Embedded Engineer
Last updated
Last updated
Assoc. Prof. Wiroon Sriborrirux, Founder of Advance Innovation Center (AIC) and Bangsaen Design House (BDH), Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University
This roadmap is designed to help beginners aspiring to build a career as an Embedded Engineer/Developer, as well as assist current practitioners in expanding their skills.
Embedded engineering demands a solid understanding of hardware functionality as well as software development and programming skills. If you really want to pursue this career you must be highly motivated and passionate about it. As the well-known saying goes, "Hardware is hard!". But don't panic and be patient for the challenges you may encounter along this exciting journey. By dedicating enough time and effort practicing and doing projects you will soon find yourself as a real embedded engineer! ๐
โถ๏ธ ISO/IEC/IEEE 24765 Standard:
computer system that is part of a larger system and performs some of the requirements of that system. For example, a computer system used in an aircraft or rapid transit system.
The hardware and software of an embedded system are usually minimized and optimized for specific functions. The embedded system includes at least one microcontroller, microprocessor or digital signal processor. The embedded system designed to optimize reliability, cost, size and power saving for applications.
โถ๏ธ "Making Embedded Systems" Book:
An embedded system is a computerized system that is purpose built for its application.
โถ๏ธ "Computer Organization and Embedded Systems" Book:
A physical system that employs computer control for a specific purpose, rather than for general-purpose computation, is referred to as an embedded system.
โถ๏ธ Analog Devices Glossary:
An embedded system is a system in which the computer (generally a microcontroller or microprocessor) is included as an integral part of the system.
Often, the computer is relatively invisible to the user, without obvious applications, files, or operating systems. Examples of products with invisible embedded systems are the controller that runs a microwave oven or the engine control system of a modern automobile.
โถ๏ธ Embedded Systems Glossary:
A combination of computer hardware and software, and perhaps additional mechanical or other parts, designed to perform a dedicated function.
In some cases, embedded systems are part of a larger system or product, as in the case of an antilock braking system in a car.
The embedded systems engineering roadmap is structured into three fundamental areas: SOFTWARE, HARDWARE, and SOFT SKILLS.
While the intersection of hardware and software is prevalent in embedded systems, specific job titles tend to emphasize one aspect over the other. For instance, roles like "Embedded Software Engineer/Developer," "Firmware Engineer/Developer," and "Embedded Linux Engineer/Developer" predominantly focus on software development. In contrast, positions such as "Embedded Hardware Engineer" and "Hardware Design Engineer" primarily deal with hardware design and electronics. Moreover, there are roles like "Embedded Systems Engineer" that necessitate a comprehensive understanding of both hardware and software.
It's crucial to note that each company in the embedded industry may have unique requirements for a given job title. Therefore, it's essential to tailor your focus based on your career aspirations. If you're seeking an embedded software position, prioritize the software-related skills outlined in the roadmap. Conversely, if you're interested in an embedded hardware job, concentrate on hardware skills and dedicate more time to learning electronics.
The roadmap provides a comprehensive guide to the essential topics for a typical "Embedded Systems Engineer" role. By delving into both software and hardware aspects, you can develop the necessary skills to thrive in this dynamic field. However, if you have a clear preference for software or hardware, you can tailor your learning path accordingly.
[!NOTE] Remember that the importance of individual software and hardware skills can differ depending on the specific requirements of the company and the job role.
[!TIP] To differentiate between the types of learning resources and the quality of their content, specific symbols are used before each item.
Resource types:
๐ : Books
๐๏ธ : Videos
๐ : Write-ups, articles, and blog posts
๐ : Other links that do not fit into any of the above categories
Content quality symbols:
๐ถ : Easy-to-understand and beginner-friendly resources. Refer to them if you do not have prior knowledge in a topic.
๐ : Well-known references that have truly invaluable and comprehensive content. Refer to them if you want to deepen your understanding of a topic.
If you feel overwhelmed by the extensive list of topics in the roadmap, you're not alone. Before delving too deeply, let's ease into it with some simple starter projects. Learning embedded systems engineering takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't understand something right away. Keep practicing and you will eventually get there.
