The hottest Embedded Systems Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Revisiting the NetBSD build system

Blog System/5 • 1571 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Open Source Operating Systems Development Tools 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.

Qualcomm’s Cloud AI 100 PCIe: Now For All

More Than Moore • 93 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI hardware Cloud Computing Machine Learning Embedded Systems Data processing
  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.

Do Not Sign the Qt License Agreement Unchanged

burkhardstubert • 167 HN points • 16 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Licensing Embedded Systems Application development Legal Compliance
  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.

MCU land, part 9: ST7789, the final frontier

lcamtuf’s thing • 1836 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Microcontrollers Graphics Programming Electronics 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.

Embedded Online Conference 2024: My Summary

burkhardstubert • 79 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Embedded Systems Artificial Intelligence Programming Languages
  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.
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Round-Up of Embedded World 2024

burkhardstubert • 59 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems IOT Cybersecurity Software Development Conferences
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Open Source Continuous Integration Automation
  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
🕹 Technology Software Licensing Embedded Systems Consumer Products Security
  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.

The Server Side of Over-the-Air Updates

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Networking Embedded Systems Updates Data Management
  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.

Episode 29: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 139 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Software Licensing Open Source Embedded Systems Business
  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
🕹 Technology Software Embedded Systems IOT Development Tools Microcontrollers
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Digital Security
  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
🕹 Technology Software Development Decision-making Embedded Systems Asynchronous communication
  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
🕹 Technology Software Licensing Compliance Open Source 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
🕹 Technology Software Development Embedded Systems Continuous Delivery Automation Quality Assurance
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Programming Cloud Computing Agile Methodology
  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.

Episode 17: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 03 May 21
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Programming Languages Licensing Decision-making
  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
🕹 Technology Software Embedded Systems Programming Development Tools C++
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Team Dynamics Industry Trends
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Freelancing Project management
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Programming IOT Tech Events
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development User Interface
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Programming Community Engagement Tutorials
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems User Interfaces Machine Learning Software Development Human-Machine Interaction
  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
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Architecture
  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.

Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems: No. 5

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 30 Apr 20
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Open Source Linux Programming
  1. Using Docker can make it easier to manage different build environments for Qt applications. It allows you to hide the complexity of the build environment while still getting the same results.
  2. There are talks about potential delays in open-source Qt releases, which could impact the community. However, it seems like these discussions may just be negotiations for better licensing terms.
  3. Continuous delivery practices can help teams perform better without sacrificing quality. By focusing on smaller, manageable changes, teams can achieve both speed and stability in software delivery.

Episode 22: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development User Experience IOT Programming Languages
  1. Qt 6.2 has many new features that make developing applications easier, especially with QML modules and CMake support.
  2. Parking meters can be improved with mobile apps for payments, but they need to better serve user needs for a great experience.
  3. A good solution should be user-friendly, allowing payments without internet access, and making it easy to park without confusion.

Episode 21: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 21
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Business Models Pricing Strategies
  1. Productised services combine a product with some service, allowing businesses to save time and offer fixed pricing. This approach makes it easier for customers to understand costs and simplifies the process for the provider.
  2. Advisory retainers let clients access expert advice on a subscription basis, enabling them to ask questions and solve problems without the expert doing the work for them. This helps clients gain independence while still having support when needed.
  3. Workshops and trainings can be adapted from common services offered to customers, providing a platform to share knowledge while attracting new clients. This method can lead to more development projects down the line.

Episode 20: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 21
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Consulting Software Development Project management
  1. Value pricing focuses on what customers are willing to pay and guarantees results. This approach helps both the client and consultant by reducing uncertainties about costs and outcomes.
  2. Offering multiple pricing options increases the chances of acceptance. When customers can choose between different payment plans or benefits, they feel more in control and are more likely to say yes.
  3. Switching to pre-payment and reducing work hours allows more time for business operations and future planning. This means less stress and better business health for consultants.

Episode 19: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 21
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development User Experience Product Management
  1. Focusing on customer experience (CX) is key for developing smarter products. Businesses should prioritize improving CX over just technical advancements.
  2. Organizational and people challenges often matter more than technology issues in product development. Enhancing team knowledge and collaboration can drive better results.
  3. Using cross-platform tools can help streamline development processes and mitigate issues like the current chip shortage in the tech industry.

