Hardware Design and Development
Embedded hardware that performs in the real world
Hardware projects fail at predictable points. SoC selection made without software context. PCB layout signed off before thermal or RF implications are understood. Compliance requirements discovered late, after the design is frozen. Manufacturing partners chosen for cost without considering supply chain resilience.
We have hardware development experience across the leading SoC families used in connected devices, broadband, media, industrial, and healthcare applications, spanning multiple silicon generations and package types.
We have spent over 20 years designing and developing hardware for some of the world’s largest connected device programmes. We structure engagements to surface these risks early, before they become expensive.
Navigating the connected hardware landscape with confidence
The hardware ecosystem is evolving quickly. This includes edge computing, AI-enabled devices, next-gen connectivity, and sustainability demands. For technology leaders, the challenge isn’t just keeping up; it’s staying ahead.
At Consult Red, we design and develop hardware that is future-ready and built for real-world performance. Whether you’re launching a new connected product or upgrading old systems, our experts guide you through every stage, from concept to compliance.
We simplify complexity so you can innovate with confidence.
Our Hardware Development Specialisms
Alongside our full hardware development capability, we have particular depth in three areas that are central to the connected devices our clients build.
Audio Visual (AV)
AV transmission, reception, and conversion including HDMI, LVDS, V-by-One®, DisplayPort, far-field audio, audio distribution and amplification
Edge connectivity
Connectivity and interfaces. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LTE, 5G, G.hn, Ethernet, USB and mmWave. Comms protocols including LwM2M and MQTT
Smart vision
Selection of sensors (image, MEMS, ToF, Sensor Fusion), lens (glass/liquid), processor, video and control interfaces (MIPI, IP). Optical system matching and optimisation
Our Hardware Design and Development Services
We support the full hardware development lifecycle, from architecture and rapid prototyping through to compliance, manufacture, and in-life optimisation.
RF technology
Wireless communication and signal processing (including Sub-1 GHz, ATSC, DVB), and low-power wireless
PCB and schematics
High speed design, analogue design and leading PCB
technologies (HDI, ELIC, Any Layer HDI)
FPGA development
Custom high-speed designs based on FPGA and MPSoC’s targeting volume deployments and PoCs
Firmware development
Embedded firmware development ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of your hardware devices
Rapid prototyping
Quick turnaround prototyping to get to an initial
PoC or MVP, bringing hardware concepts to tangible reality
Hardware test & validation
Test and validate the design, construction & performance of your product is optimised
to suit your market requirements
Mechanical design
Innovative mechanical design for durable, functional
and aesthetically appealing hardware products, including design for manufacture
Manufacturing and vendors
Selection and management of manufacturing partners,
and component suppliers for optimal production efficiency and quality
Regulatory compliance
Ensure devices meet regulatory standards for EMC, radio, eco-design and safety market approval, including CE/UKCA/FCC
Design reviews and architecture studies
Independent studies, teardowns, or design reviews
– based on documentation or physical devices
Service/test equipment
Bespoke solutions for labs, factories, and warehouses,
utilising any combinations of in-house design and controllable test equipment
In-life and redesign
Component obsolescence, in-life changes, cost-downs and optimisations to improve product performance/
reliability
Why Consult Red is a leading hardware development company
With an enviable track record of successful project delivery, we enable rapid and practical innovation, aligning our clients’ business and technology ambitions with successful outcomes and market success.
- Solutions and accelerators to kick-start development
- Appropriate technologies and proportionate solutions
- Making products smart – where required and effective
- Proven methodologies, refined across 100s of projects
- Experienced, highly skilled engineers (average 12+ years)
- Truly independent – technology and vendor-agnostic
Frequently asked questions about hardware design and development
-
What does embedded hardware development involve?
Embedded hardware development covers the design and engineering of the physical components within a connected device.
This typically includes SoC or processor selection, schematic design, PCB layout, firmware integration, RF and connectivity design, hardware bring-up, test and validation, regulatory compliance, and design for manufacture.
A complete hardware development engagement considers software requirements from the start, since hardware and software decisions are directly interdependent.
-
What is hardware bring-up?
Hardware bring-up is the process of powering on a new hardware design for the first time and verifying that it functions as intended.
It involves loading initial firmware, testing interfaces, debugging unexpected behaviour, and validating that the hardware meets its design specification.
Bring-up quality is heavily influenced by decisions made earlier in the design process, particularly around schematic review, PCB layout, and simulation.
-
What is design for manufacture (DFM)?
Design for manufacture is the practice of designing hardware with the production process in mind from the outset — selecting components with adequate supply chain depth, designing PCB layouts compatible with automated assembly, and minimising mechanical complexity to reduce unit cost and the assembly error rate.
DFM decisions made early in a programme have a significant impact on both per-unit cost and production yield at scale.
-
How long does hardware development take?
A hardware prototype from initial architecture to a working board can take six to twelve weeks for a moderately complex design. A production-ready device – including hardware validation, firmware integration, regulatory compliance, and design for manufacture – typically takes six to eighteen months, depending on complexity.
Early architecture decisions, particularly around SoC selection and connectivity stack, have the greatest influence on the overall programme timescale.
-
Do you manage regulatory compliance?
Yes. We support CE, UKCA, and FCC compliance, including EMC, radio, eco-design, and safety testing.
We treat compliance as a thread through the development programme rather than a final gate. Designs built with compliance in mind from the start reach the market faster and with fewer costly revisions.
Let’s build what’s next
Whether you’re solving a complex hardware engineering challenge or scaling up a new product, we’re here to help. Get in touch to explore how we can support your next innovation.
Examples of our hardware development work
Case Studies
Integrated, connected TV platform development for US retail market
Consult Red provided hardware and software teams to design, develop and integrate this connected TV platform, as well as further cost-down and performance optimisation initiatives.
Case Studies
Design, tune & test 24GHz radar solutions
The project’s goal was to designed, tuned and tested (DVT and Compliance) Frequency modulated (FMCW) radar solutions to detect presence / absence of people, and ignore […]
Case Studies
Low cost wireless gateway bridge for connected home sensors
Designed for manufacture and scale, Consult Red delivered an end-to-end connected platform which communicated through a low-cost gateway to the cloud.