Engaging in hands-on projects is the most effective approach to learning. Rather than solely relying on theoretical knowledge from books or articles. Undertaking projects allows for practical learning experiences. Even a seemingly basic project has the potential to teach you more than hours of aimless reading. You can refer to books, articles, and courses when faced with difficulties in understanding the problems in real-world projects.
Don't try to build a complex project right away. Start with small, manageable projects to get your feet wet.
Use search engines to find the answers to your questions.
If you can't find what you're looking for using search engines, AI chatbots can also provide assistance. Keep in mind that AI may provide incorrect answers in some cases. It's best to confirm any answers with more reliable references.
If you have reservations about relying on AI advice alone, you can also ask your questions from real people:
You may have heard that YouTube is a university. And it's true - there is an extensive amount of invaluable free content on embedded systems available on YouTube. You'll also find some excellent free courses through Coursera and EdX. Additionally, Udemy offers some high-quality paid course options.
If you do not have any background in programming the embedded systems, Arduino boards and libraries are the best choice for you to start and learn the basics. Just keep in mind that most of the Arduino libraries are developed for learning purposes and are not optimized to be used in industry.
Additionally, the Arduino Core takes care of most of the low-level hardware-associated operations that you, as an embedded engineer, should be able to handle yourself or at least have a clear understanding of. If you want to become a professional embedded developer, you should be able to effectively use industry-standard APIs and SDKs provided and approved by microcontroller vendors, such as CMSIS for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers, STM32Cube for STM32, ESP-IDF for Espressif microcontrollers, etc.
PlatformIO is a cross-platform, cross-architecture, multiple framework, professional tool for embedded systems engineers and for software developers who write applications for embedded products.
PlatformIO is not yet extensively adopted in industrial and large-scale projects, however, it is an excellent choice for individuals working on smaller projects. This is because it greatly reduces the need to install frameworks and setup build and debug tools, allowing you to concentrate on programming.
[!WARNING] It is not necessary to read all the books, articles, or watch all the videos you see here. If you try to do so, you will finally get tired and disappointed. You cannot study all the available content here in a reasonable time because it may take years. It is important to study enough to have at least a basic understanding of the required topics. Of course, the more time you dedicate to studying and doing projects, the more profound your knowledge and expertise will become.
Some of the resources mentioned here will just be used as references. Refer to them only when you need them.
Similar to other professions, embedded engineers require soft skills that can't be solely obtained from reading or watching videos. These skills are cultivated through interactions and tackling various work obstacles. Improving soft skills is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It will vary based on one's individual traits and requires self-awareness of your strengths and areas for growth. Enhancing these skills takes time and effort.
๐ต Basic Math & Calculus
๐ต Principles of Electric Circuits
๐ต Electronics Fundamentals
๐ต Digital Design
๐ต Computer Architecture
Computer architecture is the backbone of embedded systems, governing the hardware and software interactions. Embedded developers need a grasp of computer architecture to design, develop, and debug embedded software effectively. Expertise in ARM and RISC-V, two prevalent instruction set architectures (ISAs) in embedded systems, is paramount for embedded developers. ARM is the dominant ISA, while RISC-V's open-source nature and flexibility are gaining traction.
Embedded systems often require specialized test equipment to verify their functionality and performance. This equipment includes multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, function generators, power supplies, and other tools that allow engineers to measure signals, inject stimuli, and monitor the behavior of embedded systems.
๐ต Multimeter
๐ต Logic / Protocol Analyzer
๐ต Oscilloscope
While hardware design and prototyping are primarily the responsibility of electronic hardware design engineers, embedded software engineers can benefit from a basic understanding of these concepts. This knowledge can be instrumental in identifying and resolving hardware-related issues during embedded system debugging. By having a grasp of hardware principles, embedded software engineers can effectively pinpoint the root causes of problems, leading to quicker and more efficient troubleshooting.
๐ต Breadboarding
Breadboarding is a hands-on approach to prototyping circuits, providing a versatile platform for experimentation and circuit design. Embedded systems often utilize breadboards for their ease of use, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. By connecting components on a breadboard, embedded systems developers can quickly test and refine their designs without the need for permanent soldering. This allows for rapid iterations and efficient debugging, making breadboarding an invaluable tool for embedded system development.
