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RTOS Expertise: Mastering Real-Time with FreeRTOS & Zephyr OS

We leverage the power of leading Real-Time Operating Systems like Zephyr and FreeRTOS to build deterministic, reliable, and efficient embedded systems.
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We work with Industry Leaders

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silvair logo
qorvo logo
sumup logo
vaikai logo
fideltronik logo
xtrava logo
runvi logo
fused logo
Vapeix logo
silvair logo
qorvo logo
sumup logo
vaikai logo
fideltronik logo
xtrava logo
runvi logo
fused logo
Vapeix logo
silvair logo
qorvo logo
sumup logo
vaikai logo
fideltronik logo
xtrava logo
runvi logo
fused logo
Vapeix logo
silvair logo
qorvo logo
sumup logo
vaikai logo
fideltronik logo
xtrava logo
runvi logo
fused logo
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Challenges in RTOS Development

Developing applications on an RTOS involves specific challenges:

Choosing the Right RTOS

Selecting between options like Zephyr, FreeRTOS, or others based on licensing, ecosystem, hardware support, feature set (scheduling algorithms, memory management), and community support.

Resource Management

Efficiently managing shared resources (memory, peripherals, communication interfaces) to prevent conflicts, deadlocks, and priority inversions.

Memory Management

Optimizing memory usage (static vs. dynamic allocation) within the constraints of embedded devices.

Board Support Package (BSP) Integration

Adapting and configuring the RTOS for specific microcontroller hardware and peripherals.

Choosing the Right RTOS

Selecting between options like Zephyr, FreeRTOS, or others based on licensing, ecosystem, hardware support, feature set (scheduling algorithms, memory management), and community support.

Task Scheduling & Prioritization

Designing task priorities and scheduling policies to meet real-time deadlines without starving lower-priority tasks.

Concurrency & Synchronization

Handling multiple concurrent tasks safely using mechanisms like mutexes, semaphores, and message queues.

Debugging Real-Time Issues

Diagnosing complex timing-related bugs, race conditions, and deadlocks which may be difficult to reproduce.

How needCode Masters RTOS Implementation

At needCode, we possess deep expertise in leveraging RTOS capabilities for demanding embedded applications:

Expertise in Leading RTOS

We have hands-on experience with industry-standard RTOS, including:
  • Zephyr OS: Utilizing its rich feature set, extensive hardware support, strong security focus, and active open-source community. We have successfully implemented Zephyr in complex projects.
  • FreeRTOS: Leveraging its widespread adoption, small footprint, simplicity, and broad microcontroller support.
  • Other RTOS/Kernels: Adapting to project needs with experience in other real-time kernels.

Architecture Design

We design software architectures tailored for real-time performance, carefully partitioning functionality into tasks with appropriate priorities and communication mechanisms.

Driver Development & BSP

We develop and integrate custom device drivers and configure Board Support Packages to ensure seamless RTOS operation on target hardware.

Optimization for Determinism

We fine-tune RTOS configurations and application code to minimize interrupt latency and ensure tasks meet their deadlines.

Resource Optimization

We implement efficient memory management strategies and carefully manage shared resources to maximize performance and reliability.

Debugging & Profiling

We employ advanced debugging techniques and profiling tools to identify and resolve complex real-time issues.

Integration with Connectivity & Middleware

We seamlessly integrate RTOS-based applications with communication stacks (BLE, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, UWB), security modules, and application-specific middleware.

Strategic Partnership

needCode is an official business partner of Qorvo, bringing over 5 years of proven expertise and trusted service to the technology sector.
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Our RTOS Development Services

Selection and consultation on the appropriate RTOS for your project.
System architecture design for real-time applications.
RTOS configuration and porting to custom hardware (BSP development).
Application development on Zephyr OS and FreeRTOS.
Custom device driver development for RTOS environments.
Optimization of real-time performance and resource usage.
Debugging and troubleshooting of RTOS-based systems.
Integration of communication stacks and middleware within an RTOS.

Build Your Real-Time Application with Confidence

Need deterministic performance and reliable multitasking for your embedded system? Contact needCode. Our expertise in FreeRTOS, Zephyr OS, and real-time system design will provide the solid foundation your project needs.
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Why Use an RTOS with needCode?

Predictability & Reliability

Guarantee critical tasks execute on time, every time.

Efficient Multitasking

Manage complex application logic through structured task scheduling.

Modularity & Maintainability

Develop well-organized and easier-to-maintain code.

