Embedded C
Embedded C is a programming language variant of the standard C language tailored for embedded systems development. It is specifically designed to address the unique challenges and constraints of embedded systems, specialized computing devices integrated into larger systems to perform dedicated functions.
This competency area includes an understanding of the concepts of C Programming Language, Microcontroller/Microprocessor Architecture, Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), Embedded Systems Design, Memory Management, Communication Protocols, Debugging and Profiling, Device Drivers, Interrupt Handling and Low-Level Hardware Interaction.
Key Competencies:
1. C Programming Language - Knowledge of C programming fundamentals, including data types, pointers, arrays, structures, and functions.
2. Microcontroller/Microprocessor Architecture - Understanding the architecture of the microcontroller or microprocessor used in the embedded system.
3. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) - Knowledge of real-time operating systems for developing applications with precise timing requirements.
4. Embedded Systems Design - Knowledge of embedded systems design, including hardware-software co-design and interfacing with peripherals.
5. Memory Management - Efficient management of memory resources to optimize performance and minimize memory footprint.
6. Communication Protocols - Knowledge of communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, etc., commonly used in embedded systems.
7. Debugging and Profiling - Use of debugging tools and techniques for identifying and fixing issues in embedded code.
8. Device Drivers - Development of device drivers to interface with various hardware components and peripherals.
9. Interrupt Handling - Understanding and implementing interrupt handling for responding to external events in real-time.
10. Low-Level Hardware Interaction - Ability to interact with hardware at a low level, including reading and writing to hardware registers.