Designing embedded systems requires specialized expertise and careful consideration of both hardware and software. Focusing first on the software enables a design that minimizes the space requirement and the power consumption, which in turn reduces the cost to produce the application now and the cost to run it later.
emPower OS – High-performance operating system for embedded systems
The SEGGER Design Service relies on SEGGER's embedded operating system emPower OS, which includes multiple software components to offer a robust and versatile operating environment for a wide range of embedded systems. Its modular architecture, performance optimization, and extensive tool support make it an excellent choice for developers aiming to create reliable and efficient embedded systems across various industries.
SEGGER's emPower OS provides a robust solution that simplifies the design and engineering of applications that are very cost-effective to produce and highly efficient to run. This typically eliminates the need for external RAM, and makes the system much more efficient while also making it more cost-effective, even with the extra software cost. Savings can translate to as much as $10 - $20 per unit in large-scale production, a significant advantage in competitive markets.
Linux? Android?
Many products use large operating systems when the application itself could run with a much less complex system and actually run more efficiently. One example is the use of Linux, partly because it is well established, partly out of habit, and partly because it is free. This approach usually results in longer boot times and often also in higher hardware costs due to requirements such as external RAM.
Key features
The SEGGER Design Service is an invaluable part of the development process for bringing to market specialized, high-performance embedded systems, that meet unique needs and challenges in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. It can help bring new products to market quickly or to optimize next-generation products, lowering cost and increasing performance in the process.
Cost-effectiveness
With the help of the SEGGER Design Service, companies can significantly reduce their internal engineering requirement while also saving on software development and per-unit hardware cost. Leaving the embedded work to the SEGGER embedded experts allows companies to focus on their core competencies.
Enhanced system efficiency
The SEGGER Design Service provides a professional software structure featuring a deterministic RTOS base for robust and reliable performance. Fast boot times and lower radio frequency interference increase overall system stability and help make the regulatory compliance process very straightforward.
Reduce power-up time
The SEGGER Design Service is focused on enhancing overall user experience. Systems relying on large operating systems such as Android or Linux face significant start up times. The time spent to boot a system often is a reason for users either selecting a different product or leaving the system switched on. Addressing this issue in the first place leads to using stand-by modes. Still, this solution has its limits. The SEGGER Design Service ensures that an existing application is seamlessly transitioned into a system based on the embedded operating system.
Reduce power consumption
The SEGGER Design Service is focused on enhancing system efficiency. A large operating system requires a lot of power and memory and the bigger processor the more memory and power consumed. Reducing the size of the operating system, as well as the number and size of the chips, reduces product size and power consumption. Both small size and low power usage are requirements for wearable and battery-powered devices and, generally speaking the smaller and lower the better.
Reduce system cost
The SEGGER Design Service is focused on minimizing the bill of materials. Drawing upon their own expertise in reducing system requirements by implementing highly efficient software, SEGGER can reduce the size and number of required chips within the full system, which reduces BOM cost, PCB space and ultimately production costs.
How the SEGGER Design Service (SDS) works
The SEGGER Design Service starts with a thorough requirement analysis to understand a project's specific needs and constraints. Core components such as microcontrollers and memories are carefully selected, with special consideration given to both performance requirements and cost-efficiency. Schematic designs can also be prepared at this stage, if needed.
Our process ensures seamless integration of hardware to guarantee optimal performance across all components. We first create the core application skeleton, laying the foundation for the system's software. We can also fully develop the final application to meet all functional specifications, if desired. In addition, we make sure that all documentation and source code are handed over to our customers, passing along full control of and autonomy over the projects.
For projects that will become large-scale, we provide comprehensive support for setting up mass production. Additionally, our long-term support includes regular reviews and assistance with code updates, ensuring your system remains robust, up-to-date, and future-proof.
Licensing
Customers receive all code created under SEGGER Design Service with a perpetual license for the project-specific source code. This also includes a license for emPower OS, which is available under various Embedded Software License models and delivered in source code packages. With a wide range of licensing options, emPower OS can fulfill both commercial and technical requirements. All licenses are one-time payments. emPower OS is royalty-free and not subscription-based.