Embedded Software Development & Engineering

Like many embedded programmers, I wrote my first embedded programs for microcontrollers. From that moment I was hooked. Enthusiastically, I began experimenting, learning, and expanding my capabilities into microprocessors, DSPs, and FPGAs. Every product cycle emerged faster, less expensive, and more efficient options to work with as well as a wider range of software platforms to choose from. Today I am still hooked and still approach new embedded systems with the same eagerness. This drive has enabled me to become ever more proficient, learn new languages, and to springboard to different paradigms. While a fair amount of my work has been spent developing on embedded operating systems like embedded Linux, QNX, or common RTOS platforms, my experience also includes many bare-metal applications. I enjoy developing and integrating drivers, configuring BSPs and bootloaders, as well as creating application-level software. Thus far, I have written and created countless professional, academic, and personal programs that are in use today, typically serving in life-saving industries such as aviation, medical, and child safety.

2023 is an exciting time to be an embedded software engineer. Most 32/64bit microcontrollers are highly competitive, often excel even in low-power applications, and newer hybrid technologies are gaining momentum. These hybrid processors, such as the ARM Cortex A with internal M coprocessors series, combine the processing power of advanced ARM architectures with the low-level benefits and functionality of microcontrollers, DSP cores, as well as BLE and Wi-Fi capabilities. With these advances come increased capacity for increased cybersecurity capabilities, higher resolution video imaging, less complexity, faster boot times, increased safety, and improved memory management.

Software development processes, modeling, and better verification and validation tools are increasing in capabilities which directly increase both efficiency and safety.