The hottest Embedded Systems Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

MAX30102 + ESP32-C3 0.4 inch OLED

atomic14 • 346 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. You can build a compact heart-rate and SpO2 monitor by combining a MAX30102 sensor with an ESP32-C3 microcontroller and a 0.4 inch OLED display.
  2. The sensor itself is very cheap — around $3 — making this an affordable option for DIY health sensing projects.
  3. There’s a maker-friendly tutorial that explains the wiring and code so hobbyists can reproduce the project easily.

Emulating future RISC-V Vector extensions

Fprox’s Substack • 145 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. You can emulate proposed RISC‑V Vector extensions by translating them into RVV 1.0 intrinsics, so programs using new instructions can run on existing RVV1.0 hardware without compiler or hardware support for the new ops.
  2. The generated emulation is functional and easy to run but not optimal: the code is verbose and much slower than a dedicated hardware implementation, though it still lets you measure real performance and iterate on designs.
  3. The tool is Python‑driven and open source, already supports several draft extensions, and is useful for extension designers and early application developers to prototype and test features before toolchain or hardware support exists.

I Turned an ESP32 into a Thermal USB Webcam

atomic14 • 519 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. An ESP32 microcontroller can be turned into a USB webcam that works as a thermal/infrared camera.
  2. The device captures infrared/thermal images instead of normal visible-light video, letting you see heat signatures.
  3. Full DIY build instructions and details are available online for anyone who wants to reproduce the project.

Do Not Sign the Qt License Agreement Unchanged

burkhardstubert • 167 HN points • 16 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Always read the Qt license agreement carefully before signing. It has many complex parts that could lead to unexpected costs or obligations.
  2. Consider using the Qt LGPL license as a more affordable and less complicated option compared to the commercial license. Many companies find it meets their needs just fine.
  3. Don't just accept the terms of the agreement as they are. You have the right to negotiate changes, and knowing your alternatives can strengthen your position.

RISC-V Vector Is Expanding

Fprox’s Substack • 269 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Zvabd adds vector integer absolute-value and absolute-difference instructions plus widened-accumulate variants, targeting DSP use and keeping some ops limited to 8/16-bit to reduce hardware cost.
  2. Zvzip provides vzip, vunzip (even/odd), and vpair instructions to interleave and extract paired elements more directly than emulating with vcompress, and these new ops support optional masking.
  3. Zvdot4a8i defines 4-element 8-bit dot-product vector ops (vector-vector and vector-scalar) that multiply and accumulate 4Ă—8-bit groups into 32-bit results, paving the way for faster matrix-style computations.
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Building Physical Agentic AI

Superficial Intelligence • 117 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Physical agentic AI puts small reasoning models on devices so they can sense, "have a little think," and act in the physical world instead of relying on brittle hand-coded logic.
  2. Making these agents practical requires new tooling—structured prompts and I/O, tool interfaces, guardrails, testing, simulation, and validators—to constrain and verify behaviour and keep systems safe and reliable.
  3. Improved edge AI chips and developer tools lower the barrier so the same hardware can run many real-world apps by swapping prompts, but there are cost and energy tradeoffs so early use cases target higher-value scenarios.

An Interview with Dr. Krste Asanović

More Than Moore • 280 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. RISC-V was designed as a simple, open, and modular ISA so researchers and companies can get a minimal base running quickly while adding custom extensions as needed. This lets hardware scale from tiny embedded devices to high-performance servers without forcing unnecessary features on every design.
  2. Real-world silicon and developer boards were crucial to turning academic work into a growing industry, which led to SiFive and many commercial design wins; building reusable IP for many customers is a different challenge than making a single research chip. Getting chips into developers' hands speeds software porting and ecosystem growth.
  3. A standards body and formal Profiles like RVA23 are essential to keep the ecosystem interoperable while still allowing customization, and extensions like the vector and upcoming matrix features target AI workloads. Completing compliance test suites and coordinating vendors are the next big steps to prevent fragmentation and ensure reliable implementations.

