Arm, Atmel, Atollic, GNU, HighTec, Hitex, hse, IAR, IBM, Infineon, iSYSTEM, Keil, Lauterbach, The MathWorks, Mentor Graphics (Verilog, VHDL), Microsoft, National Instruments, PLS, PTC (Atego), Synopsys (Verilog, VHDL)

MicroConsult Training & Coaching:

Overview


Selection and Use of Operating Systems and RTOS

Which operating system meets my requirements best, and how do I use it properly and most efficiently? The market offers a variety of operating systems, and decision criteria are manifold - some of them mutually exclusive. Operating system selection is not required daily, but it has long term consequences. There are many ways of utilizing the functionality of an operating system or adapting this functionality to a hardware platform. We are familiar with many operating systems and their use in many different applications, and we will be happy to bring our experience to your projects.

Operating Systems and RTOS:

Linux, Unix, embedded Linux, Windows CE, Windows NT, Windows XP, Vx-Works, EUROS, RTX, ARTX, OSE, FreeRTOS , RL-ARM, CMSIS-RTOS, ThreadX

Operating System and Tool Suppliers:

Arm, ENEA, EUROS, Express Logic, Keil, Microsoft, Percepio, Red Hat, Wind River

MicroConsult Training & Coaching:

Overview


Application and Script Programming

There are many ways of implementing software, and often enough, you are spoilt for choice. We can help you make the right decision. Based on many years of training and coaching experience, we know programming languages and tools back to front, and we also know the pros and cons related to their application. There are many tricks and dodges that can make your life easier - but there are also traps and snares to get caught in. We will do our best to help you avoid them.

Tools:

Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, Doxygen, NDoc, CVS, Brackets

Languages:

C, C++, Java, embedded Java, embedded C, embedded C++, C#, WPF, Visual Basic, Perl, Tcl/Tk, Python, HTML, HTML5, JavaScript

Tool Suppliers:

Borland, GNU, IBM, Microsoft, PTC (Atego), SUN; freeware

Methods:

Aspect oriented programming, design patterns, design principles UML

MicroConsult Training & Coaching:

Overview


Inspection and Test

Higher system complexity results in the requirement for more extensive inspection and testing. Success relies on suitable test strategies, test methods and test automation using the right tools. A view from the outside can evoke the decisive impulse when your project gets stuck.

Tools:

Debuggers, tracers, emulators, signal generators, measurement systems, static analysis tools, test automation systems

Tool Suppliers:

Hitex, IPL, Lauterbach, National Instruments, Parasoft, Percepio, PLS

Methods:

Static verification, classification tree method, equivalent classes, limit analysis, review, Fagan inspection, walk-through

MicroConsult Training & Coaching:

Overview


Analysis and Design for Systems and Software, Re-engineering

These processes carry substantial risk and, at the same time, the highest potential in projects. The design of sustainable architecture models, re-engineering of existing software systems, porting of existing code and its integration in new software architectures are the main switch points in projects.

Tools:

Artisan Studio, Doxygen, Enterprise Architect, Rational Rose, Rhapsody

Tool Suppliers:

IBM, LieberLieber, Microsoft, PTC (Atego), SPARX Systems; freeware

Methods:

Code analysis, OOA, OOD, MDA, MDD, modeling, re-engineering, reverse engineering, refactoring, state machines

MicroConsult Training & Coaching:

Overview

 


 

Introduction and Optimization of Development Processes,
from Requirements to the Finished Product

No matter which project stage is affected by a problem, we know the suitable tools, methods and process models to help you on - for system, hardware and software development: requirements analysis, analysis, design, implementation, module/unit test, integration, integration test, system test (verification, validation, test), documentation management, change and configuration management, project management, tool and environment management.

Tools:

Artisan Studio, CVS, DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Requisite Pro, Rhapsody

Tool Suppliers:

IBM, PTC (Atego), SPARX Systems; freeware

Process Elements:

Phases, milestones, core workflows, supporting workflows, activities, artifacts, roles, process documentation

Processes:

V-Model, V-Model XT, COMET, COPES, HARMONY (ROPES), RUP, USDP, agile development

Process Models:

Scrum, Kanban, ScrumBedded, test-driven development, extreme programming

MicroConsult Training & Coaching:

Overview


Leadership Quality

Leadership quality is a key factor of success when striving to achieve challenging objectives with motivated, loyal and responsible employees. The high-tech industry makes high demands on managers: speedy decisions, continuous change, pressure on time, cost and performance as well as the related crises and conflicts. Consequently, managers are required to develop high leadership quality. In a dynamic project environment, they are often confronted with many different stakeholders and a wide range of conflict-ridden situations. At the same time, many of them don't have disciplinary authority and therefore have to rely on elaborate leadership and communication skills.

The challenges are manifold: formulating objectives, initiate and define projects, analyze, motivate, moderate, delegate, negotiate, resolve conflict and crises. Each of these challenges is demanding. Those who want to succeed should not only get familiar with and practice the related techniques at an early stage but also reflect on and refine their own leadership and communication behavior. Our seminars and coachings provide both inexperienced and experienced project managers with invaluable insights, new experience and information on the related techniques.

MicroConsult Training & Coaching:

Overview