Services

Embedded firmware, start to finish

Whether you need an entire product's firmware or an extra senior engineer on your team, the focus is the same: firmware that works, whether it's a quick prototype or a product headed to production.

Core service

Product firmware development

End-to-end firmware for microcontroller-based products, from the first line of code to the build that goes to manufacturing.

  • Firmware architecture in C and C++, bare-metal or RTOS (FreeRTOS)
  • Peripheral and sensor drivers: UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, RS-485, SDI-12
  • Sensor integration and data logging to flash or SD card
  • Low-power design and battery-life optimization
  • Displays and touch interfaces with LVGL
  • Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
  • Hardware validation and production test support
Connectivity

Connected devices & cloud integration

Connected products live or die by their connection. Devices should join, stay online, recover from dropouts and report data without anyone babysitting them.

  • Bluetooth Low Energy devices
  • Wi-Fi provisioning and networking (lwIP)
  • Cellular IoT with CAT-M1 LTE modules (Quectel BG95/BG96)
  • GPS/GNSS location tracking
  • MQTT messaging, TLS-secured connections and AWS IoT integration
  • Vehicle and equipment networks: CAN and J1939
  • Ethernet and Power-over-Ethernet devices

Rapid prototyping

Proof-of-concept devices built from off-the-shelf modules and dev kits, with optional 3D-printed enclosures. Put something real in front of investors, customers or your team quickly.

Firmware team augmentation

An experienced embedded engineer who joins your existing team, works in your repo and process, and helps clear the backlog or hit a launch date.

Hardware bring-up & debugging

Bringing up new boards, tracking down hardware and firmware faults with oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and diagnosing or repairing problem units.

Code reviews & firmware audits

An independent review of your existing firmware for reliability, maintainability and security, with a prioritized list of what to fix before launch.

Firmware migration

Porting existing firmware to a new microcontroller or board revision, whether it's driven by part shortages, end-of-life components or cost reduction.

Manufacturing support

Production test firmware, device programming workflows and support moving a product from prototype to the production line.

Need PCB design, mechanical engineering, mobile apps or manufacturing? 40 Below Labs works with a network of trusted partner firms and can bring them in when your project calls for it.

Toolbox

Technologies

Microcontrollers & modules

  • ESP32
  • STM32
  • Quectel BG95 / BG96

Languages & frameworks

  • C
  • C++
  • Python
  • Bare-metal
  • FreeRTOS
  • LVGL

Protocols

  • BLE
  • Wi-Fi
  • LTE CAT-M1
  • GPS / GNSS
  • Ethernet
  • MQTT
  • TLS
  • AWS IoT
  • CAN
  • J1939
  • RS-485
  • SDI-12
  • UART / SPI / I2C

Tools

  • ESP-IDF
  • STM32CubeIDE
  • PlatformIO
  • Git
  • J-Link
  • ST-Link
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Logic analyzers

Rapid prototyping

  • Arduino
  • Raspberry Pi
  • 3D printing
  • Fusion 360
  • Hand soldering & rework
  • Breadboard & perfboard
  • Python test tools
FAQ

Common questions

Do you work with clients outside North Dakota?

Yes. Most work is remote, with clients across the US and abroad. Hardware ships easily, and regular video check-ins keep everyone in sync.

Can you work on our existing codebase?

Yes. Much of my work is on existing projects: adding features, fixing bugs, improving performance, porting to new hardware or reviewing code before launch.

Do you work with startups?

Yes. I work with everyone from early-stage startups building a first prototype to established companies shipping production devices, and projects are scoped to fit your stage and budget.

Can you sign an NDA?

Yes. I'm happy to sign one before you share project details.

Who owns the code?

You do. The firmware written for your project belongs to you.

What does a project cost?

Every project is different. After a discovery call you'll get a scope and estimate, so you know the cost before work begins.

Do you design PCBs?

Board design is handled through trusted partners. I handle firmware, board bring-up, debugging and repair, and can coordinate the hardware side with a partner.

Let's talk about your project

A short call is usually enough to find out whether we're a good fit and what the next step should be.

Start a project