Choosing a microcontroller

lcamtuf’s thing • 6530 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. When picking a microcontroller for simple projects, stick to 8-bit options like AVRs. They are easy to use and work well for tasks that don’t need a lot of speed or memory.
  2. For more demanding applications, like video processing or complex calculations, go for higher-end 32-bit microcontrollers. They are more powerful and can handle heavy data loads.
  3. If you need wireless connectivity and processing power, single-board computers are the way to go. They run full operating systems but can be more expensive and less efficient than microcontrollers.

Stop Using printf() - Debug ESP32 the Right Way

atomic14 • 346 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Don't rely on printf() or GPIO pin waggling as your primary way to debug ESP32 projects.
  2. There are better, more reliable debugging approaches and tools you should use instead of ad‑hoc prints and pin toggles.
  3. Learn a structured debugging process — the "six stages of debugging" (covered in the video and short blog post) can help you diagnose problems more effectively.

ESP32 Rainbow QA - A tale of three boards

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Minor assembly or soldering faults—like lifted pads, poorly seated ICs, or cold joints—can cause big failures such as no sound, no USB, or nonworking keys.
  2. Simple bench debugging (microscope inspection, continuity checks) plus basic rework (reflowing solder, nudging parts, retouching pins) can fix many issues, though some damaged boards are only fit for spare parts.
  3. Outsourcing PCB fabrication and partial assembly is fine, but final in‑house assembly and thorough QA are essential to catch subtle manufacturing problems before shipping.

How to OpenClaw your Raspberry Pi

Gradient Ascendant • 16 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. OpenClaw runs an always-on AI agent with installable "skills" that you can talk to over Slack or Telegram, and putting it on a Raspberry Pi makes the agent cheap, portable, and able to write and deploy software for you.
  2. Getting a Raspberry Pi 5 running headlessly is fiddly: you must create a user with an encrypted password on the SD card, enable SSH, and plug the Pi into Ethernet to set the Wi‑Fi country before wireless will work.
  3. These agents can act autonomously and use real credentials to install, commit, and deploy code, so you need separate accounts, limited permissions, and careful attention to security and prompt‑injection risks.

Revisiting the NetBSD build system

Blog System/5 • 2150 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. NetBSD's build system is powerful and flexible, allowing users to build the operating system from scratch on any supported hardware without needing root access. This makes it useful for developers and advanced users.
  2. The build process is user-friendly due to the `build.sh` script, which simplifies complex commands into easy-to-understand goals. You can easily compile and create disk images with just a few commands.
  3. While the build system has many strengths, it also has inefficiencies, especially with incremental builds. Improvements could make it faster and less resource-intensive, which is a consideration for future development.

Efficient Computer's Electron E1 CPU

More Than Moore • 653 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. The Electron E1 CPU by Efficient Computer uses a unique design that aims to be much more energy-efficient than traditional chips. It does this by changing how data moves and is processed, reducing energy waste.
  2. This CPU has a special architecture called 'Fabric' that lets data flow directly between computing nodes. This design is supposed to save a lot of energy that typical CPUs lose moving data around.
  3. Efficient Computer believes their chip could be 10 to 100 times more efficient than the best ARM CPUs. However, until more independent tests are done, it's hard to say how well it’ll really perform in the real world.

Lattice Semiconductor Q2 2025 Financials

More Than Moore • 210 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Lattice Semiconductor saw a slight growth in revenue, reaching $124 million in Q2 2025. This is a positive sign after a tough period of declining sales.
  2. The company is focusing more on its newer product lines, like Avant and Nexus 2, which are becoming important for their business. These products are driving sales in high-demand areas like communications and computing.
  3. Despite some segments, like Industrial and Automotive, seeing declines, Lattice is managing its finances well with strong gross margins and an increase in free cash flow, giving it room for future investments.

