Overcoming the 6 Challenges to designing an optimized Embedded System

Overcoming the challenges in designing embedded systems requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and capabilities, plus cross-disciplinary knowledge and communication to achieve optimization in both hardware and software components.

Boston engineering recently published an article examining six major challenges to designing an optimized embedded system. We believe that the crucial challenges involve: 

1. Real-time Operation
2. Power Consumption
3. Limited Resources
4. Environmental Factors
5. Software Complexity, and
6. Security

Boston Engineering has found that continuous learning and understanding the latest technologies and security threats are essential for the engineering team to adapt to evolving challenges in embedded system design. Below are skills that any company designing embedded systems should ensure their team members have competency in. 

What is an Embedded System? 

A computing system, built of a processor, memory, and input/output devices, with a dedicated function inside of a larger device or system.  Embedded systems are useful design elements because they offer fully customizable, real time performance with a wide range of integration possibilities. Embedded systems are found in equipment and devices we encounter everyday, including: 

• Medical Diagnostics
• Robotic Systems
• Motion Control Systems
• Measurement Instruments
• Unmanned Vehicle Systems
• IoT Smart Connected Devices, and more

Read more about embedded systems

Overcoming Challenges to designing an optimized Embedded System

The skills any embedded system design team needs to improve their design performance

Real-time operation: 

• Expertise in real-time operating systems (RTOS) and real-time programming.
• Use of deterministic algorithms and scheduling techniques.
• Understanding of hardware-software co-design to minimize latency.

Power consumption:

• In-depth knowledge of low-power electronics and components.
• Expertise in power-aware software design and optimization.
• Familiarity with power management techniques, such as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS).

Limited resources: 

• Efficient resource management through static and dynamic allocation.
• Proficiency in optimizing code for size and speed.
• Utilization of lightweight communication protocols and data compression techniques.

Environmental Factors:

• Selection of ruggedized components and materials suitable for harsh environments.
• Rigorous testing under simulated and real-world environmental conditions.
• Implementation of protective measures against factors like temperature, humidity, and vibration.

Software complexity: 

• Strong software engineering skills for modular and maintainable code.
• Use of software development tools and methodologies that facilitate debugging.
• Application of model-based design to ease software complexity.

• Integration of secure boot mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the system.
• Implementation of encryption and secure communication protocols.
• Regular security assessments and updates to address vulnerabilities.
• Adherence to industry standards and best practices for embedded system security.

Review several impactful Business Cases for utilizing Embedded Systems

Addressing these challenges requires a deep understanding of both hardware and software design. Developing embedded systems requires expertise in areas such as circuit design, microcontroller programming, and software engineering. However, despite these challenges, designing embedded technology offers many benefits, including efficiency, reliability, and scalability, and it is poised to continue to grow in importance in the coming years. 

Developing an innovative embedded system will set you apart from your competition, both in product performance and in results for your business. Success with maximizing product development returns comes from experience and expertise in embedded systems, both in understanding existing technology and in investing in the right solutions to meet the actual goals of a project. Successful (and profitable) Integration of the many elements of an embedded system is crucial, so make sure you have access to the knowledge and capabilities to make that happen. If you're unsure as to whether you or you team have those skills available, your best option is to partner with a team that has this expertise and ensure your outcomes meet the potential of your project.  

Download Boston Engineering's Embedded Systems Integrated Capabilities

Ready to Start your next Embedded System Design? 

Whether you’re looking to enhance your current team or outsource a solution to meet rising demands on your time, working with Boston Engineering embedded systems experts is the right choice. Don't leave complex designs that rely on layers of integration to slow down your team, extend deadlines, or even worse: cause a project failure. Know you're going to get the results you want by working with an industry leader in development and deployment of high performance embedded systems. 

Let's start the Embedded Systems conversation

No matter the challenge, our team possesses the expertise in the engineering disciplines and technologies you need to bring your vision to life. Impossible Challenge? Try Us.

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