An embedded system is a microprocessor-based computer hardware and software system created for a particular purpose, either as a standalone system or as a component of a larger system. Embedded systems may operate alone or as a component of a larger system. The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society held a workshop titled “A Glimpse into Embedded Systems Engineering” on June 16th and 18th, 2022, to provide the students with a deeper understanding of this field. The purpose of the program was to offer a thorough introduction to embedded systems engineering.

Embedded systems engineering focuses on the design and development of small, independent computing systems that are embedded into larger systems or devices. These systems are often constrained by real-time limitations and intended to carry out a particular job or collection of tasks. Embedded systems may be found in a variety of devices and applications, such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, medical equipment, and industrial control systems. Embedded systems engineering integrates computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering to produce systems that are efficient, dependable, and capable of achieving the application’s unique needs.

Throughout the two days, the program sessions covered both software and hardware. Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain, Associate Embedded System Engineer at Therap BD Ltd., was the instructor for the hardware-based workshop on Embedded System Engineering that was held on June 16, 2022. During that time he discussed topics such as the architecture of microcontrollers, programming, and interfacing with sensors and actuators. The material for the Hardware session was broken up into five distinct sections: an introduction to embedded systems, an excursion of the hardware’s most basic components, a deeper analysis of a typical system, and a discussion on how to plan, build and test a basic hardware project. Each of these sections covered a different aspect of the topic. During the embedded system introduction, Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain gave an overview of the embedded system specifically. He discussed that logical processing is the guiding idea of embedded systems, which are characterized by the integration of several software and hardware components into a single unit to perform a particular function. This system may stand on its own or be a component of another, more comprehensive system. In that session, he also generated the idea of the basics of Electronics. Among the many related concepts, he covered were the electric charge, Ampere, Voltage and Power ratings, Ohm’s Law, and the volt-second/ampere relationship. Thereafter, the instructor went through with the class the essential components that are required for the embedded system. Two types of components were discussed which were the passive as well as the active components. During the Embedded Systems Engineering workshop, one of the primary focuses of the conversation was on passive components. These components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches, and diodes (Hardware). On the other hand, components that need external biasing and may deliver energy to the circuit, such as transistors, amplifiers, integrated circuits, and batteries, were described as active components of the system. The session ended with the instructor demonstrating a typical system diagram and the criteria for the embedded system engineering hardware part, including the power supply unit, communication protocols, and printed circuit board. The attendees were awestruck and captivated to experience the hardware-related workshop on Embedded System Engineering.

The next segment of the workshop was led by Md. Hasibul Islam, a Firmware Engineer at Aqualink Bangladesh Ltd. It was an instructional session on embedded engineering that was based on software that took place on June 18, 2022. He presented a variety of topics pertaining to embedded systems. These topics included programming languages, embedded operating systems, and software development tools. Starting with the programming language C he covered basic concepts that are necessary for beginners. Followed by that the topic covered was microcontrollers. He gave the participants a vast idea about their structures and functionalities. After that, he briefly explained Arduino and ESP32, especially their types, advantages, functions, and programming. Lastly, he discussed STM32 in detail. He went into the details regarding its construction, the benefits, and ways to program it. Then he wrapped up the workshop by showing the attendees the interconnections of these topics. 

Having the opportunity to get additional knowledge about embedded systems engineering was a very beneficial takeaway for those who attended the workshops. The substantial information and skills that the instructors shared with the attendees were of significant use to them. The Executive Body Panel of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Brac University Student Chapter was present as the organizer of the event. The workshop was a major success, and attendees had a great opportunity to get familiar with some of the most prominent experts in the related industry.