Embedded Online Conference 2024: My Summary

burkhardstubert • 79 implied HN points • 20 May 24
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Using a top-down approach in software development helps avoid costly mistakes by getting early feedback from customers. It also reduces the blame on software developers when hardware is late.
  2. AI and machine learning can greatly boost productivity in embedded systems by automating repetitive tasks. They can help with coding, documentation, and even testing, making development smoother.
  3. Integrating open source components into embedded systems needs thorough safety analysis. A system bill of materials (SysBoM) helps track interactions and dependencies, ensuring safety and reliability.

MCU land, part 9: ST7789, the final frontier

lcamtuf’s thing • 1836 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Driving a 2.8" 240x320 IPS panel with a Microchip SAM S70 Cortex-M7 MCU can be surprisingly simple.
  2. The steps to set up the ST7789 display controller involve minimal and straightforward commands like hardware reset and configuration for color mode.
  3. Generating image data for the display in 16 bpp RGB565 color mode is achievable through tools like ImageMagick.

Hardware discovery: ACPI & Device Tree

Blog System/5 • 330 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Hardware discovery is the process where a computer's operating system recognizes the devices connected to it, like printers or keyboards, and finds the right drivers to make them work.
  2. ACPI and Device Tree are two methods that help the operating system understand what hardware is present; ACPI is used mainly on PCs, while Device Tree is often used for embedded devices like Raspberry Pi.
  3. For the system to function properly, it's important to load the correct configuration for these hardware descriptions at boot time, which helps the kernel know how to interact with the hardware.

Round-Up of Embedded World 2024

burkhardstubert • 59 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Software updates are important for devices, and using smaller application updates instead of large full updates can save time and bandwidth. It's a smart way to keep devices running smoothly.
  2. Manufacturers need to focus on creating simple, secure solutions for managing software updates and cryptographic keys to comply with new regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act.
  3. New companies like QBee and Crypto Quantique are developing innovative tools for secure OTA updates, which help manufacturers manage their devices more effectively and meet security standards.

Round-Up of the Yocto Project Summit 2023.11

burkhardstubert • 59 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Implementing a fallback mechanism during system updates is crucial. If an update fails, it can prevent endless reboots by reverting to a stable version.
  2. Keeping your Yocto project layers simple can reduce maintenance and complexity. Using minimal layers can help avoid outdated code and improve build efficiency.
  3. Setting up a CI pipeline for Yocto builds can simplify the development process. It provides ready-to-use images for developers without requiring deep knowledge of Yocto.

User Products under LGPL-3.0

burkhardstubert • 99 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. If your product uses LGPL-3.0 libraries like Qt and it’s for consumers, you need to let users modify and install new versions. This applies to things like smart ovens or phones.
  2. Manufacturers worry about safety when users can modify software. But if owners make changes, they might void warranties and be responsible for any problems.
  3. For business products, the rules are easier. Companies don't have to allow modifications, which helps them keep tighter control over how their products operate.

MakerNews - December 2025 Update

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. The maker community stayed curious and playful through 2025, prioritizing exploration, learning, and hands-on experimentation even when projects got messy.
  2. Practical, clever hacks and tools stood out — from ESP32 USB JTAG debugging and Raspberry Pi test benches to multicolor 3D printer mods, tiny spectrum analyzers, DIY chips, and firmware hacks.
  3. The year closed with community momentum and useful opportunities, like discounted CE certification for open-source hardware, encouraging makers to keep building into 2026.

The Server Side of Over-the-Air Updates

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Over-the-Air (OTA) updates can be done in full, delta, or partial ways. Full updates ensure everything is consistent, but they are larger files and take longer to download.
  2. Delta updates save time and bandwidth by only updating the changed parts of a file. They are good for devices with slow internet connections but require a read-only setup.
  3. Staged rollouts keep updates safe by first sending them to a small group of devices. This way, if there are issues, they can be fixed before affecting everyone.

