Embedded Software Development Services
ADVANS Group supports you in the development of embedded software solutions, from proof of concept to validation and deployment on your equipment, including the design of safety‑critical software and obsolescence management.
Our teams are involved across the entire development cycle, delivering tailored solutions backed by proven expertise in the most demanding environments.
On this page:Embedded Software Engineering
Challenging projects, tailored solutions
As specialists in embedded software development services, we work across a wide range of architectures: microcontrollers (STM32, NXP, etc.), SoCs (Zynq UltraScale+, Versal, iMX8, etc.), ARM and RISC‑V architectures, and many more.
We also master advanced technologies such as real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr), embedded Linux (Yocto, PetaLinux), and the integration of secure solutions.
Our expertise spans a broad range of applications, including industrial IoT, railway systems, space, defense, automotive, energy, medical devices, and more.
Tailored solutions for critical and innovative systems
Our areas of expertise
ADVANS Group operates across the full scope of embedded software, combining deep technical expertise, rigorous engineering practices, and adaptation to sector-specific challenges.
Our teams support your projects from the development of core components through validation on automated test benches.
Driver & BSP development
We develop drivers and Board Support Packages (BSPs) to ensure optimal interfacing between hardware and software, enabling full utilization of electronic system capabilities.
Key technologies: STM32, NXP, Renesas, Yocto Linux, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, IAR, Keil.
Real-time software
Our experts design, implement, and validate real-time software for critical applications where performance, responsiveness, and safety are essential.
Key technologies: ARM Cortex, RISC‑V, ThreadX, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, simulation and test tools.
Bare‑metal development
We design bare‑metal embedded software optimized for performance and reliability, without intermediate layers, providing full control over the hardware. This approach is ideal for critical applications requiring low latency, minimal power consumption, or certification.
Key technologies: C, assembly, STM32, NXP, Renesas, real-time optimization, fine‑grained interrupt management.
Obsolescence management and software porting
We handle porting and updating embedded software to extend equipment lifetime and ensure compatibility with new generations of components, without disrupting your systems.
Key technologies: iMX8, Zynq UltraScale+, Agilex, Linux migration, BSP adaptation.
Embedded cybersecurity & system protection
ADVANS Group integrates cybersecurity best practices from the design phase to protect embedded systems against threats and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Key technologies: Secure Boot, encryption, authentication, secure Linux, TLS/SSL protocols.
Safety‑critical & compliant software
We develop embedded software compliant with industrial standards (ISO 26262, DO‑178/254, IEC 61508) for applications where safety and reliability are paramount, particularly in regulated sectors.
Key technologies: validation tools, static analysis, standards‑compliant documentation, automated unit testing.
Secure bootloader design & system integrity
Our teams design custom bootloaders incorporating advanced security mechanisms to ensure reliable and secure system startup and protect system integrity from power‑on.
Key technologies: Secure Boot, ARM TrustZone, OTA update management, cryptographic verification.
Validation on automated test benches
We implement automated test benches to validate embedded software operation under real conditions, accelerate time‑to‑market, and ensure solution robustness.
Key technologies: Python, LabVIEW, TCL scripts, hardware test platforms, measurement and analysis tools.
Your vision, our expertise: excellence in embedded software solutions
Why choose ADVANS Group for your embedded software development project?
Designing embedded software is both a technical and strategic challenge: it requires strong technical expertise, solid engineering practices, flexibility, and a deep understanding of tools, architectures, and standards.
At ADVANS Group, we support you effectively across all your challenges — performance, security, cost, reliability, or time‑to‑market.
Our strength lies in an organization structured around two complementary levels of expertise:
- Domain Expertise (embedded software, ASIC, FPGA, PCB, etc.).
- Cross‑functional Centers of Expertise (IoT, Edge AI, safety‑critical systems, etc.), enabling multi‑disciplinary projects and the design of complete electronic and computing systems.
This structure sets us apart and allows us to support projects of any scale, from staff augmentation to turnkey delivery.
Do you have a specific need or a project to launch? Let’s discuss it today.
Expertise
We develop embedded software solutions for leading industrial companies and innovative players in demanding sectors such as aerospace, railway, energy, defense, IoT, and medical.
Quality
Our culture of quality and confidentiality is reflected in a management system compliant with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 27001 standards (for more details, see About > Certifications page).
Technology partnerships
We are approved design service partners with leading technology providers and maintain active technology watch on the latest industry innovations.
Engagement models
We offer flexible engagement models tailored to your needs: consulting and expertise, competence centers, service centers, and fixed‑price projects.
Customized solutions
We design, with you or for you, embedded software tailored to your constraints in terms of performance, security, cost, and reliability.
Design centers & project delivery
From our network of design centers across Europe, we manage your projects with close technical and operational proximity.
