Navigating the Complexity of OS-Hardware Integration

Modern embedded systems are the backbone of electronic devices ranging from smart devices to mission-critical industrial controls. To offer rich functionality, they need multitasking, real-time responsiveness and ironclad security. An Operating System (OS) is the key to achieving this. Selecting the ideal OS for your embedded system is a pivotal decision. Factors like hardware compatibility, application needs, features, and cost play a crucial role. A poor choice can lead to inefficiencies or delays.

Also, integrating OS with custom hardware is a significant engineering hurdle. Porting an OS to a new board or processor is not just a task; it's an intricate process involving low-level coding, hardware initialization, and meticulous debugging. Delays or errors at this stage can cascade, leading to increased costs, missed market opportunities, and compromised product performance.
Embedded OS Porting Challenges
Embedded OS Porting Expertise

Embien: Over Two Decades of Mastering Embedded OS

For over 23 years, Embien's core team has been at the forefront of embedded systems development. We are not just service providers; we are your strategic partners in OS enablement. Our seasoned team possesses a profound understanding of the entire embedded stack.

We assist in evaluating various factors, recommending OS options like Linux, QNX, VxWorks, or μCOS that align with your goals. Whether it’s Android porting for consumer devices or RTOS porting for industrial systems, we ensure your system delivers its full potential.

Apart from helping you navigate the crucial decision of selecting the right OS for your application, and we take full ownership of the porting and Board Support Package (BSP) development process. Our mission is to abstract the hardware complexity, providing you with a stable, fully functional OS platform so your team can focus on what they do best: building innovative applications.

Our Comprehensive OS & BSP Development Services

OS Selection Consulting

OS Selection Consulting

We analyze your hardware constraints, performance requirements, application needs and development experience to recommend the optimal OS. It could be a General-Purpose OS like Linux, a UI friendly OS like Android,a free Real-Time OS like FreeRTOS or commercial one like VxWorks.

Custom BSP Development

Custom BSP Development

Embien performs complete Board Support Package development from scratch, including the bootloader, kernel configuration, and device drivers, perfectly tailored to your unique hardware. We can also set up the toolchains and complete development environment for your team.

OS Porting to New Hardware

OS Porting to New Hardware

Our core expertise lies in porting your chosen operating system (like Android, Linux, or QNX) to custom boards. Our architects have ported embedded OS to new processor cores and novel processor architectures even without prior OS support.

Device Driver Development

Device Driver Development

We write, port, and integrate drivers for all your custom and standard peripherals. Whether it is a complete driver development from scratch or just a simple device tree change, we ensure high-performance through seamless hardware-software interaction.

OS Version Migration & Upgrades

OS Version Migration & Upgrades

We keep your product secure and feature-rich. We expertly manage the complex process of upgrading your existing product's OS to the latest stable version, handling all dependency and API changes. Our expert support help protect your device against cyber-threats in an agile manner.

System Optimization and Hardening

System Optimization and Hardening

We go beyond just booting the OS. We fine-tune the entire system for performance, optimize boot time, and deliver astonishing speeds. We also implement robust security measures to reduce the attack surface significantly and create a production-ready system.

Unmatched Expertise Across All Major Operating Systems

Android
Linux
QNX
VxWorks
FreeRTOS
Zephyr
Arm Mbed
WinCE
Android
Linux
QNX
VxWorks
FreeRTOS
Zephyr
Arm Mbed
WinCE

Whatever Your OS, We Have Mastered it

GPL General Purpose OS & Distributions

We are masters of the Linux kernel and its vast ecosystem. Our experience includes porting various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, RedHat, and creating deployable images using Yocto, Buildroot, and PetaLinux. We also have deep expertise in μClinux for MMU-less processors.

We have rich experience in porting embedded Android (AOSP) - the most popular distribution today to many targets across its versions.

 Linux machine

Powering Any Core, Any Architecture

An OS port is only as good as its leverage of the underlying hardware. Embien’s engineers possess a deep, silicon-level understanding of a vast range of processor architectures.

We frequently collaborate with silicon vendors at the pre-silicon stage, using FPGAs and emulators to port an OS before the chip is even fabricated. This dramatically accelerates our clients' ability to launch products on cutting-edge silicon.

  • ARM

    From classic ARM7/9 to the latest Cortex-A (64-bit), Cortex-R (Real-time), and Cortex-M series, we have ported every class of OS to ARM-based SoCs.

    • Cortex-M
      Cortex-M
    • Cortex-A
      Cortex-A
    • Cortex-R
      Cortex-R
    • ARMv4
      ARMv4
    • ARMv5
      ARMv5
    • ARMv6
      ARMv6
  • RISC-V

    As pioneers in this open-source architecture, we are actively engaged in porting Linux and RTOS variants to emerging RISC-V cores.

