Embedded hardware designed by Integra Sources.

Embedded Hardware Design & Development Services

We develop embedded electronics around the product’s functional, electrical, mechanical, and operating requirements. Our embedded hardware engineering services address key design constraints early, including power, interfaces, component selection, manufacturability, and system integration. This reduces technical risk and costly design revisions as the product moves from prototype to production.

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An embedded developer is working on a printed circuit board.

What we do

We develop complete embedded hardware platforms — from compact MCU-based devices to complex systems using SoCs and single-board computers — that bring sensors, communication interfaces, and onboard processing into a unified system. Through embedded system architecture design, we balance processing requirements, memory, I/O, power consumption, and thermal constraints early in development. This approach simplifies firmware integration and helps reduce signal integrity and EMI risks before PCB layout is finalized. The result is a cost-effective design prepared for efficient testing, manufacturing, and future product updates.

Platform & Component Selection

Product requirements determine how much processing power the hardware really needs. Our team evaluates performance, power consumption, unit cost, and operating conditions before choosing between MCUs, SoCs, or single-board computers. We also compare proven off-the-shelf modules with custom board designs to find the right trade-off for the project. This keeps embedded hardware solutions cost-effective without adding processing capacity the application does not need.

System Architecture Design

Reliable embedded systems start with a clear architecture built around performance and system constraints. Before schematic design begins, we map key data paths, power domains, and interfaces in functional block diagrams. Our embedded system architecture design accounts for bandwidth, timing, power requirements, and dependencies between major functional blocks. The resulting blueprint guides schematic development and helps identify design risks early.

Peripheral & I/O Integration

From low-rate sensors to cameras and high-speed storage, peripherals place very different demands on an embedded device. We integrate them using USB, Ethernet, CAN, MIPI, wireless connectivity, and other interfaces suited to the application. Bandwidth, latency, and device-specific requirements are considered from the start so peripheral interfaces do not become a constraint on system performance.

Security & Reliability Engineering

Devices deployed in the field may require protection against firmware tampering, unauthorized access, and extraction of sensitive data. We design hardware security features such as a hardware root of trust, encrypted storage, and tamper detection, while adding safeguards that support reliable operation in demanding environments. These measures help protect sensitive data and intellectual property while maintaining system integrity in healthcare, industrial, and other security-sensitive applications.

Prototyping & Bring-Up

We assemble early prototype boards and perform the first power-on to verify basic hardware operation. Our engineers check power rails, processor startup, key interfaces, and peripherals, troubleshooting any issues found on the bench. Where needed, we also validate critical signals and thermal behavior. We document the test results and prepare the prototype for further system testing and manufacturing.

Cross-Discipline Coordination

Developing PCB layouts and programmable logic in isolation increases the risk of interface conflicts and late-stage redesigns. Our team coordinates system architecture, board design, and FPGA logic within a shared development workflow. Through our hardware development services, we align pin assignments, interfaces, and design constraints across disciplines to identify conflicts early. This coordination reduces unnecessary design iterations and helps keep the project on schedule.

What You Get

Hardware Design Documentation

We provide schematics, BOMs, PCB design files, interface specifications, and other engineering documentation. Your team can use these files to maintain, modify, and further develop the product.

Hardware Prototype

You receive an assembled and tested prototype for design validation. We verify board operation, power rails, interfaces, and key functions before system-level integration and validation.

Intellectual Property Rights

You receive ownership of the project-specific hardware designs and engineering documentation developed for your project. This gives your team the freedom to manufacture the product and make future design changes independently.

PCB Manufacturing Documentation

We provide Gerber and drill files, pick-and-place data, assembly drawings, and fabrication notes. This package gives your manufacturer the files needed for PCB fabrication and assembly.

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Our projects

Check Integra’s previous embedded product development projects.

Aircraft Towing Protection System

The system helps airport ground personnel carry out aircraft towing safely. It consists of parking sensors, a mobile app, and a web portal.

Aircraft
Embedded hardware development
Embedded software development
Firmware development
Mobile app development
Web development

SEE THE PROJECT READ THE REVIEW

Wi-Fi-Enabled Controller for Hot Tubs

Integra Sources developed a device for controlling the equipment of hot tubs. We also created a mobile app for communicating with the device.