Resource Optimization

Make the most of limited embedded system resources.

Faster Time-to-Market

Leverage existing RTOS features and ecosystems instead of building scheduling and resource management from scratch.

Access to Expertise

Benefit from our deep experience in selecting, configuring, and developing for leading RTOS platforms.

Case studies

Remote Control Design

Remote Control Design SDK (BLE, ZigBee)

The primary focus of the project was on the hardware aspect, particularly the creation of a chip that supports both Bluetooth and ZigBee technologies. The key objective was to achieve BLE pairing and button testing functionality for the pilots.

Smart Home Gateway with BLE & ZigBee

Lorem ipsum for Krystian ;)
Streamlining and Enhancing Customer’s Smart Home Gateway
Customizable Remote Control Qorvo

Custom Remote Control for Smart Devices

We developed a custom SDK integrating Qorvo chips with BLE, Zigbee, and Infrared. This solution allows protocol switching and low power usage across various smart devices resulting in improvement of customer experience and market appeal.

Testimonials

“One aspect that truly sets needCode apart is its profound expertise in firmware development. Their proficiency in various programming languages, embedded systems and hardware architecture is truly impressive. When faced with difficult problems, their strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset shine through, allowing them to overcome obstacles with remarkable ease.”
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Semeh Sarhan
CEO at Xtrava
“I worked with needCode while leading the NWTN-Berlin team in 2018. A big chunk for our FW development has been outsourced to them and they had proven to iterate very quickly, following specs and deliver on time. It was great working with them. I recommend working with needCode’s team on any Embedded SW development.”
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Marco Salvioli Mariani
CTO at NWTN Berlin GmbH
“needCode Team proved to be one of the best engineers I have ever met. The part I like the most about the team is the more difficult an obstacle seems to be, the more motivated they were to find a solution and a way forward.”
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Szymon Słupnik
CTO at Silvair
“needCode is an outstanding partner. Their quick follow-up, scalability, and extensive professional network set them apart. Their expertise in wireless technologies has been valuable, supporting us from low-level drivers to architecture discussions.”
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Tim Allemeersch
Director at Qorvo, Inc.
“needCode did a great job improving the firmware of the Vai Kai connected toys and developing new features, surpassing our expectations multiple times. I would definitely recommend hiring Bartek and needCode for the embedded software projects!”
A Testimonial picture
Matas Petrikas
CEO & Co-founder
at Vai Kai UG

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Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing machines are typically equipped with IoT sensors that capture performance data. AIoT technology analyzes this sensor data, and based on vibration patterns, the AI predicts the machine's behavior and recommends actions to maintain optimal performance. This approach is highly effective for predictive maintenance, promoting safer working environments, continuous operation, longer equipment lifespan, and less downtime. Additionally, AIoT enhances quality control on production lines.

For example, Sentinel, a monitoring system used in pharmaceutical production by IMA Pharma, employs AI to evaluate sensor data along the production line. The AI detects and improves underperforming components, ensuring efficient machine operation and maintaining high standards in drug manufacturing.

Logistics & supply chain

IoT devices - from fleet vehicles and autonomous warehouse robots to scanners and beacons - generate large amounts of data in this industry. When combined with AI, this data can be leveraged for tracking, analytics, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, and more, offering greater visibility into logistics operations and enhancing vendor partnerships.

Example: Amazon employs over 750,000 autonomous mobile robots to assist warehouse staff with heavy lifting, delivery, and package handling tasks. Other examples include AI-powered IoT devices such as cameras, RFID sensors, and beacons that help monitor goods' movement and track products within warehouses and during transportation. AI algorithms can also estimate arrival times and forecast delays by analyzing traffic conditions.

Retail

IoT sensors monitor movement and customer flow within a building, while AI algorithms analyze this data to offer insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This information enhances understanding of customer behavior, helps prevent stockouts, and improves customer analytics to drive sales. Furthermore, AIoT enables retailers to deliver personalized shopping experiences by leveraging geographical data and individual shopping preferences.

For instance, IoT sensors track movement and customer flow, and AI algorithms process this information to reveal insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This ultimately leads to better customer understanding, stockout prevention, and enhanced sales analytics.

Agriculture

Recent research by Continental reveals that over 27% of surveyed farmers utilize drones for aerial land analysis. These devices capture images of crops as they are and transmit them to a dashboard for further assessment. However, AI can enhance this process even further.

