Learning Embedded Systems @NxP

This article may help beginners to identify career objective based on their area of interest. One can note down all the questions mentioned here and  write answers according to particular person’s preference.

The final worksheet should help in better planning for embedded career. I am providing additional reference of NxP here based on public material . One can use  similar approach for any other semiconductor company.

Step 1:  In which particular field you are interested ?

• • Automotive
  • Industrial
  • Networking
  • Multimedia

Take a look at different applications at NxP and decide

Step 2: Identify a processor family suitable for field chosen in step 1

The best device as of now can be  ARM based devices.I am selecting ARM based Layerscape family

There are number of SoC variants available and one has to be selected based on interfaces required.

Lets select LS1043 A

• 

            What Documents can be expected from Semiconductor Company ?

• • • Documentation specific are available in this case at DOCUMENTATION.
      • Device  Hardware data sheet for device pins,electrical,thermal,part number etc
      • Device Reference Manual
      • Application Notes
    • Development specific information is available in this case at TOOLS and SOFTWARE
      • Hardware Tools for debugging
      • Software development tools
      • Software Development Kit(SDK)
      • Reference Design or Evaluation board
    • Training resources   

             Please wait for loading of this gif file or visit the link for IoT,ML,AI etc

     IoT specific snapshots

• 
• 

  • Community for Layerscape

    • Community to discuss device specific queries with worldwide developers

Step 3: What role you prefer to play ?

• • • • Hardware Designer
      • Software Developer
      • Factory Application Engineer
      • Field Sales Executive
      • Field Application Engineer
      • Testing
      • Technical Writer
      • Product Marketing

Whatever role you choose,  Your performance and interest may decide your career.  You may like to read Daniel Beeker’s Story .

    a: Do you meet the minimum qualification for above profile

    b: Have you identified required resources to get ready for this job ?

    c: If you are planning to take some training, Is it possible for you check trainer’s background ?

• • If you are looking for embedded software  training, The trainer should be able to provide training in C, C++  , Python ,Java Script and embedded linux. I will highly recommend a CSE background person.
  • If you are looking for Hardware training , It requires knowledge of  Analog level, Power supply design, Hardware  Model simulation and of course digital circuit design. I will highly recommend a EEE/ECE background person.

Step 4: How to plan for Embedded Engineer Career ?

     a: Have you set some goals with proper milestones to get the targeted job ?

     b: What is your preference immediate job or long term career ?

• • I am providing some generic idea of learning below. It is beyond your preparation of analytical ability  and graduation level courses. We can’t expect these from a fresher , so you will find mention of some of these in 2+ yrs experience job requirements. 
  • If your target is immediate job then focus on basic foundation of C, ARM architecture, Interfaces like I2C, SPI, CAN, USB, Ethernet etc, Protocols related to IoT, Python
  • Identify corresponding learning objectives for long term career in one particular domain:
    • Automotive
      • C, ARM Architecture, PWM, AutoSAR, CAN, RTOS etc
    • Networking
      • C, C++, ARM, i2c, SPI, PCIe, Ethernet,Protocols,Embedded Linux etc
    • Industrial
      • C, ARM Architecture, PWM, CAN, Industrial Ethernet,NFC,Motor control algorithm, RTOS etc
    • Multimedia
      • C, ARM, i2c, SPI, PCIe, Ethernet,Protocols,Embedded Linux, RTOS, Codec, Graphics, Camera interface, DSI, HDMI etc
    • Security
      • Trust Architecture, Secure boot, Encryption,Decryption,Compression algorithms etc.

How to learn Embedded system with affordable training and evaluation boards ? 

If you are targeting long term embedded career , check the course here.

Embedded System Developer Kit

You may  find interesting topics at HowTo

Please provide your feedback regarding this article. Also subscribe  Embedkari for other interesting topics.