As 2023 draws to an end, most of you might be reflecting on what went well and what didn’t. You’re likely thinking ahead to 2024 and envisioning what it might look like. As technology advances, new approaches, and strategies are developed to enhance software quality, cost & delivery schedules. Several fascinating phenomena emerged in 2023—some of which were predicted and others weren’t.
This article will examine some embedded software development trends that you should be aware of and that will be common in the coming years.
“The embedded software market hit $15 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow annually by 9% until 2032.”
Table of Contents
What is an Embedded System in Today’s World?
An embedded system is a type of microprocessor-based computer hardware and software designed to perform a specific function, either on its own or as part of a larger system.
An embedded system can communicate with the outside world through firmware, which is stored in read-only memory, slaves or computer peripherals and utilizes a few computer hardware resources.
Types of Embedded Systems
1. Stand-alone Embedded Systems
Stand-alone embedded systems work independently of a host system, like a computer or processor and can display data on connected devices or make the appropriate adjustments to connected devices. The ports provide the analog or digital signals that are used as input data and processing takes place there.
2. Real-time Embedded Systems
When a task needs to be completed on time or a project has a deadline, real-time embedded systems can be beneficial. Two categories of embedded systems exist:
Soft Embedded Systems: These systems prioritize managing processes and assume complete control over them. Deadlines don’t matter; under this strategy, procedures should still be finished on time even if they are missed.
Hard Embedded Systems: These systems consider deadlines as strict and non-negotiable, never to be overlooked or missed. Furthermore, the system should be time-bound even in case of a delay.
3. Small-scale Embedded Systems
These devices utilize 8-bit or 16-bit microcontrollers and operate on battery power. Numerous programming languages and tools are used in the development of small embedded devices.
4. Medium-scale Embedded Systems
Systems with 16 or 32 bits of microcontrollers are used to build medium-sized embedded systems. DSPs or RISCs can also be used for creating these.
Applications of Embedded System
1. Digital cameras and high-definition televisions are examples of consumer electronics used in embedded system applications.
2. Card reader, vision network, and home automation system
3. Washing machines that can detect the speed of cars and medical devices
Uses of Embedded System
Microwave ovens, ATMs, video game consoles, home security systems, fitness trackers, industrial automation, and military equipment are among the devices that primarily use embedded systems.
Emerging Trends in Embedded Systems
1. Multicore Microcontrollers
An embedded system’s requirement for parallel processing is growing in several applications. One processing core of an IoT application might be used to operate as a secure processor while the other core manages standard application code. When running a display or even a machine learning inference on one core, a team may use the other core as a real-time processor to gather sensor data.
Multicore processors enable teams to establish execution domains beyond the typical single domain familiar to embedded developers. Separating the network stack from application code can greatly assist in meeting real-time deadlines, while also streamlining debugging and software development for the entire team.
In the coming year or beyond, we expect a surge in multicore microcontrollers becoming available at increasingly affordable price ranges, particularly once we overcome the current chip shortages. The remarkable potential of multicore microcontrollers and their capacity to enhance a product’s value is awe-inspiring.
2. Container Adoption
Embedded developers frequently run across a few issues that turn into serious ones. First, on each development PC, each developer installs their development toolchain. Small variations in the toolchain and libraries can lead to different outcomes, resulting in defects that are difficult to debug. Second, embedded software programs are all-or-nothing monolithic, single-binary images, especially in the case of microcontroller-based devices. Flashing the entire application is necessary for creating updates, adding new features, etc, and even during development, this might make workload separation challenging.
One widely used tool that changed the web, servers & distributed applications is containers. They can, however, assist embedded software developers in several ways to alleviate some of their hurdles. For example, developers can build a container that installs the appropriate version of the tools and libraries automatically rather than requiring each developer to install their development environment. Using a container also helps ensure that all developers have access to the same tools and that the host operating system or configuration is not a contributing factor to issues.
Containers and the runtimes they use are shrinking in size, becoming compatible with mid-sized microcontrollers. Once achieved, developers can tap into a fully abstracted microcontroller environment. This shift enables applications to adopt a service-oriented approach, opening doors to the utilization of more contemporary architectures. Updating the application no longer demands a complete device flash instead, it involves swapping out or adding individual services.
It is expected that this technology’s exciting possibilities will lead to its growing popularity in the upcoming year.
3. Agile Methodologies Adoption
Agile values have been around for over twenty years. To support software developers in adopting and putting those values into practice and delivering more reliable software “on time,” more than forty distinct approaches and systems have been developed over that time. Unfortunately, while embedded teams frequently implement methodologies such as SCRUM, they lag in using other beneficial tools like DevOps.
In 2023 and beyond, the use of more sophisticated Agile methods will become popular. Teams across the world are incorporating concepts like deployment and continuous integration into their workflow. Builds, software analysis, unit testing, hardware-in-loop testing, deployment & other tasks can all be automated with the help of CI/CD.
It’s important, in my opinion, to recognize how these advancements are gradual. If you want to use the most recent Agile approaches in 2023, start slowly. For example, a year’s worth of small improvements to a DevOps pipeline can yield a significant pipeline. Rushing it will probably lead to a poor pipeline and disgruntled developers declaring that “it doesn’t work.” The situation will then be worse than it was initially.
4. Reignition of the Programming Language Wars
The industry was raging in the late 1990s over developers who were either C or C++ supporters. On both sides of the contentious debate, there were several disagreements. The issue eventually faded out and developers continued using whichever language made the most sense. As of right now, nothing is said in this regard.
In recent months, we have seen fights over programming languages for embedded devices. But this time, the argument is between C++ and Rust rather than C and C++. The increase in Rust supporters is partly due to its memory safety model, which holds promise for enhancing device security.
