How can you design computer architectures to support embedded systems development?

Choosing the most efficient hardware for embedded system is a crucial yet difficult task, because of two reasons: (a) We have no software to ensure that this hardware meets our requirements; (b) Sometimes, this hardware is not configurable (except for FPGA platforms, which again have specific capabilities). To (partially) overcome such problems, methods like virtual prototyping help towards analyzing the CPU capabilities (frequency, caches, etc.), the need for co-processors as SoC or FPGA logic, the required memory, and other architectural aspects. In addition, extra I/O ports (e.g., serial connection, debugging ports, etc.) are required for development/debugging purposes, along with the "standard" I/O for end user.

Selecting the appropriate hardware platform for embedded systems development involves a comprehensive understanding of the system requirements. Consider factors such as processing power, memory, energy consumption, and peripherals. Ensure compatibility with the application's demands and future scalability. Strive for a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance to meet the project's long-term objectives.

Selecting the appropriate hardware platform is crucial for embedded systems: Processing Power: Choose a CPU that can handle the system's computational demands. Memory: Ensure enough RAM and storage for processing and data storage needs. I/O Ports & Peripherals: Look for necessary I/O ports and peripheral compatibility (e.g., USB, Ethernet). Functionality: Consider speed, accuracy, and real-time processing capabilities. Cost-Efficiency: Balance performance with cost, considering energy efficiency for battery-operated systems. Compatibility & Availability: Ensure hardware compatibility and market availability to avoid supply issues. Development Ease: Opt for platforms with strong development support and tool availability

From my perspective, it would be about finding a balance between processing power, memory, and input/output capabilities. Consider what your system needs in terms of speed, accuracy, cost, and energy efficiency. Think about how compatible the hardware is with your needs and how easy it will be to develop and debug on it. Consider the planning beforehand.

Creating computer architectures to assist the development of embedded systems entails adapting hardware and software components to match the specific requirements and limits of embedded systems. Key considerations and methodologies for building computer architectures for embedded systems include as follows: 1. Clearly specify the embedded system's needs, including performance, power consumption, size, and real-time limits. Understanding these needs is critical for creating an appropriate architecture. 2. Select a processor that meets the unique requirements of the embedded system. Consider things like computing power, power efficiency, and real-time support.

Partition the software into well-defined layers, each responsible for specific functionalities. Implement clear interfaces between modules to facilitate maintenance and future upgrades. Leverage design patterns and adhere to coding standards to enhance code readability and maintainability.

Recordad que dise?ar una arquitectura de software no es lo mismo que implementar/Desarrollar dicha arquitectura de software ya mencionada. A pesar de las grandes ideas de arquitectura, es bien sabido que la mayoria de los obstaculos proviene de la capacidad técnica para implementar dicha solución

Taking the hardware platform into consideration, the software architecture has to be decided: For this, it is important to separate the software into pieces, for flexibility and scalability. A most important part is the operating system: There are quite many alternatives for a lightweight real-time operating system, with thread prioritization mechanism which matches to the needs of an embedded system. Also, the other important part is the software core, which performs the main processing. This software can be in multiple parallel processes, each of which can perform one operation, and can be isolated from the others e.g. during debugging. In addition, as the software needs to communicate with hardware, specific software drivers are needed.

Your architecture should support your hardware, communication protocols, and user interface, ensuring that the system is functional, scalable, and maintainable.

En mi opinión, siento que la arquitectura de software se ha reducido completamente al entorno del cloud. Si bien el cloud es muy importante, no garantiza la escalabilidad en términos de costos de mantenimiento del software ni de los tiempos para crear nuevas funcionalidades. El Cloud no resolverá una arquitectura de código mal dise?ada; de hecho, puede aumentar los gastos al aplicar incorrectamente patrones como los Microservicios, CQRS, etc.. De echo el propio echo de usar para todo microservicios hasta para un CRUD... De repente, un día puedes llevarte algunas sorpresas al revisar las facturas del cloud.

Pick protocols that match your system's needs for data type, speed, and reliability. Also, weigh the pros and cons of wired versus wireless options, considering factors like cost, power use, and potential interference.

UI/UX is extremely important and it is often neglected. It's not just about buttons and screens, but also about making the system user-friendly and accessible. Your interface should offer clear feedback and easy controls. Keep it simple, visible, consistent, and ensure it always gives users the feedback they need. Follow the principles of human-centered design.

To efficiently test and debug the embedded system, the first step is to provide ways for a developer/tester to have access to the internals: For example, specific I/O for tracing bus signals or serial logs, or ways to upload a new software during debugging.

Give it to a potential customer. Have a customer group test it out, have QA people test it out and run all the kinds of tests from every domain.

Consider the lifecycle duration of the product. Ensure that enough resources (cpu time, RAM, communication bandwidth, etc) are available to support future software enhancements/fixes. But there is a trade-off between over specifying the hardware and amount of enhancements/fixes possible.

Rule #1: Don't optimize. Rule #2 (for advanced): Don't do it now. But when we decide that the system must be optimized in terms of speed or power consumption, we have to take into considerations specific requirements focused on time or power. Thus: (a) If a thread needs no optimization, we do not need to spend more effort (after all, we may add bugs). (b) We focus on threads that really violate the above requirements. (c) Every optimization is done until the requirements are met: Nothing more, nothing less. We need to take into consideration that optimizing a code is like a double-edged knife: It is important for embedded systems, but it also induces bugs, even change in behavior (e.g., due to lack of synchronization with hardware).

There are many points which we need to consider to design any embedded system related product design or development perspective. 1. Collect all requirements and study about existing market products for reference perspective 2. Choose proper MCU with sensors, communication interface, hardware interface and network protocols as well. 3. Prepare High Level Design and Low Level Design before starting actual product development as a part of product documentation 4. Prepare good product prototype or POC and validate over actual field to get all types of feedback before going for mass production. 5. Define all types of product test-cases for robust testing.

With respect to the authors, my opinion is that the topic is too wide to be described in the few steps "simple" article like this. Yes, all sentences are correct, but... For somebody who has just joined to the embedded systems, article can give idea what to expect, but it doesn't give the solution, or defined path to the desired target. For people who already work with embedded systems, all steps contain expected details, and I suppose they would try to reach some guide more close to the topic they are working on.

One important aspect to consider is the selection of suitable operating systems and development tools that align with the requirements of the embedded system. Additionally, considering the security and safety aspects of the system is crucial, especially if it will be used in critical applications. It's also important to plan for scalability and future upgrades to accommodate potential enhancements or changes in the system's functionality.