Embedded Systems Consulting

Introduction To Embedded System Consulting

Embedded systems consist of both hardware and software programmed to perform a particular function. These systems can either be changed by simple programming or designed only for a specific operation. An embedded system could be found in industrial machines, consumer electronics, agricultural and processing sector devices, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras, digital watches, household appliances, vending machines, and toys, as well as mobile devices.

Embedded systems are specifically designed to streamline the functionality of large integrated circuits. Embedded Systems Consulting work toward providing customers with an integrated system equipped with microcontrollers and digital signals process (DSP). The complexity of these embedded systems varies greatly depending on the job for which it was created; From a single microcontroller to an array of processors with associated hardware and networks, and from no user interface to complicated graphical user interfaces.

When it comes to the provision of high-quality embedded systems, Blue Sparq ensures their customers the most reliable embedded systems consultation. Aimed at performing a dedicated function, embedded systems are designed by Blue Sparq’s qualified and highly-skilled engineers through their embedded systems consulting.

To get to grips with Embedded System Consulting, one has to understand embedded systems in detail first.

Structure of Embedded Systems

Generally, embedded systems are rather complex. On the front end, there is a user interface. It is what users can see when interacting with the embedded system. On the backend, there are complex structures. But it can be simplified into three main components:

Hardware: Microprocessors and microcontrollers make the very basis of the embedded system’s hardware parts. Microprocessors are usually the central processing units (CPU) connected with other computing elements. These parts include memory chips or DSPs (digital signal processors). On the other hand, microcontrollers are very much like microprocessors. Instead, in microcontrollers, all the commuting parts are built into a single chip.

Software: It is a specialized tool that ensures the smooth running of an embedded system. The complexity of software hugely varies for applications. Usually, in embedded IoT systems, the software used is rather simple and requires little memory. The C programming language is commonly used for embedded systems.

Operating System (OS): Also known as a real-time operating system (RTOS) allows you to develop an optimum solution for your project's unique guidelines. By controlling the software and establishing rules during program execution, real-time operating systems dictate how the system functions. When you use an RTOS, you can perform numerous jobs at the same time, bringing in basic connection, privacy, security, and other features as and when needed. These are usually not included in smaller systems.

Examples of Embedded Systems

Most commonly used embedded systems encompass the following industries. These applications will be detailed further later in the article.

• Central heating systems
• Engine management systems in vehicles
• Domestic appliances such as dishwashers, TVs, and digital phones
• GPS systems
• Process control equipment
• Vending and Dispensing Machines
• Commercial Kitchen Equipment
• Smart Appliances
• Industrial and Scientific Machines

When Do You Need Embedded Systems Consultants?

Above mentioned industries generally employ embedded systems in their products or processes. But its utility is not limited to these fields only. Hence whoever intends to or uses embedded systems will need embedded systems consulting when:

• They need help in the development of a product employing embedded systems.
• They require assessment of staff or technology.
• When intellectual property expert witness service is required.

Blue Sparq - The Embedded Systems Consulting You Need!

At Blue Sparq, Inc. we specialize in designing user interfaces with electronics for industrial control that connect to the internet and are made to order. Our designed devices have IoT capacities and can be inspected and managed remotely via a dashboard from any mobile device or web browser.

The design and manufacturing services provided by Blue Sparq are compliant with ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 standards. Circuit boards are made in-house, from initial designs to mass manufacturing, employing state-of-the-art electronics assembly equipment and well-trained employees. Customers who require a complete product solution are supplied with customized and complete product assembly and storage.

Getting a Consultation at Blue Sparq

The highly competent employees of Blue Sparq work in a well-managed systematic mechanism to facilitate their customers to fulfill their requirements. Whatever the complexity that the project of customer demands, Blue Sparq, through their embedded systems consulting service carefully examines each and every specification and designs the embedded system accordingly.

To demonstrate how embedded system consulting is carried out at Blue Sparq, here is a summary of the customer service process:

Introduction With the Customer

This is the first step of the embedded systems consulting in which the customer reaches out to us. Upon greeting them, the customer is asked about what kind of project they are working on and what is the product for which they require an integrated embedded system.

The customer then provides us with the details about their requirements and specifications which we carefully listen to. After listening attentively to the customer requirements, we start our work right away.

Task Distribution

In this step, an important task of distribution of project requirements is carried out. Not only does this step define the responsibilities of the teams but it also streamlines the pace of the working process. Blue Sparq’s embedded systems consulting service manages the whole process of working by distributing the tasks in this pattern:

1. Industrial and Mechanical Design: The industrial designer will fulfill the task requirements by researching and selecting the mechanical parts needed to proceed with the project. Secondly, the customer specifications are developed into a couple of prototypes or drawings. These samples are then sent to the customer for approval.
   
   Fig: Examples of Initial Drawings
2. Schematic Capture and Circuit Board Design: Once the customer approves the initial design, the requirements of the new control circuit board are taken into consideration. The working team moves to the design of the control circuit board and the schematic. Finally, the circuit layout is produced.
   
   Fig: Example of a Circuit Board Layout
3. Embedded Software Design: The embedded system engineering team understands the operation and designs. Then they thoroughly examine the project requirements and operations to work on the integrated system.