Engagement models tailored to your technical and business challenges
Expertise, flexibility, and innovation
To address the diverse needs of our customers, ADVANS Group offers several engagement models, from targeted consulting to full ownership of complex projects.
Depending on the project scope and execution framework, embedded software development projects may be eligible for the French Research Tax Credit (CIR) or Innovation Tax Credit (CII). These schemes can provide tax incentives for R&D and technological innovation activities.
For any request, feel free to contact us.
Consulting
Our technical experts and consultants are involved in high value-added assignments. Resources are managed by our business managers, while you remain responsible for delivery and project management.
Competence Center
We set up a dedicated team of engineers. Resources are managed by our business managers, while you remain responsible for delivery and project management.
Service Center
As part of a service center, in addition to setting up and managing a team of specialized engineers, we take responsibility for delivery as well as meeting cost, quality, and schedule objectives. We commit to results on activities defined in a catalog of units of work.
Fixed-Price Project
Based on a set of specifications, we deliver the project in compliance with our cost, quality, and schedule commitments. We take ownership of all phases of execution across a wide range of projects, from single-discipline developments to cross-functional initiatives involving numerous technological interactions.
Strategic alliances for cutting-edge solutions
Technology partner ecosystem
We have established partnerships with market-leading companies.
The result is easier access to their latest innovations, advanced training for our engineers, and increased efficiency for our customers’ projects.
Altera ASAP Program Partner
A partnership focused on FPGA and SoC solutions within the ASAP (Altera Solution Acceleration Partner Program). This partnership validates our experience and expertise on Altera FPGA platforms.
AMD Adaptive Computing Partner
A partnership focused on FPGA and SoC solutions based on former Xilinx products (Xilinx Alliance Program). This partnership validates our experience and expertise on AMD FPGA platforms. We also have the ability to certify our engineers on AMD technologies.
Arm Approved Design Services Partner
We provide Arm customers with integrated circuit design services (IP, ASIC, SoC, FPGA) for Arm cores, including dedicated and cost-optimized solutions.
Microchip Approved Design Services Partner
A partnership focused on FPGA and SoC solutions based on former Actel and Atmel products. This partnership validates our experience and expertise on Microchip FPGA platforms.
STMicroelectronics Authorized Partner
As an STMicroelectronics Authorized Partner, we accelerate STM32 developments (edge AI, IoT, low power) with direct access to ST experts to secure proofs of concept and prototypes.
Technical support across the entire embedded software development lifecycle
From concept to validation: a complete lifecycle for your embedded software projects
Our teams are involved across the full embedded software development cycle, leveraging proven methodologies, state-of-the-art tools, and multi-industry expertise. The goal: to ensure performance, reliability, and optimized time‑to‑market.
From architecture to embedded software implementation
Design
From software architecture definition to module and interface integration, we design embedded solutions tailored to your needs and constraints.
We deliver both bare‑metal embedded software optimized for performance and reliability, as well as solutions integrating real‑time operating systems or embedded Linux.
Software architecture
Definition of the embedded software structure,
functional modules, interfaces,
and real‑time and security constraints.
Module design
Development of drivers, BSPs, and software components
suited to the hardware platform
and project requirements.
Embedded OS integration
Implementation and configuration of real‑time operating systems or
embedded Linux to ensure system stability
and performance.
Hardware interface management
Programming and validation of communications
between software and basic peripherals
(UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, etc.) or more complex ones
(Ethernet, PCIe, etc.).
Security and testability
Integration of security and test requirements
from the design phase to facilitate validation
and maintenance.
Mastered design ecosystem
Languages, tools, and technologies
We use proven languages, technologies, and tools to design robust embedded software, optimized for the target platform and easily integrable into your system.
Languages
- C,
- C++,
- Python.
Embedded operating systems
- Linux Yocto,
- Buildroot,
- PetaLinux,
- FreeRTOS,
- Zephyr,
- VxWorks,
- ThreadX,
- Bare‑metal development (without an OS).
Target technologies
- STM32,
- NXP,
- Renesas,
- iMX8,
- ARM Cortex,
- RISC-V,
- Zynq UltraScale+ / Versal (AMD SoCs),
- NG‑ULTRA (NanoXplore SoC),
- Nios II (Altera soft core),
- MicroBlaze (AMD soft core).
Development tools
- GCC,
- IAR Embedded Workbench,
- Keil µVision,
- Eclipse,
- Visual Studio Code,
- Scripts Python/TCL.
Robust engineering practices, industry standards
Methods & standards
Our embedded software design approach relies on structured methodologies and compliance with critical standards to ensure quality from the very first lines of code through target validation.
Methods
- V‑model lifecycle,
- Agile methodology,
- Coding guidelines,
- Requirements traceability.
