Would you love to build your own computer? or have you ever imagined building one of your own, living out your little MCU sci-fi fantasy? But I guess you also consider that it’ll be a lot of work and nearly impossible to do alone.
What if I told you, you could do it? And all by yourself sometimes too if you wanted? That’s where embedded systems come in.

If this is a new term to you, or something you’ve heard but don’t really understand, please read on…

What are Embedded Systems?
We all know what computers are – traditionally general purpose devices that perform some sort of computation based on input data to produce an output. They range from large workstations to our mobile devices. That’s basically what an embedded system is but with a difference, it’s dedicated to performing a single task. Embedded systems are the brain behind every electronic device that performs a specific function.

Where are they employed?
As the world goes smarter, there is a need for more automated systems and thus more programmable devices. Embedded systems are therefore useful everywhere from the household electric kettle to traffic lights, motionand position sensors, agricultural irrigation systems, and individual components of more complex devices. A complex computer or robot is actually made up of several smaller embedded systems, if you think about it.
Due to their rising need and versatility, embedded systems developers are needed a lot and under various job titles, depending on the specifics of the job. There are different areas of specialisation, basically under the umbrellas of hardware and software.

What skills are needed to begin?
Well, to start the a fundamental knowledge of electronics and low level programming should be enough. If you don’t have that, it’s not a problem. A bunch of study references are attached which should jumpstart your embedded journey. Then you could move on to simple project implementation with a microcontroller, like the popular Arduino.
Until next time, keep learning. Ciao.

Inside Embedded Systems Engineering | Engineering Insiders

Beginner Electronics | CodeMore

C++ for Beginners | Freecodecamp

Arduino for Beginners | SM Training Academy

Written by:              
 Odunolaoluwa Jeronla

Presented by:             
Alikah Joseph
Technical Lead 23/24
Ekop Samuel
Webmaster 23/24