Karl Spielberger
Software consultant, architect and developer
Experience
Software consultant, architect and developer
Forklift truck manufacturer
Consulting in all areas of software development such as architecture, inter- and intra-process communication, end-to-end safety assurance
Resource monitoring and measurement like runtime and memory usage
Specification of interface and implementation patterns as well as high-level and detailed specifications
Design and implementation of functional and safety software
Specification of unit tests and supervision of integration and software tests of the HIL test department as part of software validation
Development of platform-independent control and regulation software for a fuel cell system (multi-processor 16-bit and multi-core 32-bit)
Development and concept design of state machines
Development and concept design of control algorithms
Development and concept design of inter-process safety communication
Development and concept design of base software components for parameter, characteristic curve, and error management
Development of vehicle communication based on CAN
Development and concept design of commissioning, maintenance, and service interfaces via CAN and UDS diagnostics
Execution of validation and support of external validation
Creation of test specifications
Software development for Traveo II security firmware and security low-level drivers
Semiconductor manufacturer
C code implementation of the software design following QA-C source code style guidelines, MISRA-C:2012 and metrics
Implementation of simple, integration, and software tests for the Green Hills and IAR compilers
Analysis and configuration (Tresos) of sub-modules FLS, FEE, IPC, TRNG, PRNG, and crypto
Debugging and verification using the debugger (Green Hills Probe) for execution path and interrupt analysis as well as runtime analysis
Handling of software architecture and detailed software design using Enterprise Architect and Polarion
C code implementation of the software design following QA-C source code style guidelines, MISRA-C:2004 and metrics for the S-LLD components IPC and CRYPTO
Implementation of simple tests as well as unit, integration, and software tests using VectorCAST for IPC and CRYPTO; description of test verify criteria
Execution of unit, integration, and software tests using VectorCAST/Manage for PROT, IPC, and CRYPTO; separation of compiler switch-specific test environments
Creation of software test cases and test instances in Polarion; execution and documentation of unit, integration, and software tests for various microcontroller derivatives and revisions
Handling of software test specifications and creation of software test reports
Execution of software tests using the Cypress starter kits for derivatives BE1M, BE2M, BH4M, C2D6M, and BH8M
Determination of code, constant, and RAM requirements of the low-level drivers as well as runtime analysis
Extension and adaptation of the S-LLD user manuals
Software testing and validation consulting
Automotive supplier
- Requirements analysis of the system specification
- Analysis of the software architecture
- Analysis of the detailed design (Rhapsody model)
- Code analysis (ANSI-C, MISRA-2004)
- Conducting reviews for unit tests and debugger tests
- Creation of test specifications (unit tests)
- Implementation of unit tests (VectorCAST)
Software development and testing for AutoSar 4.03 MCAL post-build configurable CAN plug-in
Semiconductor manufacturer
- Analysis of the software architecture and creation of the detailed software design using Enterprise Architect
- Separation of pre-compile and post-build specific software parts; detailed design in Polarion and import of EA design diagrams
- C code implementation of the software design following QA-C source code criteria and metrics
- Commissioning and extension with post-build specific simple tests for UART and CAN on the starter kit SK-91520
- Expansion and adaptation of the MCAL CAN driver user manual
- Determination of code, constant, and RAM requirements of the MCAL plug-in and verification using Excel sheets
- Implementation and execution of unit tests using VectorCAST; separation of test environments
- Creation of software test cases and test instances in Polarion; execution and documentation of integration tests
- Review of software test specifications and creation of software test reports
- Simple and integration tests for AutoSar 4.x CAN-FD and SPI plug-ins of the Traveo ARM microcontroller family S6J3000
Vehicle dynamics software analysis
Automotive supplier
- Software analysis of the PSI5 component with respect to MISRA guidelines
- Identification of design options to improve quality and extensibility
- Documentation of the software component using abstract graphical illustrations
