We’ve explained some of the architectural elements of building your own firmware over-the-air (OTA) soution for IoT and embedded systems in a previous blog. But what about the hardware requirements? Or processes? Let’s explore issues that are essential to solve for a robust OTA solution. Maximizing flash longevity Modern devices rely on solid-state drives, which […]
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Mastering the Embedded Update Process
The importance of updating your product after it’s in the field cannot be overstated. Not only is it essential for customer satisfaction with feature updates and bug fixes, but also for addressing security vulnerabilities. In this post, we’ll look at some key considerations and methodologies for updating embedded systems. Selecting an update approach Choosing the […]
Streamlining Strategies for Embedded Software Development
Developing embedded software is notoriously difficult – how can we simplify the process? Fortunately, there are lots of techniques you can use daily to help streamline your development. Embracing Automation The specialized nature of embedded systems extends the ramp-up time for developers and necessitates a higher level of expertise. Automating hardware-specific tasks, such as deploying […]
Streamlining Multi-platform Development and Testing
In today’s pervasively digital landscape, building software for a single platform is a 1990s approach. Modern applications, even those designed for specific embedded targets, must be adaptable enough to run seamlessly across various platforms without sacrificing efficiency or reliability. This is often easier said than done. Here are some key points to consider when developing […]
Punctuality Matters: Using Linux to Manage Time-Critical Situations
The robustness of Linux is widely acknowledged, but it can’t quite match the microsecond management of a real-time operating system (RTOS) for time critical situations such as CNC machine instructions, vehicular control, or health sensor collection. If your software must record, manage, or control events within a narrow and precise time window and you’re invested […]
Optimizing Embedded Product Design The Case for Off-the-shelf Boards
Choosing the right system-on-chip (SoC) is probably your first consideration when designing an embedded product, followed closely by deciding whether to use an off-the-shelf board or design your own. The case for commercial boards in initial designs For the first product in a new line, consider using a commercially available board that features your chosen […]
The Embedded Developer’s Dilemma in Choosing Hardware
When designing an embedded product, there’s a lot riding on those crucial first decisions of choosing a hardware vendor and board. Clearly, the hardware you select must be powerful enough to support your product, a challenging determination given that software is usually still in the planning stages at this point in the process. Plus, planning […]
Dodging disruption with software – how to prevent commoditization
– Matthias Kalle Dalheimer If your company produces physical products, you might think that your most important asset is the in-depth experience acquired in your field, your loyal customer base, or your top-notch manufacturing facilities, not your software. However, over and over again, industry giants in many fields have been toppled by Silicon Valley start-ups […]
Choosing a Software Stack Is Qt right for your project?
One of the most difficult choices when starting any new software project is selecting the programming language and framework your team will use to create it. Should you stick with Qt because it’s the best tool for the job? Should you switch to something using web- based technology or designed explicitly for mobile? This whitepaper […]
Choosing a CPU Is the i.MX 8 right for your project?
When building an embedded systems product, among your earliest decisions is the choice of hardware. More specifically, on what CPU should you base your design? Today’s system-on-chip processors have a huge array of resources to contribute to your solution: multiple cores and on-board DSPs, graphics engines and display controllers, peripheral support and connectivity interfaces, and […]