    • Single-Core 32-bit
      Single-Core 32-bit
    • Dual-Core 32-bit
      Dual-Core 32-bit
    • Dual-Core Hazard3
      Dual-Core Hazard3
    • Octa-Core X60
      Octa-Core X60
    • TinyRiscv
      TinyRiscv
  • x86 / x64

    We have extensive experience with Intel and AMD processors for industrial and high-performance embedded applications.

    • x86-16
      x86-16
    • IA-32
      IA-32
    • IA-64
      IA-64
    • x86-64
      x86-64
  • PowerPC (PPC)

    Our expertise covers PPC for automotive and networking systems.

    • PowerPC 600
      PowerPC 600
    • e200
      e200
    • e300
      e300
    • PowerQUICC
      PowerQUICC
  • Specialized Cores

    We have successfully worked with legacy architectures like SuperH (SH) and even proprietary, custom-designed CPU cores.

    • MIPS
      MIPS
    • TriCore
      TriCore
    • SuperH
      SuperH
    • AVR
      AVR
    • PIC
      PIC

The Embien Advantage

Embien has been in the forefront of technological evolution for more than the past 15+ years benefiting customers with its cross-industry knowledge and experience. Backed by an enthusiastic team and led by industry veterans, our offerings are unparalleled in quality and speed of execution in the field of turnkey embedded product design.

Deep Architectural Insight

Deep Architectural Insight

In-depth understanding of underlying architectures like ARM, RISC-V, x86, x64, PowerPC, SH, and proprietary cores ensures we can tackle any hardware platform.

Strategic Silicon Alliances

Strategic Silicon Alliances

Close working relationships with silicon vendors like Renesas, NXP, Nvidia, TI, ST, and Microchip give us early access to documentation, tools, and support.

Unmatched Competency

Unmatched Competency

Our BSP development team has worked on the earliest to the latest versions of nearly every major embedded OS & RTOS, giving us a historical perspective and future-ready skills.

Cutting-Edge Expertise

Cutting-Edge Expertise

Proven experience in advanced technologies including Asymmetric/ Symmetric Multi-processing (AMP/SMP) systems, Hypervisors (Virtualization), and system security.

Development Ecosystem & Tooling

Our Development Ecosystem & Tooling

A successful OS port requires more than just kernel knowledge; it demands mastery of the surrounding ecosystem. At Embien, we build robust, maintainable, and easily deployable systems using industry-standard tools. We are experts in creating custom Linux distributions and development environments using:
  • Yocto Project: For creating highly customized, stable, and reproducible Linux systems for production.
  • Buildroot: For generating simple, lightweight root filesystems for smaller, more focused applications.
  • PetaLinux: For streamlined development on Xilinx/AMD platforms.
Our strategic partnerships with silicon vendors mean we don't just work with their chips; we help enable them. We are often the first to port Linux or an RTOS to new Evaluation Kits (EVKs), creating the foundational software that the entire developer community will use.

Competency in OS Versions and Advanced Technologies

Embien software team’s 23-year journey spans the earliest to the latest versions of OSs like Android, Linux, WinCE, FreeRTOS, and QNX. Our expertise extends to advanced technologies, including:
  • Asymmetric/Symmetrical Multiprocessing
  • Hypervisors
  • Virtualization
  • Containers
  • Air-gapped file systems
From legacy systems to modern IoT platforms, we adapt and optimize OSs to meet evolving demands, ensuring your products leverage the latest innovations.
Software Team

Strategic Alliances

Our deep understanding of architectures like ARM, RISC-V, X64, X86, PowerPC, and SH sets us apart. Combined with strategic alliances with top silicon vendors—Renesas, NXP, Nvidia, Texas Instruments, ST, and Microchip—we deliver tailored solutions for your hardware. These partnerships enable us to work on evaluation kits and development kits, ensuring seamless integration of OS and BSPs on the latest silicon platforms.

Renesas

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NXP

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NVIDIA

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ST Micro

With an interactive GUI based environment, Flint ive GUI based environment, Flint supports you to d supports you to design your System visually without writing lines of code.

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Microchip

With an interactive GUI based environment, Flint ive GUI based environment, Flint supports you to d supports you to design your System visually without writing lines of code.

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Texas Instruments

With an interactive GUI based environment, Flint ive GUI based environment, Flint supports you to d supports you to design your System visually without writing lines of code.

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Qualcomm

With an interactive GUI based environment, Flint ive GUI based environment, Flint supports you to d supports you to design your System visually without writing lines of code.

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Xilinx

With an interactive GUI based environment, Flint ive GUI based environment, Flint supports you to d supports you to design your System visually without writing lines of code.

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Intel

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Success Stories

Ready to Bring Your Hardware to Life?

Let's discuss your project. Whether you're starting a new design, upgrading an existing product, or facing a challenging porting issue, our experts are here to help.

15th Year Anniversary