Shaping the future 

We’ve been developing embedded software for as long as it has existed, influencing emerging technologies over many years.

We work intimately with our radio systems, digital signal processing, electronics and user experience teams to develop reliable high-performance software in the shortest timeframes. 

Our specialisms

Edge processing
High-demand processing on resource-constrained, networked devices is one of our key strengths, allowing our clients to get the best from their digital service.
Security and encryption
Security is a paramount concern, particularly when dealing with complex systems in critical sectors. We employ world-class experts from the defence community.
Connectivity & IoT
As visionary leaders in IoT, we have expert knowledge across the tech landscape, including all emerging standards and technologies.

Proven solutions to complex problems

The rise of ‘smart’ and ‘deep’ technologies is mired in exponential rises in complexity. We invest in the tools, processes and talent necessary to successfully complete even the most complex projects.

We employ a test-focused design approach, considering test strategy from the outset and building test frameworks alongside the main project development.

We also work with regulators – in many sectors, including medical and telecoms – as well as third-party test certification bodies to ensure regulatory compliance to global standards.

Understanding client & user requirements

Whether the challenge is achieving ultra-low power consumption or managing the trade-offs between power, bandwidth and processor load, our development is driven by our client’s and their users’ specific requirements.

We’re platform and technology independent, with a depth of expertise across embedded techniques and technologies that is unparalleled. This allows us to deliver the very best solution for our clients, built on the principles of user-centred design.

Experience

A history of breakthroughs

During many decades at the forefront of embedded software, we’ve created hundreds of breakthrough systems and novel silicon applications.

Examples include parallel processing for Mindspeed’s 3D basestation network, vector processing for radar and the award-winning KiCoPen low-energy insulin pen.

We also developed the first digital pregnancy test, followed by the first video phone for Orange in 1999. In 2000, we launched the world’s first single-chip Bluetooth radio, leading to our billion-dollar spin-out company Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR).

Scale & breadth

Our team of 150+ embedded software experts span four global offices in two continents, with skillsets covering the full spectrum of disciplines, from machine learning, positioning, sensing and DSP, to biometrics, bare metal, real-time operating systems (RTOS) and digital security.

Interested in joining us? 

Tech, tools & facilities

Data, development & test labs

Data, development & test labs

With one petabyte local storage and specialised hardware for telecoms chassis design, machine learning development and more, this facility allows us to develop, test and operate new cloud-ready digital services rapidly in a secure environment.

 

It enables rapid end-to-end prototyping and experimentation of sensitive concepts. We work across the full spectrum of cloud service providers, supporting both public and private infrastructures.

Cloud stack development

Cloud stack development

This virtualised compute resource – affectionately known as Cloud Cuckoo – is specifically designed to enable rapid systems research and development within a controlled, secure environment. Having the facility to spin up large numbers of virtual machines on-demand is unusual and highly advantageous. With multiple multi-core shelves and nearly a petabyte of fast storage, this resource provides support for all layers of cloud stack development. It’s compatible with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud and other popular platforms.

Facility Continuous-integration software

Scalable software test facility

Continuous integration (CI) is central to building and delivering high-quality software. Our virtualised CI test facility enables us to test complex software at scale, with or without hardware in the loop, to identify problems earlier and fix them faster. It provides a clean, isolated virtual build environment, pre-loaded with industry-leading tools such as Coverity static analysis. CI testing is integrated with our version control, enabling every software revision to be automatically built, tested on real hardware and analysed.

Case studies

Wireless breakthrough for the Ocado Smart Platform

A world-first in radio design helps transform online grocery across the globe

Iridium Extreme satellite phone

The first truly global ‘Push-To-Talk’ mobile communications system

accesso smart wearable

For their latest wearable device, accesso wanted to take their LoQueue virtual queuing solution to the next level, adding greater interactivity and creating new ways to connect with park guests during their visit.

Axsis

Axsis medical robotic concept

AXSIS demonstrates the possibilities of intelligent robotic design – robots that are dramatically smaller yet significantly more capable than existing surgical equipment.

News & insights

多発性硬化症による歩行障害のための治療用デバイス、FDAが販売を承認
Press release

Device for treating gait deficit caused by multiple sclerosis receives FDA marketing authorization

15th Jun 2021

Helius Medical Technologies’ groundbreaking PoNS device for short-term treatment of gait deficit due to multiple sclerosis has received marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Press release

Cambridge Consultants building the world’s largest commercial airborne antenna

2nd Nov 2020

Cambridge Consultants working in collaboration with Stratospheric Platforms Ltd unveils a wireless antenna unlike anything seen before, delivering affordable 5G connectivity from a fleet of zero-emissions aircraft. 

Whitepaper

The new FDA: navigating the moving line between consumer & medical

17th Oct 2018

Technology is advancing at a remarkable pace. Can regulatory agencies keep up? They are working hard at that and in that process come many changes. The line between what is a consumer device and what is a...

  • Digital health
  • Embedded software
  • Product realisation
  • Strategic advice
Opinion

The insider’s view

2nd Aug 2021

What is it really like to work at Cambridge Consultants? Here, three senior colleagues look back on their time at the company and the experience of working here.

  • Digital service innovation
  • Embedded software
  • Human factors
  • Project management
  • Radio systems

Events

Speaker

The Engineering Design Show 2022

12th Oct 2022 - 13th Oct 2022
Eureka Arena, Coventry, UK

The Engineering Design Show is the UK’s only event entirely dedicated to engineering, electronics and embedded design.