๐ต Hardware Design Basics
๐ต PCB Design / EMC
๐ต Soldering / Rework
FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) are specialized integrated circuits that can be configured to perform various digital logic functions. They are widely used in embedded systems to achieve high performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. FPGA designers use hardware description languages (HDLs) to create customized circuits that map directly to the FPGA architecture. Since FPGA engineering and verification differ significantly from embedded software development, it stands as a specialized domain within embedded systems.
Mastering programming fundamentals and software development principles is essential for a successful embedded design. Embedded systems demand efficient code, optimized data management, reusable design patterns, and effective memory management to function effectively in resource-constrained environments. Embedded developers must possess a strong foundation in these core concepts to create reliable and performant embedded systems.
๐ต Algorithms & Data Structures
๐ต Design Patterns
๐ต State Machines
๐ต Memory Management
Low-level languages like C and assembly provide direct hardware access, enabling efficient code optimization for resource-constrained embedded systems. System-level languages like C++ and Rust offer a higher level of abstraction for complex embedded applications, while Python is often employed for testing embedded systems due to its simplicity.
๐ต C
๐ต C++
๐ต Assembly
๐ต Python
๐ถ Python for Microcontrollers
๐ต Rust
๐ต Zig
Microcontrollers are integrated circuits (ICs) that combine a microprocessor, memory, and input/output (I/O) peripherals on a single chip. They are designed for embedded applications, where they are used to control devices in a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, and healthcare.
Some popular microcontroller families include AVR, PIC, STM32, MSP430, nRF, and ESP32. Choosing the right microcontroller involves assessing application requirements, processing power, memory needs, and input/output capabilities. Consider ease of use, cost, reliability, availability, and future expansion.
๐ต GPIO
๐ต ADC
๐ต DAC
๐ต Timers / Counters
๐ต PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
๐ต RTC (Real Time Clock)
๐ต Watchdog
๐ต Interrupts
๐ต DMA
๐ต Clock Management
๐ต Power Management
๐ต Bootloader / DFU (Device Firmware Update)
Embedded systems often communicate with other devices or external systems via interfaces, protocols. Interfaces provide the physical connections, protocols define data exchange rules. The choice depends on application-specific needs, including bandwidth, distance, security, and power consumption.
๐ต โBasic Protocols
๐ถ UART
๐ถ I2C
๐ถ SPI
๐ถ SDIO
๐ถ I3C
๐ถ 1-Wire
๐ต Digital Audio Protocols
๐ถ I2S
๐ถ PCM
๐ต Display & Camera Protocols
๐ถ MIPI CSI-2
๐ถ MIPI DSI
๐ถ HDMI
๐ต Wireless Protocols
๐ถ Bluetooth / BLE
๐ถ Wi-Fi
๐ถ LoRa / LoRaWAN
๐ถ Zigbee
๐ถ Thread
๐ถ Matter
๐ต Industrial Protocols
๐ถ Modbus
๐ถ RS485
๐ถ EtherCAT
๐ถ CoAP & MQTT
๐ต High-Speed Protocols
๐ถ Ethernet
๐ถ USB
๐ถ PCIe
๐ต Automotive Protocols
๐ถ CAN
๐ต Network Protocols / Socket Programming
๐ต Cellular Communication
๐ถ GSM / LTE
๐ถ LTE-M & NB-IoT
Embedded systems employ a combination of volatile (SRAM, DRAM, PSRAM) and non-volatile (flash, EEPROM, FRAM) memory to store and access data, based on factors like performance, cost, power consumption, and durability.
๐ต Flash Memory
๐ถ NOR / NAND
๐ถ eMMC
๐ถ SD Card
๐ต EEPROM
๐ต SRAM / DRAM
๐ต File Systems
A file system is a way of organizing data on a storage device, such as a hard drive, flash drive, or solid-state drive. It provides a way to store, access, and manage files, which are collections of data that can be accessed individually. File systems in embedded systems are typically lightweight and optimized for efficiency, considering the limited resources and specific requirements of embedded devices. They often employ simpler file structures and data structures compared to desktop or server file systems.
