Embedded hardware & firmware consulting

Embedded systems expertise that powers your next product.

Custom hardware, firmware, and system‑level solutions to get your devices from idea to production—faster, safer, and with fewer surprises.

I build the smarts into your machines. From tiny chips to complex systems, I make things tick.

Experience
30+ years in embedded systems
Focus
HW design · Firmware · IoT · RTOS
Industries
IoT · Automotive · Robotics · Industrial
Test board PCB
About

Embedded expertise, end‑to‑end.

From first block diagram to production firmware, I help teams ship reliable embedded products without blowing their schedule—or their risk budget.

I’m an embedded hardware and software consultant specializing in designing reliable, efficient, and maintainable embedded systems. I’ve worked across IoT, industrial automation, robotics, and safety‑sensitive environments where failure is not an option.

Whether you need a board designed, firmware written from scratch, an existing product stabilized, or a critical bug hunted down, my role is to de‑risk development and keep your roadmap moving.

Hardware: Microcontroller‑based designs, mixed‑signal, power management, and production‑ready schematics and PCB layout.
Firmware: C/C++, bare‑metal or RTOS, drivers, bootloaders, connectivity stacks, and performance‑critical control loops.
Systems: Embedded Linux, integration with cloud backends, tooling, and robust diagnostic hooks so your team can support the product long‑term.
Services

How I can help.

I cover the full embedded stack—from schematics and board bring‑up to firmware, embedded Linux, and IoT integration. Engage end‑to‑end or at the stage you need most.

Hardware design

Embedded hardware & PCB design

Robust, production‑ready hardware tailored to your requirements, with a focus on signal integrity, manufacturability, and testability.

  • Schematic design and PCB layout
  • Component selection and BOM optimization
  • Power supply design and thermal considerations
  • Prototype bring‑up and validation
Firmware

Real‑time firmware & drivers

Maintainable, well‑tested C/C++ firmware for microcontrollers and SoCs, built for determinism and long‑term support.

  • Bare‑metal and RTOS‑based applications
  • Peripheral drivers, communication stacks, bootloaders
  • Advanced sensor fusion algorithms
  • OTA updates, secure boot, and reliability features
Embedded Linux

Embedded Linux & system integration

Linux‑based platforms configured and tuned for your hardware, with drivers, system services, and observability in place.

  • Board bring‑up and kernel configuration
  • Driver integration and custom device trees
  • Filesystem and distribution customization (Yocto, Buildroot)
  • Systemd services, logging, and remote diagnostics
IoT & leadership

IoT, architecture, and project rescue

Get from prototype to scalable product—or rescue a struggling project—with clear architecture and hands‑on execution.

  • IoT architecture (connectivity, cloud integration, security)
  • Performance optimization and deep debugging
  • Code reviews, technical leadership, and mentoring
  • Project audits and stabilization plans
Contact

Let’s talk about your project.

Share a bit about what you’re building, I’ll follow up with next steps and availability.

I typically work with teams who need focused help on architecture, implementation, or stabilizing an existing product. If that sounds like you, use the form below—brief bullet points are perfect.

What are you building, and where do you need help?
Email: thedude@the-embedded-dude.com
Based in: Ann Arbor, Michigan. Open to remote collaboration.
Typical engagement: Architecture review + implementation support, or end‑to‑end ownership of a subsystem.

https://www.embed-map.com