An Iterative Approach to USART HAL Design using ChatGPT
Discover how to leverage ChatGPT and an iterative process to design and generate a USART Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for embedded systems, enhancing code reusability and scalability. Learn the step-by-step journey, improvements made, and the potential for generating HALs for other peripherals.
Modern C++ in Embedded Development: (Don't Fear) The ++
While C is still the language of choice for embedded development, the adoption of C++ has grown steadily. Yet, reservations about dynamic memory allocation and fears of unnecessary code bloat have kept many in the C camp. This discourse aims to explore the intricacies of employing C++ in embedded systems, negotiating the issues of dynamic memory allocation, and exploiting the benefits of C++ offerings like std::array and constexpr. Moreover, it ventures into the details of the zero-overhead principle and the nuanced distinctions between C and C++. The takeaway? Armed with the right knowledge and a careful approach, C++ can indeed serve as a powerful, safer, and more efficient tool for embedded development.
Getting Started with (Apache) NuttX RTOS - Part 1
NuttX RTOS is used in many products from companies like Sony, Xiaomi, Samsung, Google/Fitbit, WildernessLabs and many other companis. So, probably you are already using NuttX even without knowing it, like the you was using Linux on your TV, WiFi router more than 10 years ago and didn't know too! Today you will have the chance to discover a little bit of this fantastic Linux-like RTOS! Are you ready? So, let's get started!
Working with Strings in Embedded C++
This article discusses the use of strings in embedded systems. It explains how the need for and use of strings in embedded systems has changed with the advent of cheaper, full graphic displays and the growth of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT). The article also covers character literals, C-Strings and string literals, and the difference in memory models between them. It also highlights the safety and security issues that arise from using strings in embedded systems. Finally, it explains how C++11 introduced a Raw string literal type that is useful for storing file paths or regular expressions.
Get Involved: Contribute Quiz Questions for the Embedded Systems Community for a Chance to Win a LAP-C Pro!
Submit a Quiz Question for a chance to win a Zeroplus Lac-C Pro!
Return of the Delta-Sigma Modulators, Part 1: Modulation
Jason Sachs returns to delta-sigma modulators with a hands-on, code-first treatment that focuses on the DAC side of things. Part 1 walks through first- and second-order kernels, linearized analysis, spectra, and practical coefficient choices while illustrating results with Python simulations. Expect clear rules of thumb for A, R, and B, a derivation of noise shaping behavior, and a useful error bound for RC filtering.
C to C++: Bridging the Gap from C Structures to Classes
Jacob Beningo walks through a practical, beginner-friendly path from C structures to C++ classes for embedded systems, using an LED example to make the ideas concrete. You will see how function pointers in C approximate methods, how C++ structs and classes let you place methods with data, and how access specifiers and constructors improve encapsulation and initialization. This gives a low-risk way to start adopting C++ features.
The Missing Agile Conversation
In this article, we learn about Agile practices and how they use stories as units of development. Stories consist of a brief description, one to a few sentences. They don’t contain details sufficient to allow a developer to implement them. The Agile practice is to defer details as long as possible because conditions may change. When a developer takes on a story to implement, that’s the time for them to perform the work that has been deferred. They do this by having a conversation, a series of specific discussions working closely with the various SME’s (Subject Matter Experts) who have information relevant to the story.
STM32 B-CAMS-OMV Walkthrough
Want to prototype embedded vision quickly? This walkthrough shows how the STM32 B-CAMS-OMV camera module pairs with the STM32H747I-DISCO discovery kit and the FP-AI-VISION1 function pack to get you running in minutes. The video covers the camera connection interface, key software functions to control and process data, and the ISP features that let image processing run inside the camera. The STM32 H7 project with B-CAMS-OMV drivers is available on GitHub.
Free Sessions @ the 2023 Embedded Online Conference
The 2023 Embedded Online Conference has pre-released 37 theatre talks and demos you can watch for free today by creating an account and skipping payment. Stephane Boucher walks through the free sessions and the paid portion of the weeklong program, highlighting live Q&A, hands-on workshops, and keynote talks across April 24–28. Add sessions to your agenda and check the schedule daily for last-minute changes.
