The Latest in Embedded Technology for 2022
The embedded system market has undergone a substantial transition over time. Even the industries and technology that were employed grew with time. With the introduction of IoT and IIoT, embedded systems have inspired the growth of intelligent networks. The world is shifting toward more creative solutions, which has increased interest in embedded software development. Embedded systems are essential parts of the majority of sectors, including automation, defense, aerospace, automotive, and medical equipment. It is essential to watch the trends in embedded industries as a result.
What is Embedded Technology?
A microprocessor-based computer hardware and software combination called an embedded system is designed to perform a particular task, either independently or as part of a larger system. The brain of the system is a real-time computation-capable integrated circuit.
From a single microcontroller to a collection of interconnected processors with peripherals and networks, there are many various levels of complexity, as well as interface types ranging from having no user interface to elaborate graphical user interfaces.
1. Embedded Linux
Linux is frequently used in embedded systems because it can support a wide range of CPUs, networking protocols, and firmware. Furthermore, thanks to the Yocto Project, which provides a flexible and open-source collection of tools for constructing customized Linux-based systems, embedded developers may accomplish a lot with Linux.
Given this, it shouldn’t be surprising that many vendors at Embedded World 2022 offered Linux modification services based on the Yocto Project. These included both manufacturers of electrical components and businesses that focus on creating embedded software and device drivers for various types of hardware. Projects from the automotive, medical, agricultural, telecommunications, and industrial sectors were among the wide range of initiatives presented.
2. Automated Hardware In-Loop Testing
Along with debugging, testing is a challenge for developers. They may struggle with this phase for the following reasons:
- Testing is still primarily done manually.
- Automated hardware testing may appear time-consuming.
- Teams put greater emphasis on coding and put off testing.
- incorrect software UI
Hardware in-loop testing is not a new concept, but it is routinely ignored. Try out several automated tests to increase code quality and reduce development costs. If the results are favorable, progressively include the technology in the testing process.
3. Artificial intelligence
It would have been challenging to find an exhibitor at this year’s Embedded World who didn’t offer products based on artificial intelligence. At our very own show, a predictive maintenance program for industrial motors was also accessible.
The urge to integrate AI into virtually any business process or product that deals with enormous volumes of data are, of course, by no means a recent one. Embedded AI, or AI built into the hardware to maintain common models, gather data, and prepare data for algorithm-based actions, is more modern. FPGA boards are a familiar sight at Embedded World 2022 due to their broad use in computer vision-based solutions for industrial and automotive applications.
Local AI can increase a device’s overall performance by lowering energy consumption and accelerating computation times when the cloud is not an option. Nevertheless, embedded AI won’t take the place of cloud platforms. As embedded AI on the edge will still need cloud resources to be supported in order to be useful, it will instead improve the cloud’s ability to use AI.
4. Arm TrustZone
The importance of security is increasing as new technology is developed. Businesses must improve their security measures in order to protect their firmware and customer data.
Microcontrollers have a wide range of security choices, such as multi-core processors that can establish distinct run-time environments. Businesses would benefit from TrustZone for a number of reasons.
- Nowadays, TrustZone capability is a part of all microcontroller architectures.
- More and more tools, both open-source and commercial, now include TrustZone.
- It has one main component that many developers are familiar with from software models.
5. LoRaWAN and NB-IoT
The importance of security is increasing as new technology is developed. Businesses must improve their security measures in order to protect their firmware and customer data.
Microcontrollers have a wide range of security choices, such as multi-core processors that can establish distinct run-time environments. Businesses would benefit from TrustZone for a number of reasons.
Nowadays, TrustZone capability is a part of all microcontroller architectures.
More and more tools, both open-source and commercial, now include TrustZone.
It has one main component that many developers are familiar with from software models.
Conclusion
Numerous new technologies have emerged this year that will profoundly change how we design, test, and use embedded systems. I’m sorry I could only get through five. These five, though, should be more than enough to get readers thinking this year. Remember to use moderation and refrain from taking on too much at once. Concentrate on one to three key technology drivers, then increase your knowledge and skill every day or week. You can move on to the next key if there have been noticeable changes, which won’t take long.