8-16-32 bit-based Microcontrollers
PIC12F PIC18F PIC16F & MK32
Bernini Design continues to invest in research and prototyping of hardware communication protocols, both wired and wireless. This gives you access to the latest technology in real-time with the shortest TTM (time-to-market). By default, we use MICROCHIP in our design but we can develop firmware based on RENESAS or ST-based microcontrollers.
At Bernini Design, Embedded Software Development Services, we take immense pride in driving the product standards forward. We focus on efficiency, quality, and safety. There are leaders, and then there's everyone else. Leadership in Embedded Software Development Services is our main goal. No one ever complained about our services. Quality and precision are our daily obsessions. If you are looking for Software Development Services we can give the best professional solutions at reasonable prices. We normally supply products written in C++ language but on request we can deliver high-level programming languages. We can directly test the firmware on your hardware or we can design hardware from scratch.
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS DESIGN
ASK FOR A QUOTE RIGHT NOW
bernini@bernini-design.ro
ABOUT EMBEDDED SOFTWARE
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF FIRMWARE?
The embedded software (commonly called 'firmware') is not application software. Application software runs a computer by using an operating system and a large size of memory. An embedded software, generally speaking, does not need an operating system because it directly runs the microcontroller. Embedded software has fixed hardware requirements. It is stored in a FLASH memory. You can easily transfer an application software to a totally different computer if based on the same operating system. You can not easily transfer embedded software to a different microcontroller. Inside the embedded software, you have to redefine the hardware characteristics. You will then use a cross compiler to generate the new code. It is always better to design the embedded software in a way that will be easy, when necessary, to transfer the firmware for the new microcontroller. This is crucial when it is about complex and expensive firmware. This will avoid to re-write from scratch the entire embedded software code. In a few words, a microcontroller needs embedded software to run all functions (e.g. I/O tasks, user interface, data acquisition, data conversion, general function, communication tasks & miscellaneous controls). An application software, instead, allows a computer to run a particular application (drawings, calculations, spreadsheet, accounting, WEB, networking, etc.).
HOW MUCH DOES FIRMWARE DEVELOPMENT COST?
4 BASIC EXAMPLES HERE
The old rule about the line-of-code (LOC) is no longer applicable. The cost of the line simply is no longer relevant. Maybe you can predict what is the cost of firmware but supposing that something goes wrong, with the firmware, after a year or two the cost of the maintenance and service will be mind-blowing. The real issue is that the customer knows about the list of the functions but it knows little about the NOT TO DO LIST. Let us present some examples. These will make you understand the range of the cost of your application. At Bernini Design we take care to offer full service. When you need to exponentially expand the horizon of your products you may need to connect your electronic board to a computer. You may need a data logger capable to store important information or an application that helps you test the product. Does not matter the complexity. We are able to support you via our experience in TCP-IP, UART, MODBUS, RS485 & USB. We develop MICROSOFT compatible products at a reasonable price in a short time by using the VISUAL STUDIO source code editor.
ASK FOR A QUOTE RIGHT NOW
bernini@bernini-design.ro
EXAMPLE NR.1 (16-bit controller)
This is about a voltage monitoring relay working in the range 24-600Vdc suitable for solar power systems monitoring. It features an RS232 serial interface and an RS485 serial interface able to drive a 1000m twisted cable. It monitors electric parameters about dc voltage providing programmable output capable of driving a power relay. You can adjust parameters by using a PC connected via USB-RS485. You can set as many as 24 parameters including HIGH-LOW voltage limits and several timers. The microcontrollers interfaces with a full hardware watchdog and 4MB EEPROM capable of storing thousands of events tagged by a real-time clock.
FIRMWARE COST ABOUT 3500USD / HARDWARE COST ABOUT 1500USD
EXAMPLE NR.2 (32-bit controller)
This is about a utility power measurement instrument & combined monitoring relay working up to 750VAC. It features an ETHERNET TCP-IP serial interface suitable for networking. It monitors electric parameters about voltage - frequency - current (via adjustable xxx/5A) - power - power factor and harmonic distortion. It provides programmable output capable of driving 4 power relays. You can adjust parameters by using a PC connected via TCP-IP. You can set as many as 30 parameters including HIGH-LOW trigger limits and several timers. The module features accurate measurements via a 12BIT high accuracy AD converter and DSP processor.
FIRMWARE COST ABOUT 6500USD / HARDWARE COST ABOUT 1900USD
EXAMPLE NR.3 (8bit controller)
This is about the automotive dashboard instruments. It interfaces with oil pressure and temperature sensors fitted on a diesel engine. The module is connected to a magnetic pickup in a way to provides engine rotational speed. The user can protect the diesel engine by setting up a set f adjustable parameters. The 8-bit microcontroller is capable of driving a 7-segment LED display and 2 LED indicators. A flat cable connects external membrane pushbuttons to the controller. By using pushbuttons the OEM is able to set over 100 adjustable parameters. A non-volatile memory stores and records up to 4000 events (basically alarm conditions). In order to cut power consumption, the controller features an AUTO SHUTDOWN.
FIRMWARE COST ABOUT 1800USD / HARDWARE COST ABOUT 800USD
EXAMPLE NR.4 (32-bit controller)
