Embedded Hardware & Firmware Development for Electronics: How TPS Integrates CAN, TCP/IP, and EMC-Compliant Design from Prototype to Production

11 Min Reading time
Written by
Tang Marcus
Published on
14. April 2026
System integrators, panel builders, and procurement teams rarely lose projects because they cannot find a component. They lose time when hardware, firmware, and communication protocols are developed separately, revised separately, and validated separately—only to discover integration issues late in the cycle.
TPS Elektronik’s development services—including embedded hardware development services—are structured to reduce that RFQ risk: hardware and software co-design, communication protocol integration (CAN, TCP/IP, Modbus, RS-232, etc.), EMC-aware PCB layout, and scalable paths from prototype to series production.

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1. Why integrated development matters for RFQ outcomes

In electronics manufacturing, development is not just about creating a circuit diagram. It is the point where hardware architecture, firmware behavior, communication interfaces, compliance requirements, and production readiness finally converge. For system integrators and procurement teams, this means one commercial question: can the supplier deliver a fully defined, manufacturable, and certifiable system—not just fragments of a design?

When hardware, software, and protocols are developed in silos, the result is often scope gaps. The PCB may be correct, but the stm32 programming software lacks diagnostic coverage. The CAN interface may work, but the can bus development tools used for testing are not aligned with production validation. The power supply may meet specifications, but EMC compliance testing reveals issues that could have been addressed earlier.

An integrated development partner reduces risk in three places simultaneously:

  • Architecture before quoting: hardware/software partitioning, protocol selection, and component choices are aligned with cost and performance targets.
  • Design before layout: EMC, thermal, and mechanical constraints are considered during schematic capture, not after prototypes fail testing.
  • Documentation before series: test protocols, manufacturing documentation, and compliance reports are prepared in parallel with development, not as an afterthought.

That is exactly why industrial buyers do not just search for fpga embedded software development solution or stm32 development board with can bus. They search for a partner who can make the entire system manufacturable, certifiable, and quotable without restarting the project three times.

Engineering team reviewing hardware schematics and PCB layout on dual monitors, collaborative development environment

Ingenieurteam überprüft Hardwareschaltpläne und PCB-Layout an zwei Monitoren, kollaborative Entwicklungsumgebung

If your team is still framing the project internally, these TPS resources help align terminology before the RFQ moves forward: custom power supply development and buck-boost converter design.

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2. Embedded hardware development services engineering: from power electronics to PCB design

TPS Elektronik’s hardware engineering development services capabilities span from low-power embedded systems to high-power industrial electronics. Our team designs hardware that balances performance, cost, manufacturability, and compliance from the first schematic.

2.1 Power electronics expertise

We design single- and three-phase power supplies, DC/DC converters, rectifiers, and inverter-based systems. Typical power levels range from a few hundred watts up to several hundred kilowatts. Applications include industrial power supplies, battery test systems, PV inverters, and energy storage systems.

Key expertise includes:

  • Selection and application of power semiconductors (MOSFETs, IGBTs, SiC, GaN).
  • Magnetic component design (transformers, inductors) for efficiency and thermal performance.
  • Analog sensing circuits for current, voltage, and temperature with high accuracy.
  • Switching device integration (relays, contactors, circuit breakers) for protection and control.

2.2 PCB design and layout

We use Altium Designer and Cadence Allegro for schematic capture and PCB layout. Our design process integrates EMC, thermal, and mechanical constraints early, reducing the need for late-stage revisions. We specialize in mixed-signal boards, high-power layouts, and dense embedded systems.

For mechanical integration, we use SolidWorks and AutoCAD to ensure that PCBs, enclosures, connectors, and thermal management work together seamlessly. This is especially critical for panel builders and system integrators who need drop-in ready assemblies.
PCB layout in Altium Designer showing power electronics section with high-current traces and component placement

PCB-Layout in Altium Designer mit Leistungselektronikbereich, hochstromführende Leiterbahnen und Bauteilplatzierung

For detailed case studies on hardware development, explore our custom power supply design case study and battery test system development.

3. Firmware and embedded software: MCU, FPGA, and control logic

Hardware alone is not enough. Reliable electronics require well-structured firmware that implements control loops, diagnostics, communication stacks, and safety logic. TPS develops embedded software for microcontroller (MCU) and FPGA-based systems.

