Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab vs IEEE 802.15.4z
Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab

From Chipset Selection to Certified Product — Expert Protocol Consulting for Wireless Connectivity

UWB, BLE, Zigbee, Matter — we guide semiconductor customers and product companies through protocol architecture, chipset enablement, SDK optimization, and standards compliance. Built on years of experience inside the silicon ecosystem.
needCode IoT

We work with Industry Leaders

Choosing the right chipset is easy. Making it work at the protocol level is where products fail

The wireless connectivity landscape has never been more complex. UWB, BLE, BLE Mesh, Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Wi-Fi — each protocol carries its own stack architecture, certification requirements, interoperability challenges, and silicon-specific implementation nuances. For product companies, semiconductor customers, and system integrators, the real risk is not choosing the wrong chip — it is underestimating the engineering complexity required to unlock its full potential.

#1 Protocol Complexity Is Exploding

Modern connected products rarely rely on a single protocol. A smart home device may need Matter for ecosystem interoperability, BLE for provisioning, and Zigbee for backward compatibility — all running concurrently on the same chipset. A UWB-enabled product may require UCI API implementation for Android AOSP integration, FiRa compliance for ranging, and BLE for out-of-band communication.
  • The Reality:
    Multi-protocol coexistence is no longer optional. It is the baseline expectation — and getting it wrong means devices that fail in real-world multi-vendor environments.

#2 Chipset Documentation Is Not Enough

Silicon vendors provide datasheets, reference designs, and SDKs. But turning a reference implementation into a production-ready, certified product requires deep understanding of the stack internals — layered architecture, API versioning, memory management, power optimization, and over-the-air update mechanisms. This knowledge lives in engineering experience, not in PDFs.
  • The Consequence:
    Teams that rely solely on vendor documentation spend months debugging issues that an experienced chipset engineer could resolve in days.

#3 Standards Compliance Is a Moving Target

FiRa, CSA, Bluetooth SIG, IEEE 802.15.4z — certification standards evolve with every release cycle. Engineers who designed your product six months ago may have built it against specifications that have since changed. Without active engagement with standards bodies, your product risks failing certification at the worst possible moment.
  • The Risk:
    A failed certification cycle does not just delay your launch — it forces architectural rework that can set your roadmap back by quarters.

Protocol and chipset expertise that starts where the datasheet ends

needCode is not a general-purpose consulting firm that reads the documentation alongside you. We are engineers who have spent years inside the semiconductor ecosystem — writing the stack software, contributing to the standards, and designing the APIs that product companies build on. When we consult, we bring architecture-level insight that only comes from having built the platform.

01

Deep Chipset Expertise — From Register Level to Application Layer

We are a Certified Qorvo Partner with direct access to the latest technologies, technical support, and product roadmaps. Our engineers have hands-on mastery of Qorvo's QPG6100, QPG6105, QPG6200L (Zigbee/Matter), and QM33/QM35 (UWB) chipset families — from low-level driver bring-up through SDK development to end-user application delivery.
But our chipset expertise extends beyond a single vendor. We bring years of experience across the leading connectivity silicon platforms:
  • Qorvo: UWB (QM33, QM35), Zigbee/Matter (QPG6100, QPG6105, QPG6200L), ConcurrentConnect™ multi-protocol.
  • NXP: UWB modules, Trimension platform, automotive-grade connectivity.
  • Nordic Semiconductor: nRF52/nRF53 series, BLE, Thread, Matter.
  • Silicon Labs: EFR32 series, Zigbee, Thread, multi-protocol SoCs.
  • STMicroelectronics: STM32WB series, BLE, sub-GHz
  • Texas Instruments:CC26xx series, BLE, Zigbee, Thread.
  • Espressif:ESP32 series, Wi-Fi, BLE.

02

Standards Body Experience — Not Just Compliance, But Contribution

Our engineers do not merely implement standards — they help shape them. This gives us an unmatched ability to advise on protocol architecture decisions that align with where the standards are heading, not where they were six months ago.
  • FiRa Consortium: Aligned feature development for UWB ranging and secure transactions.
  • CSA Ripple: Technical propositions to the UWB Radar committee, including adapting FMCW APIs for impulse radar.
  • Google/Android AOSP: Partnered with Google counterparts to define UCI APIs for Radar — APIs that are now part of the Android platform.
  • Omlox & Alira: Feature development aligned with industrial UWB location standards.
  • Bluetooth SIG: Co-authored official BLE Mesh protocols and delivered the world's first certified BLE Mesh stack.

03

Production-Tested, Not Theoretical

Our consulting is rooted in delivery. Every architectural recommendation we make has been validated in production across real products — 9 hardware platform bring-ups, multiple commercial SDKs, certified BLE Mesh stacks, and mobile applications published on app stores. We advise because we build.

What we deliver

Chipset Selection & Architecture Consulting

Making the right chipset decision early eliminates months of rework later. We help you evaluate connectivity silicon against your product requirements — not just the spec sheet, but the real-world engineering implications.

