Over time, the embedded system industry has seen a significant transformation. With time, even the industries and technology that were used grew. The emergence of intelligent networks has been sparked by embedded systems with the advent of IoT and IIoT. The world is moving toward more innovative solutions, making embedded software development more popular than ever. The majority of industries, including automation, defense, aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, have embedded systems as critical components. As a result, it is crucial to follow the trends in embedded industries.
What is Embedded Technology?
An embedded system is a microprocessor-based computer hardware and software combination that is created to carry out a specific task, either independently or as a component of a larger system. A real-time computation-capable integrated circuit serves as the system’s brain.
There are many different levels of complexity, from a single microcontroller to a group of connected processors with peripherals and networks; from no user interface to intricate graphical user interfaces.
1. Embedded Linux
Because Linux can support a wide range of CPUs, networking protocols, and firmware, it is widely used in embedded systems. Furthermore, there isn’t much that embedded developers can’t accomplish with Linux thanks to the Yocto Project, which offers a versatile and open-source collection of tools for building bespoke Linux-based systems.
With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that there were numerous exhibitors at Embedded World 2022 offering Linux customization services based on the Yocto Project. These comprised both producers of electrical components and companies that specialize in developing embedded software and drivers for various devices. The variety of projects featured included ones in the automotive, medical, agricultural, telecommunications, and industrial fields.
2. Automated Hardware In-Loop Testing
Developers struggle with testing in addition to debugging. For the following reasons, they can find this phase challenging:
- Still essentially a manual procedure, testing
- It might seem laborious to run automated tests on hardware.
- Teams prioritize coding more, postponing testing.
- Improper software interface
Although hardware in-loop testing is not new, it is frequently disregarded. To improve code quality and save development expenses, experiment with different automated tests. Incorporate the technology gradually into the testing procedure if the outcome is satisfactory.
3. Artificial intelligence
Finding an exhibitor at this year’s Embedded World who didn’t offer items based on artificial intelligence would have been difficult. A predictive maintenance program for industrial motors was also available at our very own exhibit.
Of course, the desire to incorporate AI into almost any business process or product dealing with massive amounts of data is by no means a recent one. What is more recent is embedded AI, or AI that is integrated into hardware to manage common models, collect data and prepare data for algorithm-based operations. Due to its widespread use in computer vision-based solutions for industrial and automotive applications, FPGA boards are a common sight at Embedded World 2022.
When the cloud is not an option, local AI can improve a device’s overall performance by reducing energy use and speeding up calculation times. Nevertheless, cloud platforms will not be replaced by embedded AI. Instead, it will enhance the cloud’s ability to use AI, as embedded AI on the edge will still require cloud resources to be supported in order to be useful.
4. Arm TrustZone
Security is becoming more and more important as new technology develops. In order to secure their firmware and customer data, businesses must enhance their security measures.
There are many security options for microcontrollers, including multi-core processors that can create separated run-time environments. TrustZone would be beneficial for businesses for a variety of reasons.
- There is TrustZone functionality in every microcontroller architecture nowadays.
- TrustZone is increasingly being included in both open-source and for-profit tools.
- It offers one primary element that is comparable to software models that are well-known to many developers.
5. LoRaWAN and NB-IoT
Nothing matches LoRaWAN and NB-IoT when it comes to long-range, low-power data sharing, and both technologies were well represented by exhibitors at this year’s Embedded World.
For businesses that operate in distant areas and are involved in manufacturing, mining, oil, gas, or agriculture, LoRaWAN is the ideal option because it requires less energy and, thus, less maintenance.
While NB-IoT is more secure and better suited for wearables and smart buildings, it is not an official IoT protocol licensed by the 3GPP standard body.
Conclusion
This year has seen the introduction of many new technologies that will fundamentally alter how we create, test, and deploy our embedded systems. I regret that I was only able to cover five. However, I believe that these five provide readers with more than enough to think about this year. Don’t forget to practice moderation and avoid taking on too much at once. Focus on one to three important technological drivers, then advance your experience and proficiency level every day or week. It won’t be long before significant changes have been made, at which point you can switch to the next key.