- Variant-specific analysis of source codes; evaluation according to MISRA and coding guidelines
- Algorithm review
- Illustration of function call and state trees
- Creation of an architecture document for the PSI5 component covering lower-, middle-, and high-level sub-components
Control Unit Development Vehicle Dynamics – Vertical Dynamic Platform (VDP, SAS)
Automotive Supplier
Development and adaptation of software components according to project specifications
Development of consistency requirements for the NvM RAM mirror
Analysis of the ECU runtime behavior
Creation of architecture documents
Formulation of component requirements regarding access to non-volatile data
Creation of a technical concept for safe shutdown and restart of the ECU
Coordination of requirements with suppliers
Creation of test specifications for components
Static C software analyses of the multicore architecture
Analysis of the interplay between Conti base software, Conti AutoSar, BMW libraries, and others
Analysis of the AutoSar stack in startup, shutdown, and cancel shutdown areas
Analysis of the FlexRay transceiver shutdown and wake-up behavior
Analysis of PowerSBC behavior and adaptation of configuration
Analysis and evaluation of the synchronization state between Flexray and the OS
Analysis of SPI communication
Analysis of multiple modules (FrTrcv, FrIf, FrNM, cdSBC, cdPWF, ComM, BswM_Cfg, EcuM, CdErm, NvM, Fee)
Circuit review and hardware/software instrumentation for OSC analyses
Runtime measurements and semi-automatic evaluation using Trace32 and Excel
Creation of an HIL test specification
Analysis and processing of change requests
Control Unit Development Vehicle Dynamics – Electromagnetic Roll Stabilizer (emARS)
Automotive Supplier
Development and adaptation of software components according to project specifications
Execution of developer tests on the bench
Specification of HIL tests and evaluation of HIL test reports
Software analysis of the multicore architecture; identification of critical concurrency issues and synchronization points
Implementation of safety-relevant multicore communication (Safety4core2core) in C (ASIL_B / ASIL_C)
Design and documentation using abstract graphical representations (Visio)
Specification of HIL tests and evaluation of test reports
Problem analyses, source code analyses, bug fixes, and documentation in MKS
Runtime measurements of tasks and software components
Integration with RTA-OS trace exception handler and timer units
OSEK-OS configuration/generation; memory mapping and MPU configuration
Freedom from interference (FuSi) memory separation and OS monitoring
Requirements Management and Functional Safety Management
Automotive Supplier
- Development of the software requirements strategy in customer projects
- Planning, coordinating, and tracking the internal creation of software requirements
- Collaborating on the definition of software requirement methods
- Development of software safety concepts according to ISO26262
- Analysis and definition of measures in software development
- Investigation of the software partitioning concept
Software Architecture, Development, Documentation, and Testing of Control Unit Software (Common Powertrain Controller)
Automotive Manufacturer
- Functional requirements analysis
- Creation of a high-level software design considering various control unit states
- Definition of a new software architecture for CPC control units for an AutoSar implementation
Analysis, Documentation, and Testing of Control Unit Software (Common Powertrain Controller)
Automotive Manufacturer
- Documentation of NVRAM mechanisms (EEPROM) and native algorithm implementations
- System variant determination based on ECU hardware and vehicle characteristics
- Evaluation of Polyspace analyses and derivation of improvement measures
- Algorithm analyses of error detection mechanisms
- Analysis and documentation of the interface between basic and application software
Functional analysis and documentation of powertrain control units (CPC)
Automotive manufacturer
- Functional analysis and documentation of the implementation for powertrain control units
- Signal path analysis and documentation of internal control unit signal flows with logic diagrams
- Component analysis and documentation of signal paths between CAN, LIN, sensors, actuators, and module signals for fault memory, air filter, engine oil refilling, engine start-stop, Manchester code, accelerator pedal, ABS, parking and service brake, jerk damper, temperature, ECU wake-up and sleep behavior
Requirements analysis and method design for CASE tool development
- Framework for interface protocols, state machines, and peripheral abstraction layers
- C code generation based on configurable coding syntax
- Graphical synthesis of program structures for parallel and quasi-parallel software architectures
