How do you manage and update embedded software to maintain or improve power efficiency over time?

1 Analyze power consumption

The first step is to measure and analyze how much power your embedded software uses and where the hotspots are. You can use tools such as power analyzers, oscilloscopes, or current probes to monitor the voltage and current of your device. You can also use software tools such as profilers, debuggers, or power management frameworks to identify the power states, modes, and transitions of your device. By analyzing the power consumption, you can find the sources of inefficiency, such as unnecessary wake-ups, polling loops, or memory leaks.

2 Optimize code and algorithms

The next step is to optimize your code and algorithms to reduce the power consumption. You can apply techniques such as code refactoring, modularization, or compression to make your code more compact and efficient. You can also use algorithms that are suitable for low-power scenarios, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), low-pass filters, or adaptive control. You can also leverage hardware features such as interrupts, timers, or sleep modes to minimize the active time and frequency of your device.

3 Use low-power libraries and frameworks

Another step is to use low-power libraries and frameworks that can help you manage and update your embedded software. These are software components that provide functions and services for power management, such as setting power modes, adjusting clock speeds, or controlling peripherals. Some examples are the Power Management Application Programming Interface (PM-API), the Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), or the Power Management Framework (PMF). These libraries and frameworks can simplify your development process and ensure compatibility and interoperability with different hardware platforms.

4 Test and verify power efficiency

The final step is to test and verify the power efficiency of your embedded software. You can use tools such as power simulators, emulators, or analyzers to estimate and measure the power consumption of your device under different scenarios and conditions. You can also use tools such as benchmarks, metrics, or standards to compare and evaluate the power efficiency of your device with other devices or systems. Some examples are the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC), the Energy-Efficient Embedded Systems (E3S), or the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC).

By following these steps, you can manage and update your embedded software to maintain or improve power efficiency over time. This can help you improve the performance, reliability, and user experience of your device and reduce the environmental impact and operational costs of your system.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?