Today I will have some time to find out what is Embedded SW and what is MCU.
And let’s talk about whether embedded SW really has a vision.
1. What is Embedded SW?
In order to understand embedded SW, it is necessary to first understand the etymology of Embedded.
Embedded means built-in.
In the end, you can see that it means that it is a built-in SW.
Let’s take an example.
The washing machine contains embedded SW.
The washing machine works by setting different modes for us.
In other words, there is a computer in the washing machine and according to what we press the operation button
The washing machine is in motion.
The washing machine contains the following board.
The green thing below is the board.
Also it is called ECU (Electric Control Unit).
And inside that green ECU is a black chip as shown below.
This chip is called Micro Control Unit (MCU).
This chip is really important.
It is to insert the SW that the washing machine operates into that black chip.
The chip contains a computer called the CPU.
This CPU performs various calculations and operates pre-specified actions of the washing machine.
Embedded SW means the SW that is put into the MCU that goes directly into the ECU (Electric Control Unit).
And that SW is built into the washing machine.
So only the SW to run the washing machine is included.
Let’s take a laptop as an example to understand the embedded SW clearly.
We use Excel and PowerPoint on our laptops.
However, such software is not called embedded SW.
There is a place to store SW on your laptop.
Laptops have memory.
However, we do not use laptops only for using Excel and PowerPoint.
And if you want, you can uninstall Excel and PowerPoint programs and install other programs to use them.
For example, you can install a video editor to perform video editing or install a music program to listen to music.
We use laptops for universal purposes.
Let’s go back to Embedded SW again.
The SW that goes into the black MCU in the green ECU (Electric Control Board) shown below is used only to run the washing machine.
It is not universal and has a definite purpose.
So you don’t need too much memory.
All you need is memory the size of a washing machine.
You don’t even have to have a very good CPU.
All you need is CPU calculation speed enough to run a washing machine.
If so, I think we can now clearly define it.
Embedded SW is built-in SW which is software embedded in a machine for a specific purpose.
Additionally, in order to understand Embedded SW, we need to understand MCU (Micro Control Unit)
Let’s talk about MCU more detail.
2. What is an MCU?
As mentioned above, the MCU is contained within the Electric Control Unit.
MCU is a chip.
Let’s zoom in on the MCU a bit more.
In the MCU, there is a memory to insert the SW.
Also, a CPU for reading and calculating SW is included.
In addition, ADC, SPI, GPIO, CAN… These devices are also included.
These devices are called peripherals.
peripherals!
Have you heard a lot?
When we use a laptop,
Keyboards and mice are also what we call peripherals.
A keyboard is a device that helps us type.
The mouse helps you move the cursor.
The LCD panel allows us to show images.
These devices are called peripherals.
ADC, SPI, CAN, and GPIO in the MCU are also peripheral devices with specific purposes.
And these devices are peripherals needed to control something.
control something!
The term ‘control’ came into being.
If you look at the terminology of MCU.
-> Micro Control Unit
Let’s take a look at the washing machine again.
If the washing machine selects the boil function to wash, the washing must be done while maintaining a constant water temperature.
And, when dehydrating, it is necessary to control the dehydration under certain rotation conditions.
If you choose standard washing, you need to control washing, rinsing, and spin-drying within a certain amount of time.
In the end, you can see that Embedded SW is SW for controlling something.
And the necessary devices to perform these controls are included in the MCU.
These periperals are sold as a MCU package.
If that’s the case, let’s try to sort it out one last time.
* Embedded SW
1) It is software embedded in a machine for a specific purpose.
2) Embedded SW is used to control something,
To perform such control, various peripheral devices are included in the MCU.
If so, now you know Embedded SW and MCU.
I also learned about the purpose of Embedded SW.
Then, let’s talk about the vision for embedded SW.
3. Vision for embedded software
Perhaps some of you reading this are searching for university class presentations.
Also, since self-driving cars are being talked about a lot these days, I think that there are people who are searching and reading articles.
I have been working in Embedded SW development for about 12 years.
I asked myself if Embedded SW development really has a vision.
Does embedded SW really have a vision?
I would like to say that Embedded SW is a field with a clear vision.
First of all, Embedded SW is really closely related to our lives.
Washing machine, TV and refrigerator
There are various embedded SWs in automobiles.
As well as self-driving cars.
It is expected that the 4th industry will become a more important industry in the future.
And, it is expected that most jobs will disappear in the future through AI.
Jobs that can be replaced by computers, I think, have no vision.
However, I believe that if you have Embedded SW technology to understand computers and design automation, you will become a person suitable for the 4th industrial era.
And, in the future, these human resources will be needed more in society.
Even now, it is really difficult to find a good embedded software developer.
And I think it takes about 7~8 years to grow into a good embedded software developer.
I like StarCraft.
Depending on which build you choose, it’s really fun to see how winning or losing depends.
time is limited,
What we need is choice and focus.
When I think of the 4th industry in the future,
I believe that embedded SW will become more established in our real lives in the future, such as self-driving cars, robots, and Internet of Things (IoT).
Also, this is a field where there are a lot of things to really build up and build up and build up again.
That’s why it’s fun.
I have a lot of fun learning every day.
Therefore, the barrier to entry is high.
When choosing a job, choose a job with a high entry barrier.
Then, if there are people who are reading this article right now, “I want to try embedded SW, but where should I start?” It seems that there are people who do.
Where should I start?
In fact, beginners
We recommend buying an Arduino board to get started.
It is necessary for beginners to operate from an 8-bit MCU through an Arduino board.
And those who are intermediate
We recommend NXP and Infineon.
It is also an MCU that is widely used by automobile companies.
These are MCUs that are in high demand.
In fact, if you dig deeply into two MCUs,
You will find that all MCUs behave similarly.
In this blog, I will use Infineon MCU to develop embedded SW.
I’m trying to post a blog so that anyone can easily access it.
MCU is planned to be purchased as an MCU that anyone can buy at an affordable price.
I haven’t bought an MCU yet, but in the next article I will tell you how to buy an MCU.
While explaining the process, I am also going to make a purchase.
There are times when it is more important to stand in line than to work hard.
Is studying embedded software a good choice?
You made a good choice.
댓글