• Prototype Assembly and Software Development

After the PCB material arrives, the assembly team tirelessly works to assemble the prototype circuit boards in no time. As soon as the prototype gets ready, it is passed on to the software team which will then start developing firmware.

• Final Product

While the firmware development is going on, our qualified mechanical engineers closely work with suppliers to ensure smooth manufacturing of the product’s hardware. The design team will finish the design and deliver the drawings to the supplier to produce the product's hardware once the supplier and the team have determined the best manufacturing strategy to follow.

Example of Team Planning and Strategizing With Suppliers

When all of the parts are finished, they are sent to Blue Sparq for assembly. The software team will be able to compare the electrical and mechanical hardware to ensure that the system satisfies all of the customer's needs.

Finally, after applying the finishing touches, Blue Sparq, through its embedded systems consulting, fulfills the customer requirements and provides its clients with an exceptional embedded system.

Embedded System Consultation by Blue Sparq

The process of embedded consulting services can be of different types based on the kind of solution required. Let’s take a look at the types of embedded system consultation Blue Sparq provides to its clients:

• Software and GUI Development: Blue Sparq's skilled software and hardware development teams collaborate intently in order to produce efficient IoT-linked machine control systems. Their services include frontend software development, backend software development, embedded firmware development, mobile applications and payment systems.
• Hardware Development: A team of professional computer and electrical engineers will use cutting-edge technology to build cost-effective control electronics for your product. Our technology includes IoT hardware design, motor driver/controller, and lithium battery powered devices.
• Capacitive Touch: We provide a professional framework for designing custom capacitive touch keypads and uniform LED backlighting designs. Our capacitive touch technology has been in development for over 12 years, and companies such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and McDonald’s rely on our capacitive touch keypads for their beverage distribution equipment.
• UI/UX Design: Our talented UI/UX designers work using Adobe XD, Sketch, and Zeplin, among other design programs. These tools let you see and engage with the UI as it's being built, ensuring that your design objective is followed. We take a user-centered approach and undertake UX research to establish a balance between your company goals and the needs of your users. We conduct research, prototype, and test to create a stunning user interface that serves as a perfect link between the brain and the machine.
• Mechanical Design: Our Mechanical and Industrial engineers will help you every step of the way, from initial industrial design concepts through 3D printed working prototypes and eventually injection molded production parts. We use Solidworks and Altium designer as our designer tools. Our manufacturing equipment is state of the art which includes Lasers, 3D printers, CNC Mill, Sheet metal tools.
• Manufacturing: By strictly following ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 quality system standards and supply chain management, Blue Sparq ensures the provision of complete PCB assembly and box-build services. Our manufacturing and box-build services are employed in various industries including food and beverages, medical, payments systems, Interactive machinery, wireless communications, and automation services.

Our Loyal Clients

BLUE SPARQ's unique design, engineering, and manufacturing services are used by companies all around the world. Some of our customers include:

• Pepsi
• Xerox
• Philips
• MAGTEK
• Applied Medical
• StarLeaf
• N5 Sensors, Inc.
• Dreamworks Animation and many more

Applications of Embedded Systems

As we know, an embedded system is a software-based electronic system that is installed in computer hardware. Depending on the application, it might be programmable or non-programmable. Following are some of the most useful applications of embedded systems:

• Telecommunication and Automobile: In these disciplines, embedded systems are used in:
  • Motor and cruise control system
  • Body or Engine safety
  • Entertainment and multimedia in car
  • E-Com and Mobile access
  • Robotics in assembly line
  • Wireless communication
  • Mobile computing and networking
• Satellites, Smart Cards, and Missiles: Embedded systems, in these products are used to manage:
  • Security systems
  • Telephone and banking
  • Defense and aerospace
  • Communication
• Peripherals and Computer Banking: In peripherals and computer banking software, embedded systems are employed for:
  • Displays and Monitors
  • Networking Systems
  • Image Processing
  • Network cards and printers
• Consumer Electronics: Consumer electronics make use of embedded systems in abundance for the purpose of:
  • Digital Cameras
  • Set-top Boxes
  • High-Definition TVs
  • DVDs

Why Choose Blue Sparq, Inc. for Future Projects?

There are quite a few embedded system consultants but one should always choose the best in service. Blue Sparq, Inc. should be your first choice due to following reasons:

• We offer fast prototyping, electronics, software design, and manufacturing services by highly experienced engineers.
• We provide customers with top-quality services because they conform with ISO regulations and have UL and Intertek Approved Facilities.
• We deliver high-quality product development services that are highly reliable. They provide all these services in the quickest time possible and help you make one of the pioneers in the market.
• Unlike other consulting services, Blue Sparq connects you directly with the design engineer instead of the front desk or any salesperson. This saves customers time and hassle and makes their time with us more convenient.
• To create your bespoke control electronics, Blue Sparq uses thousands of existing, tested, and proven circuits and schematics. This is one of the primary reasons they are able to make your project extremely cost-effective.
• The products developed are of American standards because high-quality materials and cutting-edge manufacturing procedures are employed to create the best, longest-lasting items possible.