There will be a rising discussion about whether Rust is ready for production devices and an increase in the number of embedded developers who are interested in using it. Meanwhile, there has been a noticeable move in the business from C to C++. Thus, while the question of which language is best will undoubtedly be strongly debated, the answer depends on the objectives of your system, the languages your team knows best and the degree of risk involved.
5. An Emphasis on Security
There is a strong movement to connect embedded systems across numerous industries. The Internet of Things is expanding rapidly and creating a multitude of business possibilities that benefit both consumers and companies. A remote attack is the most popular type of device attack. Every internet-connected device has the potential to be a target. Security is a must for all IoT devices and industries that have previously disregarded security must now take security seriously. The number of technologies will become essential for protecting embedded systems in the upcoming year.
Switching to a memory-safe language might not seem worthwhile due to the learning curve and potential issues with maintenance and evolution. But when facing pressure to make that shift, remember that sticking to best practices in languages like C/C++ can yield comparable outcomes. A memory-safe language simply streamlines the process significantly.
In the future, microcontrollers are expected to undergo further evolution, incorporating more features aimed at enhancing security. Since many embedded software developers lack expertise in security measures, microcontroller suppliers are simplifying the process by integrating on-chip capabilities and supporting them with software frameworks. These advancements will alleviate some of the security challenges, yet developers will still face the task of ensuring these features are utilized correctly to safeguard devices and data according to their specific requirements.
Eventually, there might be a trend where device manufacturers, initially neglecting security measures, could face legal mandates to retrofit security features to safeguard user data.
6. Multicore Processors
A significant trend in embedded systems is the adoption of multicore processors, which provide increased processing capability and design flexibility. Embedded systems are increasingly using dual-core, quad-core & even octa-core processors, which allow them to manage multiple workloads and more complex tasks at once.
7. System on Chip (SoC) Integration
SoC integration combines every part of an embedded system like the processor, memory, peripherals & I/O interfaces onto a single chip. This merging can result in smaller, more energy-efficient & more budget-friendly embedded systems.
8. Reconfigurable Computing
Reconfigurable computing is a technology that lets hardware change its setup without needing to stop. This is useful for embedded systems that need to adapt to changing workloads or requirements. FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) are a common type of reconfigurable hardware used in embedded systems.
9. Firmware Languages
Software for embedded systems is developed using firmware languages. Usually, these are low-level languages that give you direct hardware access. Higher-level languages like Python & C++ are increasingly being employed for embedded systems development, however, firmware languages like C & assembly language are still often used.
10. Real-time Operating Systems (RTOS)
RTOSs are designed to meet the real-time functionality needs of embedded systems. They offer a deterministic scheduling system that guarantees the timely completion of important tasks. As embedded systems grow more complicated & demand better performance guarantees, RTOSs are growing in popularity.
11. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
Artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning (ML) find applications across diverse embedded systems, such as image recognition, natural language processing & predictive maintenance. These technologies enhance the intelligence & autonomy of embedded systems.
Examples of Embedded Systems in Daily Life
Today, embedded systems are everywhere. They are vital for the operation of countless appliances & devices that we use daily. In essence, these systems are specialized computers created to carry out particular functions inside broader systems, frequently integrating hardware & software components.
For example, embedded systems are used by vending machines to handle inventory, handle payments, dispense goods & collect user input. Dishwashers use embedded systems to regulate the water temperature, manage the washing cycle, and guarantee accurate detergent distribution. Vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control systems use embedded technologies to monitor the speed of the car in front of them, keep a safe distance and automatically modify the speed of the car.
To protect passengers, embedded systems sense sudden deceleration and trigger the airbags in a matter of milliseconds. Airbags are an essential safety component in cars. Embedded systems interpret sensor data, provide real-time information, and aid in decision-making for military surveillance systems, which collect intelligence and track enemy activity.
These examples highlight how embedded systems are present in every aspect of our daily lives. Embedded systems are the core of modern technology; they easily integrate into our daily routines and help create a more efficient, connected, and secure society by doing anything from simple tasks of distributing snacks to the crucial task of guaranteeing safety and security.
This table provides a summary of the examples that were given:
| Embedded System | Application |
| Vending Machines | Manage inventory, process payments, dispense products & provide user feedback |
| Dishwashers | Control the washing cycle, monitor water temperature & ensure proper detergent dispensing |
| Adaptive Cruise Control Systems | Track the speed of the vehicle ahead, maintain a safe distance & automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed |
| Airbags | Detect sudden deceleration & deploy airbags within milliseconds |
| Military Surveillance Systems | Process sensor data, generate real-time information & facilitate decision-making |
Future Potential of Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are finding more and more applications in daily life. Numerous industries, including telecommunications, consumer electronics, railroad networks, defense equipment, electronic payments & the smart card sector, have found extensive uses for embedded software. Because of this, it is expected that the number of embedded system applications will increase quickly, creating a large number of career opportunities in the field of embedded systems design.
It is believed that without the usage of gadgets, humans could not exist in the modern world. The use of electronic devices has increased recently. Most individuals are connected these days via devices that use embedded systems. Additionally, electrical electronics and mechanical stream tasks dealing with automotive sensors and autopilot are available in embedded system design.
Conclusion
We’ve just covered a handful of the trends that embedded software developers will be encountering in 2024. These trends originate from an industry-wide viewpoint on embedded software. However, our sector is not isolated.
The trajectory of embedded software in the future hinges on the direction of business demands and broader software industry trends. Furthermore, distinct teams will possess diverse requirements. Hence, it’s crucial to assess your particular team and determine their necessary strides for success in the upcoming year.