What we assess:

  • Protocol requirements mapping (single vs. multi-protocol, coexistence scenarios).
  • Chipset capability analysis against your feature roadmap.
  • Memory, power, and compute budget evaluation.
  • SDK maturity and developer ecosystem assessment.
  • Certification pathway analysis (FiRa, Bluetooth SIG, CSA, regional RF).
  • Supply chain and second-source viability.
  • Total cost of ownership including firmware development effort.
Deliverable:
Chipset Selection Report with architecture recommendation, risk assessment, and implementation roadmap.

Protocol Stack Architecture & Design

Translating product requirements into a layered protocol stack architecture that is modular, certifiable, and maintainable over a 5–10 year product lifecycle.

What we design:

  • Layered stack architecture (UCI APIs, MAC, PHY abstraction).
  • Multi-protocol coexistence design (e.g., Qorvo ConcurrentConnect™ for simultaneous Zigbee & Matter).
  • API versioning policies and interface contracts.
  • OTA update architecture for long-term field maintenance.
  • Security architecture (secure boot, key management, secure ranging).
Deliverable:
Technical Architecture Document with component dependency maps, API specifications, and integration guidelines.

SDK Development & Optimization

Your SDK is the face of your silicon for every developer who builds on it. We have owned public SDK solutions end-to-end — and we know what separates an SDK that accelerates adoption from one that generates support tickets.

What we deliver:

  • SDK architecture design with clean component dependencies.
  • API versioning and release process standardization.
  • Documentation structure redesigned for different user profiles (getting-started, advanced, reference).
  • Release automation and CI/CD pipeline design — proven to achieve 10x reduction in iterative release generation time.
  • Sample application and demo development.
  • Developer experience (DX) audit and optimization.
Deliverable:
Production-ready SDK package with documentation, sample apps, and automated release pipeline.

Platform Bring-Up & Enablement

The critical first phase of any new chipset program — bringing up the hardware platform with validated firmware, drivers, and a functional software stack. We have contributed to the bring-up of 9 hardware platforms across UWB, BLE, Zigbee, and Matter.

What we deliver:

  • Board Support Package (BSP) development and validation.
  • Low-level driver implementation and hardware abstraction.
  • RTOS porting (FreeRTOS, Zephyr OS) and configuration.
  • Communication stack integration and validation.
  • Peripheral integration and power management optimization.
  • Initial test framework and validation suite.
Deliverable:
Validated platform with functional firmware, driver suite, and test framework — ready for application development.

Protocol Certification & Compliance Consulting

Certification is not a checkbox at the end — it is an architectural decision at the beginning. We ensure your implementation is designed for certification from Day 1, drawing on direct experience with the standards bodies that define the requirements.

What we cover:

  • FiRa compliance for UWB ranging and secure access.
  • Bluetooth SIG qualification (BLE, BLE Mesh, BLE Audio).
  • CSA certification (Zigbee, Matter, Thread).
  • IEEE 802.15.4z compliance for UWB PHY.
  • Regional RF regulatory compliance (FCC, CE, ARIB).
  • Pre-certification testing and gap analysis.
  • Certification documentation preparation.
Deliverable:
Certification Readiness Assessment with gap analysis, remediation plan, and documentation package.

Multi-Protocol Integration & Coexistence

The hardest engineering challenge in modern connectivity is not making one protocol work — it is making three protocols work simultaneously without interference, race conditions, or power budget overruns.

What we deliver:

  • Multi-protocol coexistence architecture (BLE + Zigbee + Matter + UWB).
  • Qorvo ConcurrentConnect™ implementation for simultaneous protocol operation.
  • RF coexistence analysis and interference mitigation.
  • Shared resource management (antenna, radio, scheduler).
  • Cross-protocol provisioning and commissioning flows (e.g., BLE provisioning for Matter devices).
  • Ecosystem integration validation (IKEA Home Smart, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa).
  • Certification documentation preparation.
Deliverable:
Validated multi-protocol system with coexistence test results and ecosystem interoperability report.

Turn Ideas Into Life

Ready to build the future? Partner with needCode to transform complex concepts into reliable, high-performance embedded solutions.

Deep expertise across the connectivity stack

Ultra-Wideband (UWB)

UCI API architecture and implementation, FiRa-compliant ranging, UWB Radar (including FMCW-to-impulse radar API adaptation), secure access and distance bounding, AOSP integration, time-of-flight calibration, antenna diversity optimization.
Chipsets: Qorvo QM33, QM35 | NXP Trimension SR040/SR150 | Apple U1/U2

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

GATT profile design, BLE Mesh (world's first certified stack), BLE Audio, Channel Sounding (Bluetooth 6.0), secure pairing, connection optimization, power consumption profiling, BLE provisioning for IoT ecosystems.
Chipsets: Nordic nRF52/nRF53 | Qorvo QPG6105 | Silicon Labs EFR32 | TI CC26xx | STM32WB | Espressif ESP32

Zigbee & Matter

Zigbee 3.0 implementation, Matter over Thread, Matter over Wi-Fi, Qorvo ConcurrentConnect™ for simultaneous Zigbee & Matter, device type implementation, commissioning flows, ecosystem certification (Works with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, SmartThings).
Chipsets: Qorvo QPG6100, QPG6105, QPG6200L | Silicon Labs EFR32MG | Nordic nRF5340 + nRF21540

Real-Time Operating Systems

FreeRTOS porting and optimization, Zephyr OS integration, task scheduling for multi-protocol workloads, memory management in constrained environments, power state machine design.

