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Stabilising embedded software for a premium automotive audio system
Case study | Holisticon Connect
A global Tier 1 automotive technology supplier needed additional embedded engineering expertise to support the development of a premium in-vehicle amplifier.
We joined an ongoing, technically complex project to reduce the software bug backlog, improve execution performance and stabilise DSP firmware running in a heterogeneous multi-core environment. Our work combined low-level debugging, legacy code refactoring, system optimisation and testing directly on the target hardware.
About the client
The client is a global automotive technology company delivering connected vehicle technologies, premium audio solutions, cloud services and IoT products for leading automotive manufacturers worldwide.
Making a complex audio platform easier to develop and maintain
The amplifier software was already under active development when our engineers joined the project. The client needed experienced embedded developers who could quickly navigate the existing system, resolve critical software issues and improve its performance without disrupting ongoing development.
The technical environment added another layer of complexity. The platform combined dual C66 DSP cores with an ARM Cortex-M4 MCU and required communication between different processors and other system components. Documentation was limited, while parts of the legacy code had been developed across several international vendor teams.
This meant that solving individual bugs was only part of the task. The team also needed to understand undocumented behaviour, identify root causes across hardware and software boundaries and make the existing codebase easier to work with in the future.
How we supported the project
Our embedded engineers worked directly within the client’s development environment, supporting both day-to-day problem solving and longer-term improvements to the platform.
DSP debugging and defect resolution
Investigated issues in the DSP software stack, identified root causes and resolved critical software defects.
Communication and performance optimisation
Improved inter-core communication and synchronisation while optimising software execution performance across the multi-core platform.
Legacy code refactoring and documentation
Restructured existing components to improve readability and maintainability, while documenting critical areas of previously poorly documented code.
System integration and quality assurance
Supported integration with other system components and carried out software testing and code reviews to improve reliability.
From bug fixing to a more stable firmware foundation
The collaboration helped reduce the existing bug backlog and improve overall system performance. DSP firmware was stabilised in the multi-core environment, while key legacy components were refactored and documented to support future development.
Just as importantly, the work improved the team’s understanding of a technically demanding codebase. Instead of treating each issue as an isolated fix, the engineers addressed underlying problems in communication, synchronisation and code structure.
Impact
Reduced software bug backlog
Critical issues in the DSP software stack were identified and resolved.
Improved system performance
Low-level communication and software execution were optimised.
More stable DSP firmware
The firmware was strengthened for operation in a heterogeneous multi-core environment.
A more maintainable codebase
Important legacy components were refactored and documented, creating a better foundation for further development.
Core technologies
Languages: C, Embedded C, Python
Hardware: Texas Instruments platform, dual C66 DSP cores, ARM Cortex-M4
Interfaces and peripherals: McASP, EDMA, I2S, EMC
Tools and frameworks: Code Composer Studio, TI DSP libraries, Audio Weaver
Other: Git, JIRA, Bitbucket, Bash, Agile methodologies
Passion and Execution
About Holisticon Connect
At Holisticon Connect, our core values of Passion and Execution drive us towards a Promising Future. We are a hands-on tech company that places people at the centre of everything we do. Specialising in Custom Software Development, Cloud and Operations, Bespoke Data Visualisations, Engineering & Embedded services, we build trust through our promise to deliver and a no-drama approach. We are committed to delivering reliable and effective solutions, ensuring our clients can count on us to meet their needs with integrity and excellence.