Issue #177

Dear ,

Welcome to another edition of the Embedded Bytes newsletter!

In this issue, we’re looking at two important topics that will help improve your chances of delivering on-time and budget:

• 5 AI Technologies Embedded Developers Should Master

• Running LLMs Locally for Embedded Development using Ollama

On the Embedded Frontier Podcast, I’m digging into a 7-Step process to modernize your embedded software. Episode #016 – Modern Build Systems with Kyle Dando digs deeper into Step #1 and gives examples!

Happy Coding,

Industry News and Cool Stuff

5 AI Technologies Embedded Developers Should Master

(DesignNews.com)

Just because you aren’t using AI on-chip, doesn’t mean it can’t help you! In this post, we explore 5 AI technologies every embedded engineer should master.

Running LLMs Locally for Embedded Development using Ollama

(DesignNews.com)

Security is a major concern for developers and companies working with AI. Can you really trust cloud providers to keep your IP safe? If you’re concerned, here are some techniques for running LLMs locally on your own machine.

Join the Conversation

Explore these topics and more with me on LinkedIn:

Embedded developers, if you think Zephyr is too bloated, you’re right . . .

Every embedded engineer eventually runs into this timing problem . . .

The most important thing to optimize . . . your health

Embedded Frontier Podcast

Listen on your favorite podcast app or watch with subtitles on YouTube.

Summary

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier podcast, Jacob Beningo and Kyle Dando from NXP discuss the modernization of embedded software and firmware, focusing on the MCU Xpresso SDK. They explore the significant changes made to the SDK, including the adoption of CMake and KConfig, the introduction of West for managing software repositories, and the overall impact on developer workflows. The conversation also covers the migration path for existing users and future trends in embedded software development, emphasizing the importance of user feedback in shaping the SDK’s evolution.

Takeaways

• Modern build systems are essential for embedded software development.

• The MCU Xpresso SDK packages low-level drivers and middleware for ease of use.

• Accessibility improvements were a primary focus in SDK modernization.

• CMake was adopted for its universal build capabilities and customer demand.

• West allows for efficient management of software from multiple repositories.

• KConfig simplifies project configuration and dependency management.

• Developers can choose between command line and IDE workflows.

• Migration to the new SDK is designed to minimize disruption for users.

• Future trends include support for new operating systems and ecosystems.

• User feedback is vital for continuous improvement of the SDK..

Struggling to keep your development skills up to date or facing outdated processes that slow down your team, raise costs, and impact product quality?

Here are 4 ways I can help you:

1. Embedded Software Academy: Enhance your skills, streamline your processes, and elevate your architecture. Join my academy for on-demand, hands-on workshops and cutting-edge development resources designed to transform your career and keep you ahead of the curve.

2. Consulting Services: Get personalized, expert guidance to streamline your development processes, boost efficiency, and achieve your project goals faster. Partner with us to unlock your team’s full potential and drive innovation, ensuring your project’s success.

3. Team Training and Development: Empower your team with the latest best practices in embedded software. Our expert-led training sessions will equip your team with the skills and knowledge to excel, innovate, and drive your projects to success.

4. Customized Design Solutions: Get design and development assistance to enhance efficiency, ensure robust testing, and streamline your development pipeline, driving your project’s success.

Take action today to upgrade your skills, optimize your team, and achieve success.