Support for CPC control unit development and DC-OS platform development
Automotive supplier
- Design and implementation of low- and high-level drivers for analog and digital signal processing
- ADC conversion strategy with DMA transfer
- Fault detection of digital and analog inputs and outputs
- Evaluation of PWM signals and current measurement
- Switching and monitoring of power supplies
- Validation of MISRA-C:2004 coding guidelines
- Porting of special functions and run-time/code optimizations for DC-OS
Firmware for inductive distance sensor
Automotive supplier
- Programming an ADC-to-PWM converter on a PIC platform using HI-TIDE IDE
- Quasi jitter-free implementation of the conversion and run-time corrected interrupt routines
Expertise
Pharmaceutical manufacturing, test instrument manufacturer
- Feasibility analysis of a multi-channel power manager module
- Feasibility analysis of a GPIB gateway to/from I2C
Firmware Development for Portable Blood Glucose Meters
Pharma
- Development of a generic IrDA stack for 8-bit ATMEL AVR microcontrollers (ATmega64, ATmega128, ATmega256)
- Development of a generic multi-channel full-duplex communication stack with CRC-protected, packet-based, prioritized transmission and automatic packet retransmissions
Firmware Development for Portable Audio Devices
Pharma
- Drivers for SPI, RTC, MP3 decoders, audio amplifiers, and clock rate switching
- CRC/ECC protection algorithms
- Sorting algorithms and calendar functions
- Optimizing battery life through state-dependent activation/deactivation of peripherals and clock switching
Device Development of a Modular Control Unit Family for Checkweigher Applications
Automation / Measurement Technology
- Selection of mechanical components (enclosures, terminal blocks) for DIN rail mounting
- Electronics and software architecture and design for microcontroller and FPGA modules
- Development of a synchronous serial shift register bus for decentralized control tasks
- Requirements analysis, specification, commissioning, EMC, and production support
- Firmware development of base and add-on modules with SPI, RS232, RS422, RS485, CAN drivers, and abstraction layers
- Interface converters and gateways (USB), CRC protection algorithm, configuration, and firmware update
Development of Windows Applications and Microcontroller-Based Controls
Automation / Measurement Technology
- Development of WinTerm: recording and analysis of text and binary protocols, graphical representation of serial data streams, firmware update tool
- Development of 8-bit and 16-bit microcontroller controls with display: requirements analysis, circuit design, firmware development, drivers for keyboards, touchscreens, RTC, ADC, CANopen, IrDA, printers, memory abstraction, compression and CRC/ECC algorithms
- Development of multilingual user interface components for industrial sewing machines: low-level drivers, complex text and graphics functions, menu interpreter, touch keys, and animated graphics
Serial Hub Development for POS Applications
Gas Station Technology
- Gateway for networking up to 8 devices with different serial parameters
- Functional prototype (mechanics, electronics, software)
- Circuit design and layout with Eagle
- Firmware development and PC drivers at BIOS/DOS level (virtual COM ports)
User interface development for fuel station control systems
Fuel Station Technology
- Writing software specifications and visualization software for fuel station control systems
- Programming drivers at the DOS and BIOS level; programming TSR modules for keyboards, touchscreens, displays, and serial interfaces
- Implementing a client-server architecture and remote procedure calls over Ethernet LAN
Industries Experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.
Experienced in Manufacturing (17.5 years), Automotive (8.5 years), Energy (2 years), Information Technology (1 year), Pharmaceutical (1 year), and Healthcare (1 year).
Business Areas Experience
The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.
Experienced in Product Development (26.5 years), Information Technology (16 years), Quality Assurance (14.5 years), Production (1.5 years), and Research and Development (0.5 years).
Summary
I have over 25 years of hands-on experience in software development, architecture, and testing across automotive, semiconductor, and industrial sectors. I specialize in crafting robust, platform-neutral solutions with a deep focus on safety, performance, and maintainability.
I excel in designing software frameworks, detailed specifications, and testing strategies while ensuring adherence to stringent standards like MISRA and ISO26262. My broad technical background and practical expertise enable me to solve complex challenges in embedded systems and control applications efficiently.
