Firmware and embedded software development
Picodev, a design office in Aix-en-Provence, develops the firmware and embedded software of your connected devices: STM32, ESP32 or PIC microcontrollers, embedded Linux, over-the-air (OTA) updates. We write maintainable, tested and documented code that meets the requirements of the RED directive and the Cyber Resilience Act.
Picodev, a design office in Aix-en-Provence, develops the firmware and embedded software of your connected devices: STM32, ESP32 or PIC microcontrollers, embedded Linux, over-the-air (OTA) updates. We write maintainable, tested and documented code that meets the requirements of the RED directive and the Cyber Resilience Act.
What we do
Microcontroller firmware
We develop firmware in C on STM32, ESP32, PIC or nRF52. Depending on the product's complexity, it runs bare-metal or on a real-time OS such as Zephyr or FreeRTOS. We split the code into separate blocks (drivers, business logic, communication) so that it stays readable and each part can evolve without breaking the others.
Embedded Linux
When the product needs a screen, large storage or many connections, we work on embedded Linux. We build and maintain custom Yocto distributions: package selection, kernel configuration, dependency updates and security fixes.
Over-the-air (OTA) updates
A product in the field must be able to receive fixes. We set up the bootloader and the update chain, over Bluetooth Low Energy through the smartphone or directly over the network. An interrupted update, for example by a power cut, must not leave the device unusable: we deal with this from the design stage.
Communication protocols
We define the exchanges between the device, the mobile app and the servers: message format, error handling, compatibility between releases. A documented protocol lets each team work on its own side without surprises at integration.
Rework of existing firmware
Firmware that has grown through successive additions becomes hard to evolve. We take it over, restructure it and make it more reliable, release after release, without interrupting the product's life.
RED and CRA compliance
The RED directive (2014/53/EU) and Regulation (EU) 2024/2847, known as the Cyber Resilience Act, set cybersecurity requirements for connected products. We handle what belongs to the firmware: secure exchanges, update mechanism, software bill of materials (SBOM) and documentation.
When to call on us
- You have an electronic board and the software that runs it is missing.
- Your firmware works, but every change brings new bugs.
- You need to add over-the-air updates to an existing product.
- You are preparing your product's compliance with the RED or the CRA.
- Your team needs support on a specific embedded topic.
Technologies
C, Python, STM32 (Arm Cortex-M4), ESP32, PIC18, nRF52840, Zephyr, FreeRTOS, Yocto, embedded Linux, Raspberry Pi, Android.
What you receive
- The source code and its documentation.
- The software design file: main blocks, protocols, technical choices.
- The build and update procedure.
- The tests run and their results.
- For compliance: the SBOM and the documentation expected by the RED and the CRA.
How we work
- Reading the need, the hardware and the existing code: we start from your product, not from an off-the-shelf solution.
- Firmware architecture: main software blocks and communication protocols, agreed with you before development.
- Development in releases, each one tested on the real board and delivered with its release notes.
- Delivery of the code, the documentation and the update procedure, so that you stay in control of your product.
To test the firmware automatically on the hardware with every release, see also our software factory.
Related projects
- ICO · Ondilo – Ico by Ondilo, a connected pool water analyser: Picodev developed the STM32 firmware, the BLE profile, BLE firmware updates, the mobile app and the back-end.
- Eat Machine – Eat Machine, a connected fridge for food service: Picodev developed the firmware of several generations (embedded Linux, Android) and over-the-air updates.
- LAQI – Laqi adjusts the intensity and colour of home lighting: Picodev developed the nRF52840 firmware (Zephyr, BLE, Zigbee), build automation and test tools.
Before you entrust us with your project.
Do you work on our circuit board?
Yes, as a rule. We adapt the firmware to the existing hardware, and we recommend a component change when needed.
Do we receive the source code?
Yes. The source code, its documentation and the build procedure are delivered with each release.
Can you add over-the-air updates to an existing product?
Yes, if the hardware allows it. We first study the bootloader, the available memory and how updates will be distributed.
How do you prepare RED and CRA compliance?
We handle what the firmware must provide: secure communication, updates, SBOM and documentation. The conformity assessment itself is a matter for a regulatory adviser or a test laboratory.
Let's talk about your connected device.
Fill in our project form or write to us.