๐ EEPROM File System (EEFS)
Embedded system development often involves simulating or emulating hardware environments to test and debug software before deploying it on actual hardware. Simulation tools create virtual models of hardware systems, while emulation tools replicate the actual hardware behavior using real hardware components. These tools offer several advantages, including reducing development time, minimizing hardware costs, and enhancing software reliability.
๐ต QEMU
๐ต Renode
Sensors and actuators are the eyes and hands of embedded systems. They are responsible for gathering information about the environment and taking actions based on that information. Sensors convert physical phenomena, such as temperature, light, or sound, into electrical signals that can be processed by the embedded system. Actuators, on the other hand, convert electrical signals into physical actions, such as controlling the speed of a motor or opening and closing a valve.
๐ต Sensors
๐ต Actuators
Digital signal processing (DSP) is a branch of engineering that deals with the processing of digital signals. It is used in a wide variety of applications, including embedded systems, communication systems, and multimedia systems. DSP algorithms are often implemented in hardware using application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
๐ต DSP Basics & Filter Design
๐ต Discrete Fourier Transform / FFT
๐ต PID Controller
๐ต MATLAB / Simulink
Embedded systems can be programmed with either an operating system (OS) or directly on the hardware, known as bare-metal programming. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. Embedded operating systems provide a layer of abstraction between the hardware and the application code, offering benefits like resource management, task scheduling, error handling, and communication capabilities. However, they add overhead and may not be suitable for memory-constrained applications.
๐ต Operating System Fundamentals
๐ต Real-Time Operating Systems
Real-time operating systems (RTOS) are specialized operating systems designed to meet strict timing deadlines. They are used in embedded systems where timing is critical, such as avionics, robotics, and medical devices. RTOSs provide a deterministic environment in which tasks can be executed with predictable timing. This ensures that critical tasks are always executed on time, even in the presence of interrupts and other disruptions.
๐ถ RTOS Basics
๐ถ FreeRTOS
๐ถ Zephyr
๐ถ ฮผC/OS / Micriฮผm OS
๐ถ NuttX
๐ถ RT-Thread
๐ถ Mbed OS
๐ถ QNX
๐ถ VxWorks
๐ถ Azure RTOS (ThreadX)
๐ต Embedded Linux
Embedded Linux is a specialized version of the Linux operating system tailored for embedded systems. It's designed to operate on devices with resource constraints, such as limited memory, processing power, and power consumption.
๐ถ Linux Kernel
๐ถ Linux Device Drivers
๐ถ U-Boot
๐ถ Buildroot
๐ถ Yocto
๐ถ Multithreading & Parallel Processing
๐ถ High-Performance Computing (HPC)
๐ถ Inter-Process Communication (IPC)
๐ถ Qt Framework
Debugging embedded systems involves identifying and resolving software defects and hardware malfunctions. Various techniques are employed to pinpoint the root causes of issues, such as static code analysis, dynamic analysis, simulation and emulation, in-circuit debugging, and hardware debugging.
๐ต JTAG / SWD
JTAG and SWD (Serial Wire Debug) are two popular interface protocols used for debugging and programming embedded systems. JTAG is a more general-purpose protocol that can be used to debug and program a wider range of devices, while SWD is a simpler and more compact protocol that is specifically designed for ARM microcontrollers.
๐ต GDB
GDB (GNU Debugger) is a powerful and versatile debugger for source-level and machine-level debugging. It supports a wide range of programming languages, including C, C++, Objective-C, Java, and Rust. GDB is a free and open-source software tool that is widely used by developers and researchers.
๐ต OpenOCD
OpenOCD (Open On-Chip Debugger) is an open-source software tool that provides a powerful and versatile platform for debugging and programming embedded systems. It serves as an interface between a hardware debug adapter (HDA) and a debugger, such as GNU Debugger (GDB), enabling developers to interact with the target microcontroller or microprocessor. OpenOCD supports a wide range of hardware platforms and provides a comprehensive set of features for hardware debugging, programming, and boundary-scan testing.
Build systems automate the process of compiling and linking source code into executable programs. They are essential tools for software development, as they can help to improve the efficiency and consistency of the build process. Popular build systems include Make, and CMake.