Custom software development
Embedded hardware development
Firmware development
Internet of Things
Mobile app development

SEE THE PROJECT

IoT Device Development for Oil & Gas Sensors

The project aimed to develop a connected device for various sensors used in the oil and gas industry. There are many options for using the IoT.

Embedded hardware development
Embedded software development
Firmware development
Web development

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Battery Management System Development

Integra Sources reviewed the hardware and software of the battery management system. We provided PCB, firmware, app, and server development.

Custom software development
Embedded hardware development
Embedded software development
Firmware development
Web development

SEE THE PROJECT READ THE REVIEW

See All Our Projects

Reviews

"Integra Sources' extensive preparation beforehand helped give confidence to the client that they chose the right partner. Despite the time difference, they are able to stay in constant communication. Integra's dedication to the project has led the client to develop an ongoing relationship."

Christophe Baudia

CEO at GeoMoby

"The database has satisfied all scope requirements. The upgrades have improved communication and performance. Team strengths include accessibility and problem-solving and they are unafraid to research problems and develop their own solutions. Integra demonstrated strong management skills when they managed our servers for a week during an important trade show; we showcased our product at the event. Communication channels are always fluid and straightforward."

Eduardo Ruiz

Founder & CEO at Ruiz Aerospace Manufacturing

"Integra's team helped us clarify our requirements and change systems architecture to achieve the final goal. I'd say that the flexibility and enthusiasm of both engineering and management teams throughout the whole project were some of the things we value most in our collaboration."

Dr. Sam Wass

University of East London

Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

Read this information to better understand the process of embedded hardware design.

How do you decide between an off-the-shelf module and a fully custom hardware design?

We base the decision on product requirements, production volume, target cost, time to market, form factor, power consumption, interfaces, regulatory requirements, and expected product lifetime. An off-the-shelf module can reduce development time and risk, especially for prototypes and low-volume products. We recommend custom hardware development when standard modules cannot meet system, mechanical, or compliance requirements, or when higher volumes justify reducing BOM and per-unit costs.

Can you design hardware for extreme or harsh operating environments?

Yes. We design embedded hardware solutions for harsh environments, including industrial, outdoor, mining, and oil and gas applications. We account for operating temperature, humidity, dust and moisture, vibration, shock, and other environmental stresses from the start. Depending on the requirements, we select industrial-grade components, address thermal management and PCB protection, and design for mechanical robustness. We also perform or coordinate environmental testing and design to meet applicable standards and certification requirements.

How do you validate a new hardware platform during bring-up?

We validate a new hardware platform step by step. We start with a visual inspection and verify power rails, current consumption, clocks, and reset signals before checking processor startup, memory, and key interfaces. We then test peripherals and use test firmware or the platform BSP, where applicable, to verify hardware-software interaction. Any issues are traced, corrected, and retested before the platform moves to full functional validation.

I want to test my idea. How can you do this?

We can start with a proof of concept (PoC) to validate the technical feasibility of your idea before investing in full embedded hardware development. Depending on the project, we use development boards, evaluation boards, off-the-shelf modules, and firmware to build a working PoC. This lets us test key features, interfaces, and critical design assumptions, identify technical risks early, and determine whether the concept is ready for custom hardware development.

How can I speed up embedded product development?

We can shorten the development cycle by working on hardware and firmware in parallel. Once the system architecture and key interfaces are defined, our software engineers can start working with evaluation boards or development kits. Meanwhile, the custom PCB moves through design and fabrication. This helps us validate critical functions early, identify integration issues sooner, and reduce delays during board bring-up. Our embedded design services keep hardware and software development coordinated within one team.

What does the process of embedded hardware design look like?

We start embedded systems hardware design by defining functional, performance, interface, power, size, cost, and regulatory requirements. The typical process includes:

System architecture and component selection
Schematic design and PCB layout
Design reviews and DFM/DFT analysis
Prototype fabrication and assembly
Board bring-up, hardware validation, and firmware integration
Functional, electrical, and environmental testing as required
Design revisions and pre-compliance testing, if required
Final manufacturing files and preparation for production

The exact workflow depends on the product, its complexity, and the target market.

Do you perform incoming inspection of components?

Yes. We inspect components before using them in prototypes or other hardware we assemble as part of our embedded design services. We check part numbers, quantities, labels, packaging, and visible condition against the BOM and purchase documents. For critical components, we can perform additional checks based on project requirements. Damaged, incorrect, or suspect parts are not used for assembly.