Unlocking the Power of Software Knowledge for Hardware Engineers
I recently came across a fascinating post about delving into Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) updates, and it got me reflecting on the indispensable relationship between hardware and software in our dynamic field.
As hardware engineers, our journey into the software realm can be truly enlightening. Let's take a glimpse into a recent project involving FOTA updates:
1. Initiating the Update: The Controller receives the signal for an OTA update, setting the process into motion.
2. Transition to Boot Mode: The Controller gracefully shifts into boot mode, gearing up for the impending update.
3. Code Download via Communication Medium: Whether it's BLE, Wifi, or LoRa, the application layer is downloaded, infusing fresh functionality into the system.
4. Storage in Flash Memory: The acquired code finds a secure spot in the flash memory, ready and waiting for the next step.
5. Flashing the Controller: The grand finale involves flashing the new code onto the Controller, completing the update cycle.
Now, let's shift gears and discuss why every hardware engineer should embrace a solid understanding of software:
⚙️ Efficient Designs: Proficiency in software development empowers us to design hardware that seamlessly aligns with software requirements, fostering efficiency.
🔄 Collaborative Synergy: Bridging the hardware-software gap promotes stronger collaboration with software engineers, facilitating a smoother development process.
🔧 Troubleshooting Prowess: Software knowledge enables effective troubleshooting of hardware-software interactions, ensuring systems run smoothly.
Future-Proofing Your Skillset: In our rapidly evolving tech landscape, versatility is paramount. A hardware engineer well-versed in software is a valuable asset, ready to tackle diverse challenges.
It's not just about circuits and components; it's about crafting comprehensive, efficient systems built to endure.
10 Replies
what your thought here @Petr Dvořák
It’s interesting to see how IoT has changed the discipline so that hardware engineers are being forced to learn more software than they probably expected coming out of school.
Per the ongoing exchange in devchat, does the project you’re referencing make use of an operating system at all, @Joseph Ogbonna?
Absolutely, delving into the realm of Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) updates opens a fascinating door at the intersection of hardware and software. This synergy enhances efficiency, promotes collaboration, and future-proofs your skillset in our dynamic tech landscape. Embracing both hardware and software aspects empowers engineers to craft robust and enduring systems.
I normally use barematal, except in situations were RTOS is crucial. Though i rarely write code for now 😊🙃
How do you manage the FOTA update process? Are you using a service?
If so I’d imagine the agent for resides on an OS?
Yes
Most of my designs the FOTA and the updates are being handled by the client. They use some service providers for FOTA update
Got it. What microcontrollers/microprocessors are the clients mainly using in these applications? ESP32s?
Trying to figure out how much resource they require for their FOTA
Yes i did a design for a client on this using ESp32. Early this year
They didnt quite give me much info on the software side of the work
That's good
@Joseph Ogbonna Thank you for tagging me. I don't have an opinion here. I quit any firmware related jobs 2+ years ago and I am happy focusing on hardware development only.