Qualcomm’s Cloud AI 100 PCIe: Now For All

More Than Moore • 93 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Qualcomm's Cloud AI 100 PCIe card is now available for the wider embedded market, making it easier to use for edge AI applications. This means businesses can run AI locally without relying heavily on cloud services.
  2. There are different models of the Cloud AI 100, offering various compute powers and memory capacities to suit different business needs. This flexibility helps businesses select the right fit based on how much AI processing they require.
  3. Qualcomm is keen to support partnerships with OEMs to build appliances that use their AI technology, but they are not actively marketing it widely. Interested users are encouraged to reach out directly for collaboration opportunities.

Episode 29: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 139 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. You can use Qt for free under the LGPLv3 license. This means many businesses can create products without paying for a commercial license.
  2. When making products for businesses (B2B), you have fewer requirements than for products sold to consumers (B2C). For B2B, you don't need to let customers modify the Qt version, while you do for B2C products.
  3. Deciding whether to pay for a Qt license should depend on what specific features your business needs, and comparing the costs of using Qt under LGPLv3 versus commercial options can help with that decision.

Episode 41: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 01 May 23
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Qt for MCUs is designed for memory-constrained devices, making it ideal for low-cost electronics like appliances and wearables. This helps companies save money, especially when producing large volumes of products.
  2. Manufacturers are looking for a way to use the same software framework for both high-end and low-end devices. Doing this would allow them to reuse code and save time and resources when switching between different hardware.
  3. Recent advancements have made Qt for MCUs more efficient, allowing it to run on devices with very little memory. This is a game changer, as it opens up new possibilities for using Qt in even simpler and cheaper devices.

Episode 39: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Toradex offers ready-made solutions that simplify software updates for customers, saving them time and money. Their focus on software sets them apart in a hardware-oriented market.
  2. Kontron's super ECU can replace multiple smaller ECUs, which can lead to more compact and efficient designs in vehicles and machinery. This integration helps manufacturers streamline their operations.
  3. Slint is emerging as a strong alternative to existing UI frameworks, providing lower memory requirements and flexible licensing options. This could give it an edge in the embedded device market.

Episode 35: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) help document important decisions about projects clearly. They let everyone involved understand the reasons and consequences behind decisions.
  2. Using ADRs improves communication by allowing team members to think through decisions at their own pace. This leads to better discussions and less conflict in meetings.
  3. ADRs include details like context, options, and the final decision, making it easier to revisit and adjust earlier choices if needed. This establishes a structured and flexible decision-making process.

Episode 34: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Combining libraries with incompatible licenses can lead to legal issues, meaning you can’t deploy the software without violating at least one license.
  2. If you use any library under GPL, your whole software must also be GPL, meaning you have to share your source code, which may not be ideal for businesses.
  3. Carefully check which licenses apply to the libraries you use, especially with frameworks like Qt, as some combinations can be illegal or unpredictable.

Episode 36: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. A Continuous Delivery pipeline helps keep software always ready for release by quickly identifying problems at various stages.
  2. The workflow consists of three main stages: Commit Stage, Acceptance Stage, and System Stage, with each stage increasing confidence in the software's reliability.
  3. It's best to start building your CD pipeline now, even if it's simple, and improve it step by step as you learn.

Episode 28: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Burkhard is switching from a newsletter format to a blog for sharing his thoughts on Qt Embedded Systems. He believes this will help him attract more readers and focus better on his writing.
  2. There are different levels of architecture diagrams for Qt embedded systems, such as context and container levels. These diagrams help in understanding system interactions and can guide the organization of development teams.
  3. Spotify uses a unique structure for its teams, like squads and tribes, to encourage communication and collaboration. This approach helps address dependencies between teams and enhances productivity.

Coming soon

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. A newsletter is on the way, focusing on smart user interfaces.
  2. It targets users of Qt embedded devices, which are common in tech products.
  3. People can subscribe for updates and insights in this field.

