Welcome to ParlezVousTech! In this first publication, we will dive into the fascinating world of embedded systems and embedded computing. Whether you are a curious student or a technology enthusiast, this guide will give you an overview of the basic concepts of embedded systems.

Introduction

What is an Embedded System? 🤖

Embedded systems, often unknown to the general public, are the real engines of our modern life. They are present in many everyday devices, such as smartphones, cars, medical devices and household appliances. But what exactly is an embedded system and how are they designed by electronic and computer systems engineers?

An embedded system refers to a specialized computer system designed to perform specific tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. It fits into a larger device and often works in real time. In other words, these systems are designed to accomplish a specific mission efficiently, without requiring constant human intervention.

Why are Embedded Systems Important?

Now that we have an idea of ​​what an embedded system is, let's look at their importance in the field of industrial computing, telecommunications and electronic systems. Why should we care about these seemingly discrete systems?

Embedded systems play an essential role in our daily lives and in many industries, from aeronautics to the Internet of Things (IoT). Here are some reasons why they are crucial:

• Ubiquitous Presence: Embedded systems are everywhere. From your smart alarm clock to your car, they simplify your life by performing automated tasks.
• Improved Efficiency: They make appliances more efficient and energy efficient, which can reduce costs and environmental impact.
• Safety and Reliability: In healthcare, automotive and aerospace, reliability is crucial. On-board systems guarantee the proper functioning of these devices.
• Continuous Innovation: Embedded systems are at the heart of technological innovation. They make it possible to create new products and services.
• Facilitation of Daily Life: They improve our daily comfort by managing the temperature of our homes, regulating road traffic and monitoring our health.
  Thus, understanding embedded systems is not only fascinating but also relevant in an increasingly technological world.

In the next sections of this guide, we will learn about the essential elements of embedded systems, the fundamentals of embedded programming, real-time systems, communication techniques, and many other topics. Whether you are a beginner or already have technical experience, you will find valuable information to get you started in the world of embedded systems.

The fundamentals

Key Components: Microcontrollers and Microprocessors 🧠

In the world of embedded systems and computer engineering, microcontrollers and microprocessors play a central role. These are the real brains that power our devices, from Linux embedded systems to specialized electronic systems hardware architectures. Understanding their functions and differences is essential to understanding electronic systems and application development.

Microcontrollers: Compact Intelligence 🕹️

Microcontrollers are components specially designed for specific tasks. They integrate not only a central processor, but also memory, communication interfaces and input/output controllers. These components are designed for low power consumption, making them ideal for standalone or battery-powered applications.

Microprocessors: Computing Power 💻

Unlike the microcontroller, the microprocessor is a central processing unit (CPU) typically used in more complex systems. It is designed to perform a wide range of tasks, thus providing great computing power. Microprocessors are adaptable to various functions, without being limited to specific applications.

Characteristics	Microcontrollers	Microprocessors
Ccomplexity	Designed for specific, less complex tasks.	More versatile, designed to handle a variety of tasks.
Energy consumption	Optimized for low power consumption.	May require more energy due to their high computing power.
Applications	Suitable for standalone and simple applications.	Suitable for complex systems requiring high processing power.

Embedded Systems Programming 💻📡

Embedded systems programming is a crucial skill to take full advantage of microcontrollers and microprocessors. It involves writing the software that controls these components and allows a device to operate in a specific way, whether in the field of instrumentation, signal processing or electronic components.

Programming language

To interact with microcontrollers and microprocessors, you will need to be proficient in some programming languages. Commonly used languages ​​in the embedded systems domain include:

• C and C++: These languages ​​are the most popular in embedded programming. They provide precise control over hardware and are efficient in terms of memory consumption and computing power. This is why they are frequently found in areas such as the automotive industry, consumer electronics and manufacturing.
• Python is also used for embedded systems, especially where simplicity and speed of development are essential. Although less common than C/C++, Python can be a great option for less resource-intensive projects.
• Other languages: Depending on your project requirements, you might also come across languages ​​like Java, Kotlin, Rust, or others. The choice of language will depend on the nature of the application and development preferences.

These languages ​​enable the development of software that controls hardware and meets specific application needs.

