What is Embedded App Development?
Embedded application software is the root of smart devices such as
intelligent thermostats and smartphones. An embedded application is software
that is permanently contained in a device to perform a particular set of tasks.
Software development is a mixture of technology, architecture, and domain
knowledge to create and maintain applications by specifying, documenting,
conceiving, designing, programming, testing, and debugging. Therefore, embedded
app development is the process of creating and maintaining software that is
permanently contained in a device to perform a specific set of tasks through
specifying, documenting, conceiving, designing, programming, testing, and
debugging using an embedded computer. An embedded computer is a microprocessor-based system
designed specifically to perform a specific task; it comes with hardware and
software designed to withstand different conditions and achieve specific tasks.
Embedded Systems 101
An embedded system is just a computer system; it contains a computer
processor, peripheral devices, and computer memory used to perform a specific
task either individually or within a bigger electronic or mechanical system. An
embedded system contains an integrated circuit for real-time computing
operations. We use embedded system applications in our everyday lives; the
embedded system applications vary according to their complexity and the task it
is designed to do. Examples include smartwatches, intelligent microwaves, and
thermostats.
Basic Structure of an Embedded System
· Sensor
The sensor does the work of measuring variables in the real world such
as temperature, lich, pressure, et cetera.
· A-D Converter
An analog-to-digital converter
translates the analog signal from the sensor to a digital signal.
·Processor and ASICs
They process the data from the sensor to examine the output.
· D-A Converter
A digital-to-analog converter converts digital data from the processor
to analog data.
·Actuator
The actuator performs a task for the system, such as an
electromagnetic solenoid or a motor.
Skills necessary for embedded app development
As an embedded app development engineer, you will need certain skills,
such as knowing programming languages and technologies. Some of these include;
C and C++, KiCAD, python to build automation and scripting, nerves for embedded
Linux, and phoenix or elixir for low latency power sockets. Moreover, embedded
app development relates closely with the Internet of Things; hence it is
necessary to have IoT knowledge on techniques and platforms such as PlatformIO
to carry out embedded C and C++ projects and AWS IoT for MQTT pub-sub used for
large-scale deployment projects. Embedded app developers need to have technical
hardware design expertise for embedded systems and should be able to work with
PCB design subcontractors and manufacturers. If you are looking for an embedded
app development position, expertise in firmware development is a necessity, and
knowledge in network systems will be a bonus.
Tools necessary for embedded application development
·Editor
A text editor is a necessary tool for an embedded app developer. The
text editor allows you to write code in programming language for embedded
system apps.
· Complier or Assembler
It would help if you had a compiler or an assembler to translate the
code you have written into instructions called a hex code on which the
microcontroller will operate. In simple terms, it translates the high-level to
low-level programming language.
· Linkers
A linker is a program that combines the codes saved in various files
into one final program for execution.
· Libraries
A library is a prior written program that already has some specific
function, and you can use it instantly. You can control LEDs and read sensors.
· Debugger
The work of a debugger is to help you get rid of small mistakes and
bugs.
· Simulator
A simulator is used to review and alter the code you have written
using a simulation to test its functionality in a real-life situation.
The Future of Embedded App Development
The industry of embedded app development and the embedded systems, in general, is expected to grow rapidly in the next decade driven by the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning and deep learning. The embedded app development industry's growth will lead to improved security, cloud connectivity, deep learning applications, mesh networking, reduced energy consumption, and visualizing tools containing real-time data. The global market for embedded systems was valued at 68.9 billion dollars in 2017 and is estimated to rise to 105.7 billion dollars by 2025.