Robust Software for Embedded Systems

A two day course providing an introduction to the building blocks of a dependable embedded system.

Course objectives:

After completing the course, attendees will:

Understand the processes that can be applied to ensure quality code, such as code inspections and Hazards Analysis
Understand how to write defensive code and code which allows a device to test itself
Understand how to make the best use of watchdog timers
Understand how to organise non-volatile storage to avoid corruption and loss of data
Understand the advantages and weaknesses of using features such as dynamic memory management and real time operating systems

Application programmers, software engineers or technical staff who need to address reliability or robustness issues at a code level. The course is ideal for engineers who can write software, but are new to embedded systems, especially if those embedded systems have safety concerns or require high reliability.

A working knowledge of C.

This course is based on 10 years of experience writing embedded software for life-critical medical equipment. It has been developed by Niall Murphy, author of “Front Panel: Designing Software for Embedded User Interfaces” and regular contributor to Embedded Systems Programming magazine.