3.1 MCU firmware development

We have extensive experience with STM32, AVR, and other ARM-based microcontrollers. Our stm32 programming software expertise covers low-level peripheral drivers, real-time control loops, state machines, and application-layer software. We structure firmware for maintainability, testability, and field update capability.

3.2 FPGA and CPLD design

For applications requiring deterministic timing, high-speed processing, or custom I/O handling, we develop FPGA-based solutions using VHDL or Verilog. This includes fpga embedded software development solution for motor control, signal processing, and custom communication interfaces.

3.3 Control algorithms and diagnostics

We implement control algorithms for power converters, battery management systems (BMS), and motion control. Diagnostics and fault handling are integrated from the start, ensuring that the system can detect, report, and respond to abnormal conditions without compromising safety.

Firmware engineer debugging embedded code on STM32 development board with oscilloscope displaying I2C signals

Firmware-Entwickler debuggt eingebetteten Code auf STM32-Entwicklungsboard mit Oszilloskop, das I2C-Signale anzeigt

For insights into medical device software development, see our medical device software development guide and PCB design for medical devices.

4. Communication protocols: CAN, TCP/IP, Modbus, and custom interfaces

Modern industrial and automotive systems rely on robust communication protocols. TPS integrates standard interfaces and develops custom protocol stacks to meet application requirements.

4.1 CAN bus development: from board to diagnostics

CAN bus is the backbone of automotive and industrial control systems. We develop can bus development solutions including can bus development board designs, can bus development kit integration, and can bus development tools for testing and diagnostics. Our expertise covers:

  • Hardware integration of CAN transceivers with STM32, AVR, and other MCUs.
  • Software stacks for CAN 2.0B and CAN FD, including higher-layer protocols like CANopen and J1939.
  • stm32 development board with can bus designs for prototyping and production.
  • obd-ii can-bus development kit integration for automotive diagnostics and telematics.

4.2 TCP/IP and Modbus for industrial automation

Industrial automation increasingly relies on Ethernet-based communication. We implement:

  • communication protocol tcp ip stacks for embedded systems, including lwIP and custom implementations.
  • modbus tcp ip communication protocol for PLC integration, SCADA systems, and industrial controllers.
  • tcp ip is a suite of two communication protocols — TCP for reliable transport and IP for addressing. We ensure proper implementation of both for industrial robustness.
  • data communications and networking with tcp ip protocol suite expertise for applications requiring remote monitoring, fleet management, and cloud connectivity.

4.3 Serial interfaces: RS-232, RS-485, USB, and I²C/SPI

For legacy integration and device-level communication, we develop solutions using RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, SPI, I²C, and USB. Our usb serial to rs232 interface integrated circuit expertise ensures reliable bridging between modern USB hosts and legacy RS-232 devices. We also develop custom communication protocol stacks when standard protocols do not meet performance or security requirements.

CAN bus analyzer displaying network traffic with CAN frames, embedded system connected, development environment

CAN-Bus-Analysator mit Netzwerkverkehr, dekodierten CAN-Frames und angeschlossenem eingebetteten System

For real-world examples of protocol integration, see our PCB design and software development case study.

5. EMC and safety: standards-driven design from the start

One of the most costly mistakes in electronics development is treating EMC and safety as afterthoughts. At TPS, we integrate compliance thinking from the first schematic.

5.1 EMC design and testing

We design for electromagnetic compatibility from the layout stage: proper grounding, filtering, shielding, and component placement. Our team has knowledge of European, U.S., and Chinese EMC standards. We support emc compliance testing products and coordinate with accredited laboratories for formal certification.

5.2 Safety standards for automotive and industrial

For automotive projects, we adhere to car safety standards us vs europe requirements, including FMVSS, ECE regulations, and ISO 26262 for functional safety. For industrial and consumer applications, we ensure compliance with ce european safety standards, UL, and IEC norms.

Key safety-related standards we apply:

  • european automotive safety standards including ECE R10 (EMC) and ISO 26262 (functional safety).
  • european car safety standards for vehicle electronics and telematics.
  • car seat european safety standards for applications involving seating electronics (e.g., occupancy detection, heating control).

By addressing EMC and safety early, we reduce certification risk and prevent costly redesigns after prototypes have already been built.

EMC pre-compliance testing setup with spectrum analyzer, near-field probes, and device under test in shielded environment

EMV-Vorprüfungsaufbau mit Spektrumanalysator, Nahfeldsonde und Prüfling in abgeschirmter Umgebung

For reference, external standards bodies provide the foundation for compliance: ISO 26262 overview and IEC EMC standards.