Endianness and Serial Communication
A single wrong byte order can cost you a day of debugging, and Stephen Friederichs walks through how to avoid that when sending multi-byte data over a byte-oriented serial link. He demonstrates an ATmega328P sending 16-bit ADC readings, capturing raw bytes with RealTerm, and plotting with Octave, showing how swapped endianness can produce plausible but incorrect results. The post gives practical steps to capture, test, and verify byte order.
Voltage Drops Are Falling on My Head: Operating Points, Linearization, Temperature Coefficients, and Thermal Runaway
A lot of the neat, tidy diode and transistor rules you learned in school are really just approximations. Jason Sachs shows how operating points, linearization, and temperature coefficients give you a better mental model for real circuits, then uses that framework to explain why thermal runaway happens. Along the way, he connects the theory to practical device behavior, op-amp output stages, and the design tricks that keep parts from letting out the magic smoke.
Important Programming Concepts (Even on Embedded Systems) Part IV: Singletons
Singletons are convenient but often a modularity killer, especially in embedded firmware. Jason Sachs walks through the many faces of singletons, from static members and globals to hardware registers and user-visible application singletons, and shows practical ways to avoid tight coupling. Read this for concrete embedded examples and pragmatic fixes like passing state explicitly, using interfaces or factories, and isolating unavoidable globals in a HAL.
Important Programming Concepts (Even on Embedded Systems) Part II: Immutability
Immutable data can make embedded code easier to reason about, reduce concurrency bugs, and eliminate defensive copies. Jason Sachs walks through practical techniques that work in resource-constrained systems, from using const and pseudo-immutability to separating old and new state, to the limits of fully persistent data structures when you lack dynamic memory. The article also compares register-level state flow and advocates message passing as a concurrency alternative.
In Memoriam: Frederick P. Brooks, Jr. and The Mythical Man-Month
Fred Brooks’ The Mythical Man-Month is still a surprisingly sharp guide to software projects, and Jason Sachs shows why it matters even more than its old mainframe setting suggests. He revisits Brooks’ ideas on surgical teams, conceptual integrity, throwaway prototypes, and schedule estimation, then maps them to modern embedded and software engineering realities. The result is a tribute, a book review, and a practical reminder that roles, architecture, and testing still make or break delivery.
Embedded Developers, Ditch Your IDEs – Here’s Why!
Ditching your Integrated Development Environment (IDE) temporarily can be a transformative learning experience in embedded development. This post invites you to explore the underpinnings of IDEs by delving into alternative tools and processes like Makefile, CMake, Vim, GDB, and OpenOCD. Understanding these tools can demystify the background operations of IDEs, revealing the intricacies of compiling, linking, and debugging. This journey into the “under the hood” aspects of development is not just about learning new tools, but also about gaining a deeper appreciation for the convenience and efficiency that IDEs provide. By stepping out of your comfort zone and experimenting with these alternatives, you can sharpen your skills, enhance your knowledge, and possibly discover a more tailored and streamlined development experience. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned developer, this exploration promises insights and revelations that can elevate your embedded development journey.
Hidden Gems from the Embedded Online Conference Archives - Part 1
Discussion of a "hidden gem" from the Embedded Online Conference archives!
Introduction to Microcontrollers - 7-segment displays & Multiplexing
Seven-segment displays can eat dozens of GPIO pins and dozens of resistors, but multiplexing trades pins for time and cuts component count dramatically. Mike Silva shows a hands-on AVR C implementation with segment encoding, a 100 Hz display scan ISR, several integer-to-digit conversion techniques, and software workarounds for messy pin mappings. He also demonstrates a timer "leapfrog" to reuse one timer for two tasks and compares performance so you can choose the best approach for your MCU.
New book on Elliptic Curve Cryptography
New book on Elliptic Curve Cryptography now online. Deep discount for early purchase. Will really appreciate comments on how to improve the book because physical printing won't happen for a few more months. Check it out here: http://mng.bz/D9NA
BusyBox; The Swiss Army Knife of Embedded Linux
In this article we cover the BusyBox, how it's designed to be optimized for embedded targets, and how to configure and build it in different ways, we also covered the license and limitation, which led to the development of ToyBox, I hope you enjoyed the article, please leave a comment for any correction or suggestions.
