Today, even the humble coffee machine has become smarter than ever. Firmware has a significant and silent role in bringing daily machines to life. It is an invisible layer of code that turns hardware into something that works. But what exactly is firmware? and how is it developed? This guide to firmware development will take you through the necessary concepts, tools, and best practices of firmware development that help hardware do what it is supposed to.
What is firmware development?
Firmware development is the process of creating specialized software that is programmed into a hardware device’s non-volatile memory. It serves as a bridge between the physical components and the higher-level software so that the hardware can perform its job as intended and with accuracy. A firmware’s responsibility is to boot the system, control low-level processing, and actually implement the device’s primary purpose or main logic.
The role of firmware in embedded development
Firmware is the main force behind the working of every embedded system. It acts as an essential link between the physical hardware and the higher-level software it supports. Its primary role is to tell the hardware when and how to operate, like initiating system startup, handling device-to-device communication, or performing a specific function.Within the domain of embedded development, firmware is a specific software type responsible for ensuring that the hardware interacts with inputs and commands accurately and reliably.
Levels of firmware
Firmware functions at multiple levels and is made for different purposes, uses and requirements of a device. Here is the breakdown of the different levels of firmware and how they differ.
Low-Level Firmware: Low-level firmware represents the first level of embedded software and is usually stored in read-only memory (ROM). Low-level firmware performs basic boot and control functionality of hardware. Once it is programmed, it cannot be updated or changed.
High-Level Firmware: High-level firmware functionality includes higher levels of management of more complex devices and allows for data exchanges between hardware components. High-level firmware stored on flash memory, which allows for updates and modification.
Subsystem Firmware: This type of firmware is usually embedded in a separate module and microcontroller within the system. It manages specific functions independently of the main function, and just like high-level firmware, it is also stored in flash memory for further updates and reconfigurations.
5 key steps to take for successful firmware development
When you are developing a firmware, whether a brand-new or an improvement over an existing solution, you generally follow a systematic cycle. The steps mentioned below form the essential ingredients that lead to successful firmware development.
1. Collect your requirements
This is the step where you will gather objectives, functional needs, and technical requirements to ensure that product is aligned with the correct specifications. If you already have previous documentation, it is important to share that with your engineering partner. For a new project, a solution discovery will help define a proper roadmap.
2. Firmware architecture design
In this stage of firmware development, engineers create the system blueprint by selecting an appropriate tech stack and defining relationships between components. In architecture, various important aspects are defined, such as system functionality, communication protocol, third-party integrations, and internal structure.
3. Firmware design implementation
After the architecture is completely defined, it’s time for engineering to bring the design to life. They use appropriate programming languages and tools made specifically for your hardware and system to build each feature and integrate all the components to match the agreed design.
4. Testing and debugging
Once the firmware is developed, it is tested rigorously to make sure it meets all the requirements and functions according to the specifications. In this stage, engineers identify and resolve bugs, validate system behavior, and optimize performance. They also create detailed documentation covering codes, test cases, and architectures for smooth maintenance in the future.
5. Post-launch maintenance
The work doesn’t stop after deployment; the last stage of firmware development involves constant monitoring and maintenance. It includes regular updates, error fixes, and functional enhancements to ensure system stability and user satisfaction. User feedback also plays an important role in improving and adapting firmware as per the emerging needs.
Essential components of firmware architecture
Firmware is made of a complex stack of software layers that work together to power embedded systems. The complexity of the firmware architecture grows with the number of tasks a device is expected to perform. Here is a breakdown of the essential components usually found in firmware architecture:
Operating system (OS)
The operating system lies at the core of many embedded systems. It is stored within the firmware itself, and it provides a structured environment that supports both hardware and software. It ensures smooth operation by handling task scheduling, managing memory and drivers, and overseeing the system’s processes.
Kernel
The kernel acts as the control hub between hardware and software. Its main task is to manage system resources, facilitate communication, and ensure proper allocation of processing power and memory to allow smooth and uninterrupted interaction between components.
Device drivers
Device drivers act as a translator between the operating system and hardware. They interpret high-level instructions from the operating system into actionable tasks that hardware can execute. An embedded system cannot interact with sensors, processors, or physical components that are required to complete the task without drivers.
Bootloader
The bootloader is the first piece of firmware that runs when the device powers up. It ensures the proper startup of the system, begins the loading of the operating system or application code, and sometimes also enables secure firmware updates.
Application code
These are the specific applications and functions that the device is designed to carry out, from controlling a thermostat to processing data in the medical field. The application code contains actual business logic and communicates with all the underlying layers to perform the expected function.
Best practices and strategies in firmware development: our experience
Building a well-structured firmware requires a deep understanding of technical skills, hardware, industry standards, and evolving user needs. Some of the key best practices include modular design, proper recovery mechanism, secure design, extensive testing framework, and documentation. Let’s take a closer look at how these strategies are applied in specific industries.
Embedded software development in healthcare
In healthcare, firmware is used to run medical devices like infusion pumps, wearable monitors, and imaging equipment. The main focus is on patient safety, regulatory compliance like IEC 62304 or ISO 13485, and high availability. Development strategies must include risk management processes, secure data handling, and thorough testing protocols to meet high-quality standards.
Firmware development for the energy sector
The energy sector depends heavily on firmware for devices such as smart meters, inverters, and grid controllers. They require real-time data handling, remote configuration, and durability in harsh environments. Developers must focus on low power consumption, reliable communication protocols, and secure update mechanisms to prevent disruption.
Firmware development for consumer electronics
In fast-paced consumer markets, firmware must be user-friendly, secure, high-performing, and easily upgradable. They are used to operate devices such as smart home devices, wearable tech, or everyday IoT-enabled gadgets. The firmware should support fast boot times, easy over-the-air updates, and secure connectivity.
Firmware audit for transportation & logistics
Transportation devices, such as GPS trackers, on-board diagnostics and fleet management systems, rely on firmware for real-time monitoring, data logging, and connectivity. Strategies for improving safety on the go include designing robust CAN protocols, access to power management and firmware traceability.
Challenges you may face in firmware development
Developing firmware is key to getting the system to operate properly. As important as it is, firmware development is difficult. It requires a suitable balance of software engineering, understanding of hardware, and expertise in specific industries. Some of the more frequently seen firmware development issues that you may encounter are:
Complex functionality
With increased complexity of devices comes the expectation that firmware will be able to perform more complex tasks. This more complex functionality comes with increased development time, more effort, and more skills. And if they are not properly managed, it can lead to delayed timelines as well as issues with performance and stability of the overall system.
Regulatory compliance
Standards like HIPAA, GDPR, IEC 62304:2006, and ISO 13485 guarantee safety, privacy, and reliability but also demonstrate how any regulation will require additional complexity to the development process. Firmware engineers are expected to be aware of these regulations and also design and document their work accordingly.
Security considerations in firmware development
Firmware vulnerabilities can expose the entire system to cyber threats. If proper security protocols are not implemented, the firmware can get subjected to malware, backdoors, and unauthorized access. The secure firmware must offer features such as OTA updates, secure boot, device authentication, and encryption methods.
Conclusion
Firmware is the powerhouse that runs modern smart devices, whether that device is a life-saving healthcare device or an everyday household product. Apart from writing low-level code, firmware development is about building an intelligent, efficient, and secure system that easily connects hardware to the digital world. By applying structured practices, and collaborating with teams of experienced embedded developers, the responsibility of relying on your firmware to be safe, functional, compliant, and sustainable becomes much easier.