Client – Who are they/what do they do
Multinational consumer medical device manufacturer.
Challenge – What did they need us to do
The client engaged Embed to evaluate several potential MCU replacements for their current product. This assessment includes a thorough review of technical documentation such as datasheets, user guides and errata against the technical requirements of the client’s product portfolio. The investigation will also consider available developer toolchains and the quality of technical support offered for each candidate MCU.
Solution – How did we solve it for the client
A shortlist of microcontrollers (MCUs) was compiled based on initial suitability for the intended application. Each MCU underwent a detailed feature comparison to assess its capabilities and limitations. The evaluation focused on several core attributes, including clock speed, internal flash memory capacity, number of available I/O pins, form factor, operating voltage range and supported temperature conditions. Particular attention was given to the onboard peripherals, with a thorough review of their technical specifications to ensure alignment with the product’s functional requirements.
Power consumption of peripherals emerged as a key consideration in the selection process. Since representative firmware was not yet available for testing, power usage had to be estimated using data provided in the manufacturers’ datasheets. This estimation was critical for identifying MCUs that could meet the low-power requirements of the final product, especially in scenarios where energy efficiency is paramount.
To validate hardware compatibility, each MCU was checked against the product’s peripheral requirements. This involved confirming not only the presence of necessary peripherals but also their ability to support the required functionality. While having spare I/O pins was considered beneficial for debugging and potential future expansion, it was treated as a secondary priority rather than a strict requirement.
In parallel with the hardware evaluation, a review of available compiler toolchains was conducted. Several vendors were shortlisted and their offerings were assessed based on ease of use, support for both onboard and offboard debugging, pricing models, programmer hardware options and the quality of technical support. These factors were essential in determining the long-term viability and developer experience associated with each MCU platform.
To conclude the feasibility study, the pros and cons of each MCU were documented in detail. A final report was produced summarising all findings, including a comparative analysis, risk mitigation strategies and a clear recommendation for the most suitable MCU. This report serves as a foundational reference for subsequent design and development phases.