Episode 18: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jun 21
🕹 Technology Software Architecture System Design Embedded Systems Programming
  1. A good architecture meets three criteria: it should be technically sound, fulfill the needs of stakeholders, and deliver real value. Mixing different architectural patterns often results in better designs.
  2. Understanding and addressing operating conditions like temperature or dust is important in system architecture. These factors can influence design decisions considerably.
  3. It's crucial to balance modeling and implementation for successful architecture. Rely on both upfront design and iterative feedback from working code to adapt to changing requirements.

Episode 16: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 31 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Embedded Systems Freelance
  1. Keyboard shortcuts can make using QtCreator much faster. For example, pressing 'Alt+Enter' can help you quickly add include files or definitions.
  2. Cross-compiling with CMake using QtCreator is possible in just five minutes. This can save time when developing applications for different platforms.
  3. Project management is crucial for meeting deadlines. It's important to prioritize features so that the team can deliver the best possible version of the product on time.

Episode 15: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 21
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Code Quality Programming
  1. There are events happening for Qt embedded systems, and the deadlines for presenting are coming up soon. If you want to share your work, make sure to submit your proposals on time!
  2. When writing code, it's important to make it readable by using good names and comments. Bad names should be replaced with clearer function names instead of relying on comments to explain them.
  3. Focus on breaking down your code into smaller, manageable functions. Each function should do one task well, which makes it easier to read and understand.

Episode 14: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 31 Jan 21
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Programming Languages Open Source
  1. Choosing the right communication technology depends on balancing bandwidth and range. For example, LoRaWAN is great for long distances but has limited bandwidth.
  2. Bare-metal programming is becoming more common for developers using Qt embedded systems, especially with newer microcontrollers that can handle safety-critical applications.
  3. Bluetooth Long Range is a promising option for applications that require good distance and reliability, especially in environments with obstacles, compared to other wireless technologies.

Episode 10: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 20
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems IOT Artificial Intelligence Software Development Microcontrollers
  1. The Gartner study highlights various technologies that are influencing embedded systems in IoT, like Edge Networking and Embedded AI. These technologies will shape future Qt embedded systems significantly.
  2. Technologies like RISC-V offer chip vendors a cost-effective alternative to ARM by eliminating licensing fees. This could lead to more widespread use of RISC-V in embedded devices.
  3. Qt supports several protocols like CoAP and MQTT, making it suitable for developing applications in resource-constrained environments. The flexibility of Qt can facilitate efficient communication in IoT systems.

Episode 9: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 31 Aug 20
🕹 Technology Software Development Embedded Systems Programming Intellectual Property
  1. CppDepend did not meet expectations for finding dependency cycles in code, as it only detected a small number and struggled with parsing, suggesting the need for better tools in C++ dependency analysis.
  2. Understanding and leveraging usage rights in software development is crucial. Keeping some usage rights can allow developers to create reusable parts and explores pricing options for clients.
  3. There are valuable strategies to prevent bugs in software, focusing on clear requirements, effective architecture, and implementing unit tests through Test-Driven Development (TDD) for improving code quality.

Episode 8: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 31 Jul 20
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Design Programming Linux
  1. Updating software can cause unexpected issues, as minor upgrades may change how the system works. It's important to check compatibility to avoid big problems.
  2. Good software design means creating deep modules with simple interfaces, making the software easier to understand and extend in the future.
  3. In testing and coding, having clear boundaries and small, focused modules help reduce complexity and make the code more manageable.

Episode 7: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jun 20
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Open Source Programming Webinars
  1. Cross-building Qt applications can be efficiently done using Docker containers in QtCreator, allowing work on multiple projects with different setups easily.
  2. Building a Qt SDK with Yocto can present challenges, especially in getting QtCreator to work smoothly with CMake, but it's manageable with the right adjustments.
  3. CMake resources are important for developers, and collecting helpful materials can make future projects easier and more efficient.

Episode 6: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 31 May 20
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development Consulting Marketing Intellectual Property
  1. Finding your niche is key to being a successful consultant. It helps you stand out and attract clients who need your expertise.
  2. Marketing yourself takes hard work and time, but it's essential. By creating valuable content and connecting with others, you'll start to receive project opportunities.
  3. Building a financial buffer is crucial for stability. Having savings allows you to navigate through tough times, like a pandemic, without stress.