# Nexora | Embedded Firmware Development > Develop embedded firmware with Nexora for defined device behaviour, sensor interfaces and communication, with tests tied to known hardware versions. Canonical page: https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/embedded-firmware/ Language: English Nexora ESRD LLP · Complete IoT & Embedded Engineering Services # Embedded Firmware Development Firmware connects the electronic parts of your product with the job it needs to do. We develop the agreed device behaviour and interfaces, then check them on representative hardware rather than relying on a successful code build alone. Make device behaviour clear through startup, ordinary use and faults. [Discuss your project ↗](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/contact/?service=embedded) ## Define embedded device and firmware behaviour We begin with the states your product can be in: starting, measuring, communicating, waiting or reporting a problem. Each state needs clear entry and exit conditions. This helps answer practical questions, such as what happens when a sensor is unavailable during startup or power returns after an interruption. Timing, memory and power constraints guide the software structure. We agree which settings should persist, what can return to a default and how an operator recognises a device that needs attention. - Startup, operating and fault-state definitions - Timing and resource constraints for the chosen controller - Configuration storage and recovery behaviour ## Make sensor and communication interfaces reliable A sensor value needs more context than a number read from a register. We check the supported interface, conversion rules, units and invalid conditions against the selected component. Sampling and communication are coordinated so one slow task does not prevent another from doing its job. Messages sent to a gateway or application follow an agreed format, including identity and status information. This allows application developers to distinguish a valid measurement from a device-side error without guessing what a code or missing value means. - Sensor and peripheral interface implementation - Sampling, conversion and validation rules - Communication messages shared with the receiving team ## Keep testing tied to a known device version A firmware result is meaningful only when the hardware and configuration are known. We record the board revision, software version and test setup with the observations. Tests cover the agreed normal behaviour and selected faults, such as a disconnected peripheral or interrupted communication. If field updates are required, the device must support a suitable update and recovery approach; that work is scoped explicitly. The handover explains how to build, program and check the agreed release so the next engineer can reproduce it. - Traceable hardware, firmware and configuration versions - Debugging records and repeatable checks - Build, programming and release instructions ## Project deliverables - Firmware source for the agreed device functions - Interface definitions and documented device states - Build and programming instructions with version details - Test observations, known limits and unresolved issues ## Our project approach - ### Review the hardware and required behaviour We examine the controller, connected parts and existing design information. A short behaviour specification makes assumptions visible before implementation begins. - ### Develop and integrate incrementally We bring up the agreed interfaces, check individual functions and connect them into the device flow. Early messages can be reviewed alongside the gateway or application work. - ### Validate and prepare the release We run representative scenarios on identified hardware, investigate failures and record the result. The release package includes the instructions and limitations agreed for handover. ## Information to plan your project - Board information, component specifications and sample hardware - Required inputs, outputs, timing and communication behaviour - Existing code, toolchain access and the problems to resolve ## Service questions and answers ### What do you need before assessing an existing device’s firmware? We need the relevant source, build instructions, board revision and a representative unit where practical. A clear description of the observed and expected behaviour helps focus the work. The assessment separates software assumptions from hardware or component issues before an implementation scope is agreed. Explore related services [Review the hardware and test setup](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/hardware-prototyping/) ### Can firmware changes improve a battery-powered device’s operating life? They may help where sampling, communication or idle behaviour uses unnecessary power. We first identify the operating cycle and measure the relevant behaviour on the actual hardware. Radios, sensors and the power circuit also affect consumption, so any improvement needs evidence from the agreed device and usage conditions. Explore related services [Measure behaviour on the prototype](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/hardware-prototyping/) ### What must be considered before adding remote firmware updates? The device needs a supported way to receive, verify and apply an update, plus a defined recovery path when the process is interrupted. We review storage and boot behaviour as well as connectivity. Update delivery, permissions and release tracking are explicit scope items; they are not assumed to exist because the device is connected. Explore related services [Plan the update communication path](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/device-connectivity/) ### What should happen if a sensor is disconnected during startup? The device needs an agreed fault state rather than treating a missing value as a valid measurement. We define whether it retries, continues limited operation or requires attention, and how the condition is reported. Tests use the actual interface and representative faults so the application can interpret the result consistently. Explore related services [Present device fault states clearly](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/iot-dashboards/) ### How do you keep firmware and application message formats aligned? We agree identifiers, units, status values and version handling with the receiving team, using concrete example messages. Changes need a compatibility plan so older units are not silently misread. Tests should check both normal readings and device-side faults, including the receiver’s response to an unknown field or message version. Explore related services [Define shared device message contracts](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/device-connectivity/) ### What should our next engineer receive with a firmware release? The handover should identify the source revision, toolchain, build settings and programming steps for the agreed hardware. Test records need the board and configuration used, along with known limits. These details make it possible to reproduce the release and investigate a changed result without relying on someone’s local development setup. Explore related services [Document native code and target constraints](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/technologies/cpp-systems-application-engineering/) ## Discuss your project Tell us what you want to build. We'll help you find a clear way forward. [Discuss your project ↗](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/contact/?service=embedded) Explore the wider service [Embedded & Hardware Engineering ↗](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/embedded-hardware-engineering/) [Discuss your project ↗](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/contact/?service=embedded) ## Related services ### Hardware Prototyping & Device Validation Plan and test hardware prototypes with Nexora, defining power, size and operating limits before selecting parts and validating the next product stage. [Explore this service](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/hardware-prototyping/) ### IoT Device & Gateway Connectivity Connect IoT devices and gateways with Nexora through protocol planning, consistent messages and recovery workflows for interrupted network connections. [Explore this service](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/device-connectivity/) ### IoT Dashboards & Monitoring Applications Build IoT dashboards with Nexora for clear device status, useful history and operational actions, with visible context for stale or missing readings. [Explore this service](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/nexora/iot-dashboards/) ### C++ Software Development Services Develop C++ software with Nexora around target hardware, resource constraints and clear interfaces, with reproducible testing and debugging conditions. [Explore this service](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/technologies/cpp-systems-application-engineering/)