This installment explains the role of testing in the broader context of creating and managing complexity. Testing is critical in software development, but not necessarily for the reasons you might think. Today’s video #49 explains the role of testing in the broader context of creating and managing complexity. You will also see the process of unit testing embedded software on the host computer and embedded targets and how to obtain the necessary tools. Lesson #49 Embedded Unit Testing Origin of Software by Artificial Selection When Charles Darwin published “Origin of Species by Natural Select ..read more

Renesas Electronics Corporation has introduced new features for its cloud-based embedded system design platform, Quick Connect Studio, including real-time code customization and remote debugging. It has also expanded the portfolio of devices supported by the system, which enables users to graphically co-optimize hardware and software to quickly validate prototypes and accelerate product development. Quick Connect Studio enables engineers to graphically drag and drop device and design blocks on the cloud to build their solution. After placing each block, users can generate, compile, and build ..read more

Edge intelligence has been a key theme in the world of embedded systems for the last few years, but with the heightened awareness and proliferation of generative AI, there was a lot more attention to machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge at this year’s embedded world 2024 trade show in Nuremberg. Sandra Rivera, CEO Altera. (Image: Nitin Dahad) The trade fair and conference saw keynotes from AMD and Analog Devices focus on embedded AI, and companies across the trade show floor like Arm, the newly rebranded Altera, and many others demonstrated new products and solut ..read more

Mark Oliver, the Efinix VP of Marketing, talks with Nitin Dahad and introduces Efinix, the Titanium and Trion product families and the breakthrough technologies in Efinix FPGAs. He introduces the Titanium Ti375, the first Efinix FPGA to include high speed SerDes, and talks about the migration of compute requirements to the edge of the network. Nitin and Mark discuss the need for low power, high performance compute capability at the network edge and how FPGAs provide the perfect flexible platform for the next generation of smart automotive solutions. The post Mark Oliver talks about Efinix FP ..read more

In this next installment of our motor control series, we examine challenges and methods for memory management needed to ensure predictable and deterministic behavior of motor control applications. Effective programming practices for real-time embedded applications typically emphasize allocating values on the stack wherever feasible. However, in certain scenarios, such as when the size of a value is unknown or vectors dynamically grow over time, this approach may not be possible. Under these circumstances, it becomes necessary to dynamically allocate memory from the heap. This ensures efficien ..read more

What can we expect from IoT development in the future? What approaches should developers take to create next-generation IoT applications efficiently? The internet of things (IoT) has opened huge opportunities for growth and innovation. From wearables monitoring chronic health conditions to sensor data optimizing crop yields and connected vehicles mitigating traffic and safety risks, embedded devices have helped connect more everyday objects to the Internet and revolutionized industries. However, the widespread adoption of IoT has also led to an increased need for various applications to ensur ..read more

This article presents a high precision RTD temperature measurement system, which uses error compensation to achieve an accuracy of ±0.15°C within a range of –25°C to +140°C without the need for calibration. Does a resistance temperature detector (RTD) temperature measurement system have consistent errors? Can a high precision RTD temperature measurement system be designed without the need for calibration? This article presents a high precision RTD temperature measurement system, which uses error compensation to achieve an accuracy of ±0.15°C within a range of –25°C to +140°C without the need ..read more

In this installment, you will see how to apply Assertions and Design by Contract (DBC) concepts to embedded systems. In the previous episode of this series, you learned what assertions and Design by Contract (DBC) are, how to think of them, and how to use them properly. Today, you will see how to apply these concepts to embedded systems. Lesson 48 Assertions and Design by Contract, Part-2 Embedded Assertions The last lesson introduced the standard assert() macro from the C library. However, in embedded systems, you almost always have to define customized assertions [1], which isn’t complicat ..read more

Embedded systems, the unsung heroes of the tech world, are increasingly at the core of innovations transforming our daily lives. These technologies, from smart appliances to advanced automotive systems, enable the Internet of Things (IoT) to integrate seamlessly into various sectors, enhancing efficiency and connectivity. Yet, the embedded systems industry faces its challenges amidst a broader tech landscape affected by economic shifts and a global pandemic. Despite these hurdles, the demand for embedded technology expertise continues to grow, highlighted by the notable increase in tech layof ..read more

This article explores one of the simulation methods that can be utilized to identify and optimize device/component selection in noise sensitive applications. This article explores one of the simulation methods that can be utilized to identify and optimize device/component selection in noise sensitive applications. We will first point out one of the features of LTspice®simulation that allows this for standard components and then introduce an approach that allows this same capability for operational amplifiers (op amps) used in a signal path. Since low noise is often associated with higher powe ..read more