For example, AIoT-powered drones can photograph crops at various growth stages, assess plant health, detect diseases, and recommend optimal harvesting strategies to maximize yield. Additionally, these drones can be employed for targeted crop treatments, irrigation monitoring and management, soil health analysis, and more.

Smart Cities

Smart cities represent another domain where AIoT applications can enhance citizens' well-being, facilitate urban infrastructure planning, and guide future city development. In addition to traffic management, IoT devices equipped with AI can monitor energy consumption patterns, forecast demand fluctuations, and dynamically optimize energy distribution. AI-powered surveillance cameras and sensors can identify suspicious activities, monitor crowd density, and alert authorities to potential security threats in real-time, improving public safety and security.

For example, an AIoT solution has been implemented in Barcelona to manage water and energy sustainably. The city has installed IoT sensors across its water supply system to gather water pressure, flow rate, and quality data. AI algorithms analyze this information to identify leaks and optimize water usage. Similarly, smart grids have been introduced to leverage AI to predict demand and distribute energy efficiently, minimizing waste and emissions. As a result, these initiatives have enabled the city to reduce water waste by 25%, increase renewable energy usage by 17%, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 19%.

Healthcare

Integrating AI and IoT in healthcare enables hospitals to deliver remote patient care more efficiently while reducing the burden on facilities. Additionally, AI can be used in clinical trials to preprocess data collected from sensors across extensive target and control groups.

For example, intelligent wearable technologies enable doctors to monitor patients remotely. In real-time, sensors collect vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. AI algorithms then analyze this data, assisting doctors in detecting issues early, developing personalized treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Smart Homes

The smart home ecosystem encompasses smart thermostats, locks, security cameras, energy management systems, heating, lighting, and entertainment systems. AI algorithms analyze data from these devices to deliver context-specific recommendations tailored to each user. This enables homeowners to use utilities more efficiently, create a personalized living space, and achieve sustainability goals.

For example, LifeSmart offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered IoT tools for smart homes, connecting new and existing intelligent appliances and allowing customers to manage them via their smartphones. Additionally, they provide an AI builder framework for deploying AI on smart devices, edge gateways, and the cloud, enabling AI algorithms to process data and user behavior autonomously.

Maintenance (Post-Release Support)

When your product is successfully launched and available on the market we provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your product remains competitive and reliable. This includes prompt resolution of any reported issues through bug fixes and updates.

We continuously enhance product features based on user feedback and market insights, optimizing performance and user experience.

Our team monitors product performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and proactively addresses potential issues. This phase aims to sustain product competitiveness, ensure customer satisfaction, and support long-term success in the market.

Commercialization (From MVP to Product

Our software team focuses on completing the full product feature range, enhancing the user interface and experience, and handling all corner cases. We prepare product software across the whole lifecycle by providing all necessary procedures, such as manufacturing support and firmware upgrade.

We also finalize the product's hardware design to ensure robustness, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

This includes rigorous testing procedures to validate product performance, reliability, and security. We manage all necessary certifications and regulatory compliance requirements to ensure the product meets industry standards and legal obligations.

By the end of this phase, your product is fully prepared for mass production and commercial deployment, with all documentation and certifications in place.

Prototyping (From POC to MVP)

Our development team focuses on implementing core product features and use cases to create a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We advance to refining the hardware design, moving from initial concepts to detailed PCB design allowing us to assemble first prototypes. Updated documentation from the Design phase ensures alignment with current project status. A basic test framework is established to conduct preliminary validation tests.

This prepares the product for real-world demonstrations to stakeholders, customers, and potential investors.

This phase is critical for validating market readiness and functionality before proceeding to full-scale production.

Design (From Idea to POC)

We meticulously select the optimal technology stack and hardware components based on your smart product idea with detailed use cases and feature requirements (Market Requirements Document / Business Requirements Document). Our team conducts thorough assessments of costs, performance metrics, power consumption, and resource requirements.

Deliverables include a comprehensive Product Requirements Document (PRD), detailed Software Architecture plans, an Initial Test Plan outlining validation strategies, Regulatory Compliance Analysis to ensure adherence to relevant standards, and a Proof of Concept (POC) prototype implemented on breakout boards.

This phase aims to validate the technical feasibility of your concept and establish a solid foundation for further development.

If you lack a validated idea and MRD/BRD, consider utilizing our IoT Strategic Roadmap service to gain insights into target markets, user needs, and desired functionality. Having a structured plan in the form of an IoT Strategic Roadmap before development begins is crucial to mitigate complications in subsequent product development phases.