Things You Always Wanted to Know About Embedded Systems Engineers

by Virtual Employee Digital Marketer

If you’ve been anywhere around a tech blog or have even randomly searched the internet for some information related to software development, odds are you might have come across the term embedded systems or embedded software engineers.

Embedded software has taken the tech world by storm. Embedded systems are the reason why more and more gadgets are morphing into smart devices. If you want to thank someone for that phone that anticipates your questions or the washing machine that doesn’t spill foam all over your basement, you can thank embedded systems engineer.

The thing about embedded software is that it is often confused with regular software. If you ask the wrong people about embedded systems, they will confuse you with their non-answers. The truth is most people are truly clueless about what embedded systems are and what embedded systems engineers do. So, here is a beginner’s course on everything you may want to know about embedded software engineers and what it is that they do:

Embedded systems: What are they?

An embedded system is a special purpose computer that is used inside a device. It is a computer system with a dedicated function in a larger (mechanical or electrical) system and is “embedded” as part of a complete device. Embedded systems are a combination of hardware and software. Embedded software is often called firmware and is stored in ROM.

What are embedded systems used in?

Embedded systems control most of the devices in use today. Mp3 players, cell phones, washing machines, microwave ovens, digital watches, and even traffic lights, hybrid cars and MRI machines, all run on embedded software. 98 percent of all microprocessors are manufactured as part of embedded systems.

Embedded systems engineers: What do they do?

Embedded systems engineers write the codes on which a device runs. They write codes to solve problems and implement systems. Embedded engineers configure their own operating systems, deal with memory and resource constraints, develop debug strategies, and deal with hardware. In a nutshell, an embedded engineer is 20 percent architect, 60 percent troubleshooter, and 20 percent subject matter expert.

What skills should an embedded systems engineer have?

Embedded design is intricate, detailed work. Embedded systems engineers, therefore, need to have very finely honed skills. These are some of the skills every good embedded engineer must have:

Proficiency in at least one programming language and one assembly language
Knowledge of the technologies that make the internet possible
More than a working knowledge of Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
In-depth knowledge of software
Understanding of hardware
Creative thinking and crisis-management abilities

How is an embedded systems engineer different from a software engineer?

Unlike software engineers, embedded systems engineers need to have more-than- working knowledge of hardware. In order for an embedded engineer to write good code s, they first need to be fully aware of how hardware (like microcontrollers and communication buses) executes those codes.

What is Internet of Things (IoT) and how is it related to embedded systems?

IoT is just the name given to embedded (smart) devices and the way they connect with, and communicate with, each other via the internet. The internet of things is the catalyst behind embedded systems development. The rising demand for smart devices (which run on specially coded embedded software and easily connect with each other) all over the world is a tangible proof of just how inextricably intertwined IoT and embedded systems really are.