It is the very first question that comes to our mind...
Is Embedded Systems a good career option ?
or
What are the career opportunities in Embedded Systems Industry ?
We are going to answer this question today...
Before starting with the answer, firstly let us talk about what are embedded systems exactly ??
The most common definitions is
"It is a combination of hardware and software to perform a specific task"
This definition is not much clear !Lets redefine it...
"Any electronic system which gives capability to a device or a machine to perform fully automatic and semi-automatic tasks is an Embedded System"
Remember the functionality of a washing machine. In semi-automatic machines user sets the timer, water level and amount of detergent to use, and rest of the operation is done by machine itself, as per the parameters setup by user.
In fully automatic washing machine, user just put the clothes in the machine and rest all the tasks are done by machine itself.
Can you guess who is controlling the automatic operations of machine??
How a washing machine is intelligent enough to do tasks automatically??
What is the brain of a washing machine ?
Yes !! It is an Embedded System. Embedded system is the brain of washing machine (or any automatic machine or device). There is an Embedded system inside a washing machine which get inputs from user, save those inputs in its memory and operate the machine as per the inputs.
Isn't it Interesting ?
It means, if you know how to make an Embedded System then you can automate any task with the help of it.
It consists of 3 things:
1. Input Device
2. Microcontroller (The Brain)
3. Output Device
Input device collects input from user or environment. It could be done via a sensor or a remote control.
Microcontroller is the brain, it is the processing unit. It collects information from input device and perform the output as per the logic defined inside it.
Output device collects the instructions from microcontroller and perform accordingly
Can you imagine how a microcontroller knows what to perform??
How a microcontroller knows what should be the output?
Answer is "You can write a code inside the microcontroller and microcontroller performs the output according to the code written inside it.
Isn't it interesting ?
If you have a logic in your mind, then you can write your logic in the form of a Code and you can write this code inside the microcontroller. And microcontroller keeps on executing your code until the power is on
Mostly the code is written in "Embedded C" Programming language.
If you want to program a Microcontroller you need to learn Embedded C Programming.
1. TV : There is an embedded system inside a television which allow users to change channels while sitting few meters away from it.
User sends input using wireless remote control, microcontroller inside TV receives the input via receiver, microcontroller identify which key is pressed and perform the output on the screen. In this case input device is a remote control and buttons on TV and output device is TV screen.
2. Digital Calculator : It is a pure embedded system which collects input from user via buttons/keys on it, microcontroller inside it performs the calculations according to the keys pressed and send an output to display. Here again input device is keypad, brain is microcontroller and output device is display.
3. Air Conditioner : An embedded system is there inside an AC, which collects information from user for the desired temperature via wireless remote, and decides when to ON and OFF the AC to maintain the desired temperature set by user.
Here 2 input devices are used, one is remote to collect desired temperature from user. Second is temperature sensor, which continuously senses the current room temperature and sends input to microcontroller. If room temperature reaches below the desired temperature then microcontroller turn OFF the compressor and if room temperature reaches above the desired temperature then it turn ON the compressor.
Try analysing the functioning of embedded system in following devices.
1. Microwave
2. Mobile Phone
3. Laptop
4. Audio Player
5. Digital Camera
6. Printer
7. Automatic Features in Cars
8. Traffic Lights
9. Digital Thermometer
10. Set Top Box (TV)
11. Wifi Router
12. Modem
13. Geyser with automatic features
14. Automatic Water Taps in hotels
Also there is one more task for you, as you know using embedded systems you can automate anything, so try to find out the things you can automate to solve real life problems.. Above example are just nuts, embedded system is an ocean, there are huge number of products in medical electronics sector, aerospace, automobiles, defence, toys, consumer electronics, food industry, telecommunication, Industrial machines, space, agriculture, construction, in simple term everywhere.
If you can learn Embedded C Programming>>
Then you can convert logic in your mind into a code>>
It means you can write your code into microcontroller>>
if you can write code into a microcontroller it means you can develop an embedded system>>
if you can develop an embedded system it means you can automate any task>>
if you can automate any task it means you can develop products & work in industry.
i3indya Technologies offers FREE Workshop on Embedded C Programming for beginners. If you wish to join then register on below link:
Join FREE Workshop on Embedded C Programming by i3indya Technologies
Embedded System is the future. Every industry needs some artificial intelligence into it and artificial intelligence can be given by embedded systems only. No electronic product is without embedded systems in the market. And who is going to develop future embedded systems? You ! the Embedded Engineers.
- According to a survey embedded systems industry will reach $360 billion by end of 2020.
- Jobs in embedded industry will reach to 12 Lac by 2020.
- Companies like TCS, Wipro, L&T, TATA, Elexsi, Infosys, Zensar, Tech Mahindra, Patni, Volvo, Airbus, Toshiba are investing heavily in their embedded systems operations in India
- Mobile manufacturers like Foxcon are setting up their plant in India.
- Experts say what IT was in 90s is where Embedded Systems stands now and is ready to explode.
Lot of career opportunities are available in embedded systems. Some of them are as follows:
- Embedded Software Engineer (firmware)
- System Software Engineer (kernal & RTOS)
- Application Software Engineer (device drivers)
- Software Test Engineer.
- Embedded Hardware Engineer.
- Embedded System Trainer.
- Marketing & Sales Executive.
No doubt starting packages are not much high but once you gain experience of 3-4 years, you will get handsome packages.
And experienced embedded system developers has very high demand in India.
- Medical Electronics
- Aerospace
- Automobiles
- Defence
- Toys
- Consumer Electronics
- Food industry
- Telecommunication
- Industrial machines
- Space
- Agriculture
- Construction
in simple term everywhere
1. Software Skills
- Embedded C Programming on Micrcocontrollers (AVR, PIC, ARM)
- Interfacing microcontrollers with different sensors and peripherals
- Kernal Programming
- Device Drivers
- Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
- Innovative Thinking
2. Hardware Skills
- Electronic Circuit Designing
- Power Supply Circuit Designing
- PCB Designing
- Troubleshooting Skills
3. Other Skills
- Learning new microcontroller interfacing yourself
- Learning new hardware yourself
- Reading Datasheets
- Documentation as per company norms
- Following SDLC
- Working in a Team
- Completing Work in Deadlines
- Making Reports as per the Company Requirement
Earlier Embedded System was 80% hardware and 20% software but now a days it is 20% hardware and 80% software
Grab all above skills if you want to achieve high level in your career.
I hope you got the answer to this question " Is Embedded Systems a Good Career Option ? "
And the answer is " YES "
Thanks for reading this article. We tried our best to explain what are embedded systems, Career Opportunities in Embedded Systems, Related Sectors and Skills to gain. We hope you enjoyed reading.
All the best for your future !
Thanksi3indya Technologies