Episode 17: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 03 May 21
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Qt LGPLv3 is good for many projects, and less than 25% of modules are under commercial licenses. This makes Qt accessible for many developers and companies.
  2. Effective decision making is important in projects. It involves knowing when to step back and let the expert handle specific decisions to keep the project on track.
  3. The Qt Company is acquiring other companies, like froglogic, to enhance their tools which will benefit developers. This shows a commitment to improving the software development process.

Episode 13: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 31 Dec 20
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Qt 6 is not yet ready for embedded systems. Many needed features are missing and won't arrive until Qt 6.2, which means developers should stick with Qt 5.15 for now.
  2. C++ property bindings are an exciting new feature in Qt 6. They make code easier to work with by automatically updating properties when related data changes.
  3. Migrating applications from Qt 5 to Qt 6 can be done step by step using the Core5Compat library, which helps manage outdated classes and reduce errors during the transition.

Episode 27: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Many companies are now stopping business with Russia due to the war in Ukraine, but it’s argued they should have done this much earlier when the conflict first started.
  2. The design of software often mirrors the organization structure, which means that how teams are set up can impact how effectively they create software.
  3. There are different types of teams in software development, such as stream-aligned teams that focus on delivering features quickly, and enabling teams that help improve the skills of those feature teams.

Episode 12: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 20
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Freelancers should focus on providing value to clients by saving them time. Clients will often pay more to have their time freed up for important tasks.
  2. It's important for freelancers to continually improve their skills and showcase successful projects to increase their perceived value. This can be done through side projects and sharing expertise online.
  3. Choosing the right pricing strategy is crucial for freelancers. Understanding different methods like value-based pricing can help in setting fair rates that reflect the value provided to clients.

Episode 11: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 31 Oct 20
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Working from home has become the norm for many due to the pandemic. It's nice to have a routine and support from loved ones during tough times.
  2. Qt Marketplace offers a variety of components for developers at reasonable prices. It can save time and money compared to building from scratch.
  3. Testing is crucial for software quality, and using methods like approval testing can help improve the process, especially with legacy applications.

Episode 26: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Investors are worried that the difference in value between Qt LGPLv3 and Qt Commercial is too small. They think that not enough extra value is offered to make customers want to pay for the Commercial version.
  2. The new simplified Qt Commercial licensing still may not attract more customers. Many companies are likely to stick with Qt LGPLv3 or even revert back because they see no compelling reason to upgrade.
  3. Companies prefer fixed pricing for licenses rather than fees based on the number of developers or devices. This straightforward approach could help Qt increase profits and appeal to more customers.

Episode 25: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jan 22
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. The author received a significant award, becoming a Qt Champion in the Ambassador category for promoting Qt Embedded Systems. It's quite a recognition for their contributions!
  2. In 2022, the author plans to write more, give talks, and create video tutorials on Qt Embedded Systems, with over 50 ideas lined up. It sounds like they are excited to share more knowledge!
  3. The author encourages readers to engage and provide feedback, hoping to keep them as loyal readers and critics as they grow their content.

Episode 24: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 06 Dec 21
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Most machines have difficult user interfaces that frustrate users. They don't help regular users figure out how to operate the machines easily.
  2. User interfaces need to better understand people's needs and improve communication between humans and machines. This can lead to smarter, more productive experiences.
  3. Manufacturers should invest in better hardware and software today to improve user interfaces. This will help users do more with machines and ultimately sell more machines at higher prices.

Episode 23: Burkhard On Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 08 Nov 21
đź•ą Technology Embedded Systems
  1. Hexagonal architecture is suggested as the standard for Qt embedded systems. This architecture helps organize code and makes it easier to manage.
  2. Current navigation apps in cars often lack self-learning features. A better app would remember routes taken and suggest them based on past trips.
  3. Automatic software updates are crucial for embedded systems. This helps companies quickly fix problems or add features without needing to send technicians.