About MicroNova

MicroNova LLC is an embedded systems R&D company located in Metro Detroit, Michigan, specializing in design and quick prototyping services. Our advanced facility in "Automation Alley," a well-known technology hub in southeast Michigan, allows us to leverage cutting-edge resources for innovative projects. Founded in 2011 by a group of Oakland University research alumni, MicroNova is driven by a commitment to developing high-performance embedded systems.

Advanced Engineering Services

We provide a comprehensive suite of services in embedded systems design and implementation. Our expertise includes high-speed circuit design, schematic capture, PCB layout, and FPGA digital logic design. Additionally, we excel in timing analysis, microcontroller firmware development, and software engineering for embedded Linux applications.

MicroNova emphasizes high-performance systems utilizing FPGA and ASIC hardware acceleration for complex digital signal processing and computer vision tasks. Our diverse clientele span various sectors, including defense, medical, automotive, consumer electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

Innovative Development Tools

Our Mercury™ development boards feature a Xilinx FPGA and supporting electronics in a compact 3” x 1” size, offering a versatile platform for creating FPGA-based embedded systems. Used worldwide by hobbyists, students, and professionals, they have also been part of research projects for agencies like NASA, NIST, ESA, and CERN. Mercury boards are proudly made in the USA on our in-house SMT assembly line. Learn more about Mercury >>

Technical Capabilities & Project Expertise

We specialize in delivering innovative, high-performance embedded systems and hardware solutions for demanding applications across aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, and industrial sectors.

Ultrasonic In-Line Inspection

Developed a high-speed UT-based pipeline inspection system for a Fortune 500 energy company.

Platform: Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC
Expertise: Firmware, RTL, and PCB design
Performance: Achieved >300MB/s data transfer to SSD
Outcome: Robust, real-time pipeline inspection for mission-critical operations

Expeditionary Hybrid 3D Printer

Engineered a deployable 3D printer combining Direct Energy Deposition (DED) for metal and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for polymers.

Use Case: Rugged field manufacturing
Solution: Custom control hardware + firmware for extreme environments
Features: Rapid deployment, reliable performance, dual-material capability

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Developed a real-time pedestrian detection platform for a Tier 1 automotive supplier.

Platform: Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC
Capability: FPGA-accelerated image processing
Result: Real-time detection with low-latency response for safety enhancement

Scanning Probe Microscope Controller

Designed full-stack hardware and firmware for a high-precision microscope controller.

FPGA: Altera Cyclone series
Custom IP:
- CORDICs for signal mixing and waveform synthesis
- PLL-based loop control
- Real-time signal router
- 95% efficiency Ethernet stack
Impact: Lab-grade performance for scientific instrumentation

Custom LiDAR Platform

Delivered a compact, high-resolution LiDAR system for a $2B autonomous vehicle startup.

Platform: Zynq UltraScale RFSoC
Design Focus: Precision mapping, low-latency data acquisition
Outcome: Field-ready system with advanced signal fidelity

Autonomous Crop Monitoring UAVs

Designed and deployed AI-powered mini UAVs for indoor greenhouse monitoring.

Sensors: Vision + thermal
AI Integration: Detects crop stress and structural faults autonomously
Value: Enables smarter agriculture with sustainable facility oversight

Implantable Bone Growth Stimulator

Created an innovative, battery-free implantable stimulator to accelerate bone healing.

MCU: ATtiny
Technology:
- Precision DC current stimulation
- RF energy harvesting for wireless power
Application: Long-term integration with fracture fixation systems