How to Arduino - a video toolbox
Lonnie Honeycutt is kicking off a practical Arduino video series aimed at hobbyists who want the fastest, simplest way to get things working. The first few lessons cover the Arduino IDE, breadboards, a 16x2 LCD, servos, potentiometers, and analogRead. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at his multi-camera filming setup and how it helps him focus on the project instead of the shot.
How to Analyze a Differential Amplifier
Jason Sachs walks through the algebra and intuition behind the classic four-resistor differential amplifier. He derives the exact output equation, isolates error terms from resistor mismatch and op-amp imperfections, and explains why common-mode gain depends on mismatch not on the differential gain. Read this for clear formulas, modal insight into common-mode versus differential-mode, and practical steps to reduce offsets in real designs.
Creating a GPIO HAL and Driver in C
Creating a GPIO Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) in C allows for flexible microcontroller interfacing, overcoming the challenge of variability across silicon vendors. This method involves reviewing datasheets, identifying features, designing interfaces, and iterative development, as detailed in the "Reusable Firmware" process. A simplified approach prioritizes essential functions like initialization and read/write operations, showcased through a minimal interface example. The post also highlights the use of AI to expedite HAL generation. A detailed GPIO HAL version is provided, featuring extended capabilities and facilitating driver connection through direct assignments or wrappers. The significance of a configuration table for adaptable peripheral setup is emphasized. Ultimately, the blog illustrates the ease and scalability of developing a GPIO HAL and driver in C, promoting hardware-independent and extensible code for various interfaces, such as SPI, I2C, PWM, and timers, underscoring the abstraction benefits.
Mutex vs. Semaphore - Part 1
Most forum answers get the semaphore versus mutex debate wrong. This post traces semaphores back to Dijkstra and Scholten, explains the difference between binary and counting semaphores, and highlights runtime hazards such as accidental release, recursive and task-death deadlocks, priority inversion, and misuse as signals. Read if you want to avoid common concurrency pitfalls in RTOS code.
Welcoming MANY New Bloggers!
A big influx of new voices just joined DSPRelated, and Stephane Boucher introduces the growing roster of contributors and their backgrounds. The post lists dozens of newly approved bloggers, highlights the range of DSP and embedded expertise they bring, and asks readers to leave constructive feedback on posts. It also explains why some applicants may not have been accepted yet and how to apply properly.
Elliptic Curve Cryptography
Secure online communications require encryption. One standard is AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) from NIST. But for this to work, both sides need the same key for encryption and decryption. This is called Private Key encryption.
Data Types for Control & DSP
Control engineers often default to double precision, but Tim Wescott shows that choice can waste CPU cycles on embedded targets. He separates numeric representation into floating point, integer, and fixed-point, then walks through the tradeoffs, including quantization, overflow, and performance. A concrete PID example highlights why integrator precision and ADC scaling should drive your choice of data type rather than habit.
Stairway to Thévenin
Jason Sachs strips away classroom mystique to show how Thevenin and Norton equivalents are practical tools for real embedded work. Using a simple two-terminal black-box example he shows how two measurements give Vth and Rth, then applies that model to voltage-divider references, potentiometer RC filters, and combining multiple sources with Millman's theorem. Read it for fast, practical ways to predict output impedance, droop, and filter time constants.
How to Give Persistent Names To USB-Serial Devices on Ubuntu 14.04
When your dock reshuffles ttyUSB assignments, Tayyar shows how to bind USB-serial devices to persistent names on Ubuntu 14.04. The post walks through using dmesg and udevadm to locate unique attributes like KERNELS and ATTRS{serial}, creating /etc/udev/rules.d entries with NAME and SYMLINK, and applying rules with udevadm trigger. It includes common pitfalls and quick fixes to get minicom talking to the right port.
Optimizing Optoisolators, and Other Stories of Making Do With Less
Jason Sachs digs into how to squeeze speed and reliability from low-cost optoisolators, showing practical tweaks that often outperform default datasheet usage. He mixes hands-on circuits — using 4N35 base-emitter resistors, Schottky clamps, input speedup caps, and output buffering — with transistor-switching theory and a cautionary production story to show when to optimize and when to splurge on pricier isolators.