Deep expertise across leading Silicon Vendors

We don't just write code; we master the silicon. Our engineering units bring years of hands-on experience with the industry's top microcontroller and wireless connectivity platforms. Whether you are building on NXP, Nordic, or ST, our team hits the ground running with deep architectural knowledge. We handle the low-level complexities – from drivers to RF stacks – across Qorvo, Texas Instruments, Silicon Labs, and Espressif, ensuring your firmware extracts every ounce of performance from the hardware.
NXP_Logo
logo Nordic Semiconductor
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logo Texas Instruments
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What makes our consulting different

01

We've Built What We Advise On

Most consulting firms advise based on documentation and theory. Our engineers have built production-level protocol stacks, contributed to the standards that define them, and maintained them in the field. When we recommend an architecture, it is because we have implemented it, shipped it, and supported it.

02

We Sit Inside the Standards Process

Our team includes engineers who have partnered with Google to define UCI APIs for Android AOSP, contributed technical propositions to CSA Ripple for UWB Radar, and co-authored Bluetooth SIG protocols. This means our consulting reflects where the standards are heading — not just where they are today.

03

We Are a Certified Qorvo Partner

As an official Qorvo business partner, we have direct access to development tools, training materials, beta releases, and product roadmaps. This insider access means we can advise on chipset capabilities and upcoming features that are not yet publicly documented.

04

We Are Members of the UWB Alliance

Our UWB Alliance membership reinforces our commitment to UWB technology leadership and gives us visibility into ecosystem-wide developments that inform our consulting recommendations.

05

ISO-Certified Quality and Security

Our operations are certified under ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information Security) — providing enterprise clients with verified assurance regarding deliverable quality and intellectual property protection.

How we work with you

Advisory Retainer

Ongoing access to senior protocol architects for architecture reviews, technical decision support, and standards guidance. Ideal for companies that need a trusted technical advisor on call as their product evolves.

Focused Consulting Engagement

Time-boxed engagement with a defined scope and deliverables — chipset selection report, architecture design, certification gap analysis, or SDK audit. Typically 2–8 weeks.

Enablement Program

Hands-on knowledge transfer where our engineers work alongside your team to build internal chipset and protocol competency. Includes architecture workshops, code walkthroughs, and paired development sessions.

Consulting + Execution

For organizations that need both the strategic advice and the engineering capacity to execute it, we combine our consulting with our staff augmentation and dedicated development center models. We design the architecture, then deploy our "Family Units" to build it.

Case studies

Qorvo: RF Leadership

Context: Rapid scaling for new chipset bring-up.
  • Scale: Grew from <10 to 30 FTEs.
  • Output: Supported bring-up of 9 new hardware platforms (SDKs, Drivers, Stacks).
  • Retention: Zero-churn core team retained for 5+ years.
Dedicated Development Center for RF Solutions
Bluetooth Mesh Smart Lighting Control System

Smart Lighting: Core R&D Extension

Context: Client needed deep, specialized expertise to pivot from proprietary tech to a new global standard.
  • Service: Deployed a dedicated squad of embedded engineers to function as the client's core R&D team.
  • Output: Co-authored official Bluetooth SIG protocols and delivered the world’s first certified BLE Mesh stack.
  • Value: Enabled the client to secure Series A funding and defined the industry standard for smart buildings.

Creative Werks: Innovation rescue

Context: Hardware obsolescence threatened production shutdown.
  • Action: Full-stack takeover (PCB redesign + Firmware + Mobile App).
  • ROI: 1230% ($1.6M value generated).
  • Speed: Payback period of 2–3 months.
NeedCode-case study - IoT Solution for Boat Lift Modernization - cover2s
needcode-powerpolen-case-study-cover2s

PowerPollen: AgTech automation

Context: Lack of internal expertise stalled a critical automation project.
  • Action: Re-architected system using unified MCU and ISOBUS standards.
  • ROI: 13.8x ($2.9M value generated).
  • Impact: Enabled $1.9M increase in harvester value.

Strategic Partnership

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

Members of the UWB Alliance

In 2025 we became a member of the UWB Alliance. This strategic step reinforces our commitment to pioneering Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology.

Proudly Certified for Excellence and Security

needCode is officially certified for:
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security
ISO certifications reflect our focus on delivering reliable IoT solutions, smart product development, and secure technology services.

Testimonials

“I think the key takeaway from needCode is their ability to adapt and understand the customer's requirements. That took away probably a large portion of what could have been a lot of development time and expense for both companies.”
Bob Folkestad
Bob Folkestad
President at Creative Werks
“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.”
avatar Semeh Sarhan
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.”
avatar Marco Salvioli Mariani
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.”
A Testimonial picture
Szymon Słupik
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.”
avatar Tim Allemeersch
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!”
avatar Matas Petrikas
Matas Petrikas
CEO & Co-founder
at Vai Kai UG

Insights

© 2026 needCode. All rights reserved.

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.