Editor’s note Embedded systems and microcontrollers (MCUs) form the backbone of modern electronics, driving innovation across industries from industrial automation and automotive to consumer electronics and IoT. As embedded technology evolves, engineers must navigate a landscape of increasing complexity, balancing power efficiency, performance, and security while meeting the growing demands for connectivity and real-time processing. One of the biggest shifts in embedded development today is the integration of AI and machine learning at the edge. The rise of MCUs with dedicated AI acceleration is enabling real-time inferencing in applications such as predictive maintenance, machine vision, and intelligent automation. Engineers now have access to hardware platforms that can perform complex computations locally, reducing the need for cloud reliance while improving latency and security. Another key trend is the ongoing push towards RISC-V architecture. As an open-source alternative to proprietary instruction set architectures, RISC-V is gaining traction among developers looking for customization, scalability, and cost-effective solutions. This shift is reshaping the embedded industry, offering engineers new opportunities to design tailored solutions while fostering innovation through open collaboration. Security remains a critical concern, particularly as more embedded systems become connected. From secure boot and hardware root of trust to post- quantum cryptography, the demand for robust security frameworks is growing. Engineers must consider not just performance and efficiency but also long-term resilience against emerging cybersecurity threats. This ebook explores the latest advancements in embedded systems and MCUs, offering insights into how engineers can harness cutting-edge technology to develop next-generation applications.
4 How to implement a voice user interface on resource-constrained MCUs 10 The co-processor architecture: an embedded system architecture for rapid prototyping 20 How single-board computers extend the reach of industrial automation 24 Getting started with the Raspberry Pi Pico multicore microcontroller board using C 28 A guide for the ESP32 microcontroller series 34 Special feature: retroelectro The birth of the microprocessor and Chuck Peddle 44 How to select and use an audio codec and microcontroller for embedded audio feedback files
50 How to perform firmware 54 How to implement Time
updates without halting firmware execution
Sensitive Networking to ensure deterministic communication
we get technical
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