๐ต Compilers / GCC
GCC (the GNU Compiler Collection) is a free and open-source compiler system that can compile programs for many different programming languages, including C, C++, Objective-C, Fortran, Ada, and Go. GCC is a popular choice for embedded systems development due to its open source nature, maturity, stability, portability, performance, and large community. On the other hand proprietary compilers like Keil and IAR offer toolchain support, target-specific optimizations, and customer support, which may be preferred for specific projects.
๐ต Make / CMake
CMake and Make are both tools for building software applications. CMake is a meta-build system that generates Makefiles, which are then used by Make to build the software. CMake is more versatile and cross-platform than Make, and it is becoming the more popular choice for modern software development.
๐ต Bash Scripting
Bash scripting serves as a powerful tool in embedded systems development, enabling developers to automate repetitive tasks, handle complex configurations, and manage the embedded system's environment effectively. Bash scripting is a Linux-specific tool that is not natively integrated into Windows. However, it can be accessed via the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
๐ต Docker
Docker containers provide a consistent and isolated environment for building software applications. This can help to improve the reproducibility of builds and reduce the risk of errors. Docker also makes it easier to share build environments, which can save time and effort for developers.
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models provide a structured approach to software development, guiding the process from planning to deployment and maintenance. These models provide a framework for organizing, managing, and executing software projects, ensuring a consistent and efficient development process.
๐ต Agile / SCRUM
๐ต V-Model (V-cycle)
Version control systems are essential tools for managing changes to code and other digital assets. They track changes over time, allowing developers to revert to previous versions, collaborate effectively, and identify potential conflicts. Popular version control systems include Git, Mercurial, and Subversion.
๐ต Git
๐ต SVN (Subversion)
Testing is an integral part of the embedded systems development process, ensuring the quality, reliability, and safety of these systems. It involves a range of techniques, from unit testing to system testing, to validate the functionality and performance of the software and hardware components.
๐ต Test Driven Development (TDD)
๐ถ Unit Testing
๐ถ Integration Testing
๐ต CI/CD Pipelines
Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) are software development practices that automate the process of building, testing, and deploying software. CI/CD pipelines are designed to ensure that software changes are deployed quickly and reliably.
๐ต SIL / HIL Testing
Software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing are two crucial techniques used in embedded systems development to validate the functionality and performance of software before it is deployed on real hardware. These testing methods simulate the real-world environment of the embedded system using software models or hardware emulators.
๐ต Standards & Certifications
Embedded systems development is subject to a variety of standards and certifications, which serve as guidelines and benchmarks for ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of these systems. These standards are often developed and maintained by industry bodies, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
๐ถ Functional Safety
Security in embedded systems is particularly challenging due to resource constraints and the inherent nature of these devices. Embedded systems typically operate on small, low-power microcontrollers with limited memory and processing power. This makes it difficult to implement the same level of security as traditional computing platforms. Additionally, embedded systems often have limited access to updates and patches, making them more vulnerable to known vulnerabilities.
๐ต Hardware Hacking
Learning hardware hacking helps security professionals understand how embedded systems can be compromised and develop effective defenses against cyberattacks. This knowledge enhances the resilience of embedded devices to attack.
๐ต Cryptography
๐ต Secure Boot & Secure Firmware Update
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) have become an indispensable part of modern embedded systems, offering a user-friendly and intuitive way to interact with devices. Designing effective GUIs for embedded systems requires careful consideration of factors such as resource constraints, user experience, and real-time performance.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices, which gather and exchange data with other devices or with the cloud. Embedded systems are typically the "brains" of IoT devices, managing data collection, processing, and communication tasks. Embedded systems are designed to operate with limited power and resources, making them well-suited for IoT applications.
๐ต Delta Over-The-Air Firmware Update
Edge AI refers to the ability of devices to perform machine learning tasks on their own, without the need to send data to a central server. This can be done by using small, specialized AI models that are embedded directly into the device. TinyML is a subset of Edge AI that focuses on developing these models for devices with very limited computing power, such as microcontrollers and sensors.
๐ต AI & ML Basics
๐ต TensorFlow Lite
๐ต TinyML
