Next career boom: embedded systems technology

Nilesh Kakade, CHIP,

May 02, 2001

Gadgets that can sense your mood, complex systems you can activate with just one
touch, electronic devices that can monitor your every movement, retina-scanners
that can trigger off an alarm. If this sounds like some secret-service
operation, then the brains behind it undoubtedly are chips intelligent enough to
detect and power applications that seemed impossible to design a few years ago.

Intrigued? You are not alone. Embedded systems technology is a field that has
recently found a lot of takers. Join the growing ranks of people who are
mastering a technology that hopes to look beyond the term 'microprocessor', and
promises to be the next generation in the computing evolution.

But what is it?

The term 'embedded technology' is quite a complex one. Simply put, it means a
combination of hardware and software that together forms a component of a larger
system. This, in turn, is pre-programmed to perform a dedicated or narrow range
of functions as part of a larger system, usually with minimal end-user or
operator intervention. The term 'embedded' implies that these chips are an
integral part of the system. Broadly speaking, these programmable devices or
systems are generally used to perform, control or monitor things such as
processes, machinery, environments, equipment and communications. These new-
generation embedded chips are scaleable, generate low amounts of heat and
consume less power.

Embedded systems technology is characterised by high reliability, restricted

memory footprint and real-time operation. It is also associated with a narrowly
defined group of functions, though it encompasses a wide variety of
applications, ranging from simple solutions to high-end complex mechanisms.

Why it is the next big thing

Embedded products are flooding our lives in the form of numerous non-PC devices.
We come across them everyday in home appliances, phones, toys, entertainment
systems, printers, etc. These can be classified as first generation systems.
However, the advent of the Internet and the need for convergence has helped user
in a new phase in this field. Today, more and more embedded processors are being
designed specifically for Net-centric markets.

The trend in embedded processor design is towards new CPU architectures that
promise high-end performance and customisation. So unlike today's desktop/server
CPUs, embedded processors will allow customers to choose cache sizes, pick
function units, add on-chip memory and configure I/O components.

This technology is very useful when the product being designed has to be
scalable and powerful enough to meet future requirements that will no doubt be
resource hungry. So the need for professionals in this field will rise
tremendously, as the next generation of hardware and software leverages on
embedded technology to become more manageable, adaptable, scalable, and
flexible.

"The range is really very wide, limited only by human imagination," says B.J.
Ram Rao, CEO, eSmartNet (a division of Zicom Electronic Security Systems). "I
would think that, broadly, the embedded system application areas would be
wireless, Internet and mobile communications, industrial control, test and
measurement, networking, aerospace and automotive control, consumer electronics,
digital imaging and defence."

What you need to know

If you aspire to be a part of this field, you will need to be well-versed in

system design architecture, and also have a working knowledge of hardware,
software and networking protocols. It is also important to develop good skills
in ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) design, mixed signal design,
high-frequency board design techniques, low-level software design, programming
in assembly language and have an in-depth knowledge of real-time operating
systems (RTOS).

Professor S.S.S.P. Rao of IIT (Powai) lists the qualifications needed for
studying embedded systems technology. "A person with an electronics and computer
background would be the most suitable candidate for the high-end courses,"
according to him. "Besides, the student must have a thorough understanding of
the complete architecture of the system and knowledge of the applications that
will use this embedded system," he adds.

This means that you would need to have prior knowledge about microprocessors,
micro-controllers, smart cards and robotics as well. IIT (Powai) has a
specialised course for corporations, industry-sponsored candidates and
individuals with the above qualifications.

Where you fit in

The production of a new embedded system requires the design of both custom
hardware and custom software. "Because of the intimate nature of the interaction
between these two aspects of the system, it is vital that the design takes into
account the characteristics of both," says Projesh Bakshi, team leader at Blue
Star Infotech, which has a keen interest in embedded systems.

"This requires a design team with a detailed knowledge of both hardware and
software design," he adds.

While overall detailed knowledge is essential, you will also have to pick an
area within this vast field that you want to specialise in.

"I see a diverse bunch of people working closely together as teams-mechanical

engineers, industrial product designers, hardware engineers and software
engineers-to meet the tremendous challenges; challenges involving important
design decisions and time-to-market pressures," says Ram Rao.

According to him, as embedded systems pervade the industry, every technology and
manufacturing business will need to become skilled in developing embedded
software and will require development software that is easy to obtain and use.
To meet this requirement, large-scale consulting organisations offering project
design, management and implementation services will be established. This will
open yet another avenue for aspirants.

Of course, for you to be part of such a team, your skill-sets will need to be
above par. Don't get roped in by local institutes that offer to teach you
embedded technology in no time at all. This subject is best left to the experts,
which include the IITs, regional engineering colleges and University-affiliated
engineering colleges and institutes of technology that teach digital electronics
design and microprocessor-based design.

This is a career opportunity for those who dare to dream the impossible and make
it happen. If you are one of them, go ahead and unleash the power of embedded
computing.