Standards
- ISO 9001 (quality),
- ISO 26262 (automotive),
- DO‑178 (aerospace),
- IEC 61508 (industrial),
- ISO 27001 (data security).
Secure and reinforce embedded software before deployment
Software verification
We implement advanced test environments to validate the behavior, robustness, and security of embedded software prior to deployment.
Test plans and test cases
Development of a comprehensive test strategy
to cover all functional requirements
and critical scenarios.
Simulation and unit testing
Execution of software simulations and unit tests
to detect issues from the earliest
development phases.
Functional verification
Validation of embedded software behavior
against project specifications and requirements.
Static and dynamic analysis
Use of specialized tools to analyze code quality,
robustness, and security.
Robustness and security testing
Implementation of dedicated tests to ensure
software resilience to failures
and attacks.
Well‑established verification ecosystem
Languages, tools, and technologies
We rely on specialized languages, technologies, and tools to secure and reinforce embedded software while accelerating time‑to‑market.
Software languages
- C,
- C++,
- Python.
Methodologies
- Unit testing,
- Functional testing,
- Coverage‑driven verification,
- Static and dynamic analysis,
- Requirements traceability management.
Test and simulation tools
- LabVIEW,
- Python/TCL scripts,
- Static analysis tools (Cppcheck, MISRA),
- Simulation and test automation platforms.
Advanced methods, ensured compliance
Methods & standards
Our software verification practices are based on industry standards and critical norms specific to the targeted sectors.
Methods
- Test plan definition,
- Test automation,
- Detailed reporting,
- Documentation and traceability.
Standards
- ISO 26262 (automotive),
- DO‑178/254 (aerospace),
- IEC 61508 (industrial),
- ISO 9001 (quality).
Valider le logiciel embarqué dans des conditions réelles
Validation on target hardware
Our teams carry out validation on automated test benches and final hardware platforms to ensure software compliance and reliability under real operating conditions.
Automated test benches
Deployment of test platforms to validate
embedded software in real‑world conditions
and accelerate time‑to‑market.
Validation on target hardware
Execution of integration and non‑regression tests
directly on the microcontrollers or SoCs used.
Performance analysis
Measurement and optimization of power consumption,
execution speed, and reliability of
embedded software.
Security mechanism validation
Verification of correct operation of security features
(Secure Boot, OTA updates, encryption, etc.).
Reporting and documentation
Production of detailed reports and technical
documentation to ensure traceability
and project compliance.
Mastered validation ecosystem
Languages, tools, and technologies
We use measurement tools, test platforms, and automated test benches to ensure embedded software compliance and robustness prior to deployment.
Languages
- C,
- Python,
- TCL scripts.
Tools
- LabVIEW,
- Hardware test platforms,
- Measurement and analysis tools,
- Automation scripts.
Validation platforms
- Automated test benches,
- Development boards (STM32, NXP, Zynq, iMX8, etc.),
- Logic analyzers and simulators.
Proven methods, certified quality
Methods & standards
Our validation processes are based on industrial methodologies and strict standards to ensure the reliability of the delivered system.
Methods
- Target bring‑up,
- Post‑deployment debug,
- Integration and non‑regression testing,
- Functional and security validation.
Standards
- ISO 9001 (development and project management processes),
- ISO 26262 (automotive),
- DO‑178/254 (aerospace),
- IEC 61508 (industrial),
- ISO 27001 (data security).
Open hardware: flexibility, transparency, and control
RISC‑V: an emerging architecture
ADVANS Group actively explores the opportunities offered by the RISC‑V architecture, particularly in the context of open hardware projects, rapid prototyping, and the development of dedicated IPs. This approach reflects our commitment to anticipating market evolutions and delivering flexible, future‑proof solutions.
SRU model optimization
With ADVANS Lab, we conducted research on optimizing RISC‑V models for specialized computing units, addressing energy‑efficiency challenges. The key question: how to efficiently deploy machine learning models for predictive maintenance on embedded systems with strict power and resource constraints?
RISC‑V FPGA platforms
We have also implemented RISC‑V cores to evaluate open‑source architectures, for both internal and customer projects, particularly in the aerospace domain.
Engineering solutions for all industrial sectors
ADVANS Group supports its customers across a wide range of industries, delivering state‑of‑the‑art embedded software solutions tailored to the specific challenges of each domain. Our expertise spans aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, IoT, medical devices, semiconductors, telecommunications, and many others.
Our expertise in action on high‑value technology projects
Project references
ADVANS Group supports its customers on high value‑added embedded software projects, combining performance, reliability, and innovation. Discover a selection of concrete examples illustrating our know‑how: complex porting, securing safety‑critical systems, development of automated test benches, integration of communication protocols, and validation of innovative solutions for IoT, automotive, healthcare, and industrial applications.