Discuss your compliance requirements with TPS →

6. Development workflow: from concept to series readiness

A structured development process is essential for predictable timelines and reliable outcomes. TPS follows a phased approach that aligns hardware, software, and compliance activities.

6.1 Concept and requirements phase

We start by clarifying functional requirements, performance targets, communication interfaces, environmental conditions, and compliance needs. This phase produces a system specification that serves as the basis for quoting and design.

6.2 Design and prototyping

Schematic capture, PCB layout, firmware development, and mechanical design proceed in parallel. We produce functional prototypes for initial testing, allowing early validation of critical functions and communication interfaces.

6.3 Testing and compliance

Prototypes undergo electrical testing, thermal characterization, EMC pre-compliance, and functional safety analysis. We document results and iterate as needed before moving to pre-series.

6.4 Series readiness and transfer

Once the design is finalized, we prepare manufacturing documentation, test fixtures, and quality plans. TPS can then transition seamlessly to series production using our EMS capabilities, ensuring that what was developed is exactly what is manufactured.

Development workflow timeline from concept through prototype to series production with milestones and documentation

Entwicklungsablauf-Zeitleiste vom Konzept über Prototyp zur Serienproduktion mit Meilensteinen und Dokumentation

For examples of integrated development projects, see our case studies on buck-boost converter design and circuit breaker retrofit.

7. Why TPS is a strategic fit for your development project

TPS Elektronik is especially relevant when your project requires more than just a PCB layout or firmware snippet. We are a partner who bridges hardware, software, and compliance under one roof.

Key reasons why system integrators, procurement teams, and electrical engineers choose TPS for development:

  • Integrated hardware/software co-design: We avoid the common trap where hardware and software teams work independently, causing late-stage integration issues.
  • Protocol expertise across CAN, TCP/IP, Modbus, and custom stacks: We implement communication stacks that are reliable, maintainable, and field-proven.
  • EMC and safety from the start: We design for compliance, reducing certification risk and preventing costly redesigns.
  • Scalability from prototype to series: Our EMS capabilities mean the same team that develops your product can also manufacture it at scale.
  • Experience across power levels: From watts to hundreds of kilowatts, we design hardware that performs reliably under real-world conditions.

For procurement, this translates to fewer scope gaps, shorter time-to-market, and a single point of accountability for both development and manufacturing. For engineers, it means working with a team that understands the full system context, not just one discipline.

Development team collaboration with hardware engineer, firmware engineer, and compliance specialist reviewing prototype

Entwicklungsteam-Kollaboration mit Hardware-Ingenieur, Firmware-Ingenieur und Compliance-Spezialist bei der Prototypenprüfung

8. FAQ: development services for electronics

What types of communication protocols can TPS integrate?

We integrate CAN (CAN 2.0B, CAN FD), TCP/IP, Modbus (RTU and TCP), RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, SPI, I²C, USB, and custom protocol stacks. Our expertise includes higher-layer protocols like CANopen, J1939, and application-specific implementations.

What is the typical development process for a custom embedded system?

We follow a phased approach: requirements definition, system architecture, schematic and PCB layout, firmware development, prototyping, testing (electrical, thermal, EMC), compliance preparation, and series readiness documentation. The process is tailored to your timeline and certification needs.

Does TPS support both prototype development and series production?

Yes. Our EMS capabilities mean we can develop your product and then manufacture it at scale. This eliminates the need to transfer design data to a separate production partner, reducing transition risk and time-to-market.

How do you ensure EMC compliance during development?

We design for EMC from the layout stage: proper grounding, filtering, shielding, and component placement. We perform pre-compliance testing during prototyping and can coordinate with accredited laboratories for formal certification. This approach minimizes last-minute surprises.

What safety standards do you follow for automotive and industrial projects?

For automotive, we follow ISO 26262 (functional safety), ECE R10 (EMC), and relevant car safety standards (US and European). For industrial, we apply IEC 61010, IEC 61508, and CE/UL requirements. We integrate safety thinking from the concept phase.
Ready to move from concept to series-ready electronics? Contact TPS Elektronik for a transparent development RFQ process, integrated hardware/software co-design, and scalable manufacturing from prototype to production. Start your development RFQ →
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