Development environment

Choosing the development environment is essential for working effectively with embedded systems. These environments provide the tools needed to write, compile, debug, and test your code. Commonly used environments include:

• STM32CubeIDE: an integrated development environment (IDE) specially designed for STM32 microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics. It offers a full range of tools for developing embedded software, including hardware configuration, programming and debugging.
• MCUXpresso: Another popular IDE, mainly used for microcontrollers from NXP Semiconductors. It offers a user-friendly interface and advanced features to simplify development.
• Keil µVision: a widely used IDE for development on a variety of microcontrollers. It supports multiple programming languages ​​and offers advanced debugging features.
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become a popular choice among developers, including those working on embedded systems. Using suitable extensions, VS Code can be configured for development on a variety of embedded platforms. It offers a lightweight interface, great flexibility and an active community which offers many useful extensions for embedded software development.
• Other tools: Depending on the hardware platform you are using, you may encounter other tools such as Code Composer, MPLAB X, or PlatformIO.

These development environments simplify project management, static analysis, hardware simulation, and more, making them essential for the embedded system developer.

Best practices

Programming embedded systems requires compliance with best practices in software engineering to ensure the stability, reliability and security of applications. Here are some of these best practices:

• Memory Management: Due to the limited resources of embedded systems, it is essential to manage memory efficiently. Use techniques like stack and heap management to optimize memory usage.
• Static Analysis: Static analysis of code is a process that detects potential errors at an early stage. Tools like PC Lint, QAC, and others can help you improve the quality of your code.
• Compliance with Standards: In certain industries, such as automotive and aerospace, compliance with strict standards such as MISRA C 2012 is essential. Make sure your code meets these standards to ensure security and reliability.
• Energy Management: Battery-powered embedded systems must be energy efficient. Implement power-saving strategies to extend battery life.
• Rigorous Testing: Testing is essential to ensure the proper functioning of embedded systems. Perform unit, integration, and validation testing to identify and fix issues.
• Using Configuration Management: Use tools such as GIT or SVN to track source code changes and ensure version traceability.
• Thorough Documentation: Thorough documentation of code, architecture, and specifications is essential to facilitate maintenance and collaboration.

By applying these best practices, you can create strong, reliable embedded systems that will meet your application needs.

Practical examples in embedded system engineering

Case Study: Temperature Control

To better understand how embedded systems work, let's dive into a practical example of temperature control, a common application in the aerospace and security industry. This hands-on project will allow you to apply your skills in embedded programming, sensor management, and device control to create a working system.

Necessary components:

• Microcontroller (like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi)
• Temperature sensor (like an LM35 sensor)
• Display screen (LCD or OLED)
• Relay module (to control heating or air conditioning)
• Power supply

Project stages:

1. Data collection: Use the temperature sensor to measure the ambient temperature. The data will be collected periodically by the microcontroller.
2. Data Processing: The microcontroller will process the data to determine whether heating or cooling should be activated to maintain the desired temperature.
3. Information Display: The current temperature and heater/air conditioner status will be displayed on the display screen.
4. Device Control: The microcontroller will send signals to the relay module to turn the heater/air conditioner on or off based on the measured temperature.
5. User Interface: You can add a user interface, such as a button or touch screen, to allow the user to set the desired temperature.
6. This hands-on project will allow you to apply your knowledge of embedded programming, sensor management, and device control to create a working system.

DIY projects

If you are a DIY enthusiast and considering a career as an electronic systems engineer, embedded systems offer countless opportunities for exciting DIY projects, whether developing IoT solutions, electronic boards or embedded applications. These DIY projects allow you to apply your systems engineering and embedded computing skills in real-world contexts and bring innovative ideas to life. Here are some project ideas you can explore:

1. Automatic Watering System: Create an automatic watering system for your garden using microcontrollers and soil moisture sensors. It can be programmed to water your plants as needed.
2. Personal Weather Station: Design a personal weather station that collects data on temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc., then displays this information on a screen or sends it to a server for online tracking.
3. Robotics: Build a small robot controlled by a microcontroller. You can explore educational robotics projects, cleaning robots or autonomous robots.
4. Home automation: Automate your home using embedded systems. You can create smart lighting, a security system or an energy management system.
5. Connected Objects: Design connected objects, such as a smart door lock, a connected scale, or a smart mirror, using microcontrollers and sensors.

These DIY projects allow you to apply your embedded programming skills in real-world contexts and bring innovative ideas to life. They are also a great way to learn while having fun.

After exploring these practical examples and DIY projects, you will be ready to tackle more complex projects in the field of embedded systems. Learning by doing is one of the best ways to master this fascinating discipline.

Conclusion