The examples below are anonymized to protect customer confidentiality.
Automotive – Safety‑critical ADAS system
Development of firmware drivers for an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with ASIL‑D safety level. Execution of unit and integration tests, requirements traceability management, and validation in compliance with ISO 26262. Implementation of perception and data‑fusion algorithms for sensor data processing.
Industry – Redundant industrial controller platform
Migration of firmware for a redundant Ethernet rack module to a new ARM Cortex‑A7 platform. Code porting under VxWorks, integration of cybersecurity and redundancy management features, industrial network optimization, and validation across the full range of controllers.
Energy – Electric vehicle charging stations
Expertise and support for embedded software development under Linux/Yocto for electric vehicle charging stations. Driver development, secure boot implementation, TPM module integration, and cybersecurity hardening (JTAG, SSH, firewall). Multi‑year technical support engagement.
Semiconductors – UWB validation
Definition of a test strategy and development of a validation pipeline for an Ultra‑Wideband (UWB) communication chip for the automotive sector. FPGA‑ and prototype‑based testing, validation against IEEE requirements, low‑level driver development, and automated reporting.
Healthcare – Hearing implants
End‑to‑end development of an implantable medical device: electronic architecture, embedded firmware, software and hardware validation, requirements management, and prototype manufacturing. Fixed‑price project with static code analysis and ISO 9001 compliance.
IoT – Smart home connected systems
Adaptation of firmware, hardware, and mechanical design for connected sensors and panels to meet European standards. Power consumption optimization, development of secure RF protocols, test automation, and cloud integration.
IoT – Bare‑metal firmware development
Development and validation of bare‑metal firmware for IoT microcontrollers (STM32, MP1). Integration of Zigbee, OpenThread, and Bluetooth protocols, C‑level bare‑metal optimization, automated testing, and validation on emulators and FPGA prototypes. Expertise in connectivity, embedded security, and real‑time optimization.
Semiconductors – NFC/UWB firmware
Development and validation of firmware for NFC and UWB controllers, integration on ARM Cortex‑M0+/M33 platforms, test automation, and validation on FPGA and prototype boards. Compliance with MISRA and AUTOSAR standards, CI/CD implementation using Jenkins.
Nuclear – Radiation detection device
Addition of new features to a multi‑probe portable device for alpha, beta, and gamma contamination detection. Firmware development on STM32 with FreeRTOS, SD card management, real‑time task creation, and integration of new audible alarms. Project delivered following the V‑model lifecycle, with validation on dedicated test benches.
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Your questions about embedded software development – Answers from ADVANS Group
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are you wondering about the technical challenges, key stages, or engagement models related to embedded software system development? This FAQ brings together answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand our expertise, methodologies, and the solutions we offer.
Projects with strong real-time constraints
How are projects with stringent real‑time constraints addressed in embedded software?
Projects with strict real‑time constraints are based on a precise analysis of latency, determinism, and reliability requirements.
They typically involve fine‑grained performance optimization on microcontrollers or SoCs, rigorous priority management (interrupts, scheduling, CPU partitioning), and, when required, the integration of a real‑time operating system or a Linux distribution with controlled latency.
Embedded cybersecurity
How is cybersecurity addressed in embedded software?
Cybersecurity is integrated from the earliest stages of embedded software design.
It may include mechanisms such as secure boot, encryption, authentication, protection of debug interfaces, or the use of secure elements.
These choices depend on the system’s criticality level, its exposure, and applicable sector‑specific constraints.
Software porting and obsolescence management
How are software porting and obsolescence managed in embedded software?
Software porting involves adapting existing software to a new hardware platform or execution environment.
It may include driver rewrites, BSP adaptation, and updates to the toolchain.
Obsolescence management aims to ensure long‑term system sustainability despite the evolution or discontinuation of certain hardware or software components.
Bare-metal development
When is bare‑metal development relevant?
Bare‑metal development is relevant when fine‑grained control of hardware resources, temporal determinism, and power consumption are top priorities.
It is commonly used in resource‑constrained embedded systems, systems with strict real‑time requirements, or those subject to specific safety or security constraints.
Software compliance and quality
How is standards compliance and software quality generally ensured?
Standards compliance and software quality rely on the application of domain‑specific frameworks and structured development processes.
This typically includes technical reviews, static code analysis, automated unit and functional testing, and traceability between requirements, code, and tests.
Confidential / mission‑critical projects
How are confidential or critical embedded software projects handled?
Embedded software projects often involve high confidentiality and security requirements, particularly in critical industrial or defense‑related contexts.
They rely on non‑disclosure agreements, strict access control rules, and information management processes adapted to the sensitivity of systems and data.
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