ASPICE Projects:
Forklift Truck Manufacturer (4.5 years) KION, Linde Material Handling
Semiconductor Manufacturer (3 years) Infineon / Cypress, Spansion / Fujitsu
Automotive Supplier (5.5 years) Schaeffler Engineering Continental Teves Continental Temic Continental Engineering Services / Siemens VDO
Automotive Manufacturer (3 years) Daimler Trucks & Buses, Evobus
Skills
Areas Of Expertise
- C Software Development
- Software Architecture
- Software Testing
- Software Quality Assurance
- Software Documentation
- Low-level Software Development For Microcontroller-based Devices
- Bare-metal Software Development
- Abstracted Device Driver Layers
- Interface Protocols / Distributed Systems
- Analysis Of Complex Parallel Software Structures – Identifying Problematic Concurrency Issues
Key Experience Areas
- Design Of Robust Software Components For High Availability And Safety
- Implementation Of Software Components In C With Focus On Standards And Testability
- Source Code Error Analysis
- Functional Analysis
- Unit, Integration, And Software Testing
- Software Documentation (Visio)
- Definition Of Coding Guidelines And Implementation Patterns - Misra-c:2004
- Software Quality Assurance (Code Reviews, Polyspace Analysis)
- Requirements Analysis, Commissioning, And Problem Analysis
- System-level Integration Of External Peripherals
- Digital Circuit Development
- Cross-disciplinary Experience In Software, Hardware, And Mechanical Development
Software Architectures
- Clock-, Event-, And Message-driven Design
- Object-oriented Design
- Preemptive And Cooperative Multitasking With And Without Operating System On Single- And Multi-core Systems
- Autosar
Operating Systems
- Osek-os
- Proprietary Operating Systems
- Windows, Dos, And Bios
Additional Software
- Doors, Polarion, Mks-rm, Gitlab
- Synergy, Svn, Mks, Git
- Vectorcast / Manage
- Ms Office, Visio
Programming Languages
- C, C++, Assembler, Pascal
- Basic, Fortran, Python, Perl
Hardware
- 8-bit Microcontrollers (80cxx(x), At89c51, Atmega, 16fxxx), Hcs12
- 16-bit Microcontrollers (C16x, St10)
- 32-bit Microcontroller Platforms: Traveo Ii Multi-core Arm Cortex M0+/m4/m7 (Cyt2b7, Cyt2b9, Cyt4bb, Cyt4bf), Fr81s (Mb91f52x), Traveo Arm Cortex-r5 (S6j3xxx – Aries, Leo, Virgo, Juno, Amber, Athena), Powerpc-m55xx, Tricore Tc1798, V850e2, Mpc5643l (Dual-core), Aurix Tc275t (Triple-core)
- Fpga-based Control Hardware
- Siemens And Conti Asics (E.g. Psi5 Asic158)
- Fail-safe Power Management Device Mc33907 8, Flexray Transceiver Ncv7381
- External Peripherals: Digital Filters, Amplifiers, Flexray And Can Controllers, Memory (Nor, Nand Flash, Eeprom), Rtcs, Fdc
- Industrial Pcs
Products And Standards
- Autosar 3.x And 4.x
- Eb Tresos
- Etas Rta-os – Osek/vdx
- C99, Misra-c:2004, Misra-c:2012
- Object-oriented Design (Ooa, Ood, Oop)
- Preemptive And Cooperative Multitasking
- Clock-, Event-, And Message-driven Design
- Can-open, Canbedded, J1939
- Interfaces Such As Irda And Usb
- Enterprise Architect, Rhapsody
- Development Environments: Eclipse/windriver, Keil Μvision, Tasking Ede, Iar Embedded Workbench, Pwb/keil, Green Hills Multi Ide, Softune
- Source Code Style Checkers
- Pclint, Qa-c
- Polyspace Source Code Analysis
- Debuggers From Isystems, Lauterbach (Trace32), Green Hills (Probe)
- Vector Canalyzer, Canoe, Canape
- Vectorcast/manage Test Automation Platform For Unit And Regression Tests; Functional Tests With The Vt System Canoe Rt, Test Automation Editor (Tae), Jenkins
- Mfc, Sdk, And Ddk
- Lattice Isp (Eda)
- Mentor Graphics (Ecad, Pcb), Eagle (Ecad, Pcb)
- Pspice, Pcb Viewer
Languages
Education
Dipl. Eng. in Computer Science (FH) · Electrical engineering / technical informatics
Electro-mechanic · Electro-mechanics
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