Embedded Systems

🦠 CrowdStrike Update Highlights the Need for Safer Programming Languages A global IT outage affecting 8.5 million Windows devices was caused by a faulty update from CrowdStrike, leading to significant disruptions. The issue stemmed from a null pointer bug in the C++ code of the update, which triggered widespread system crashes. Specifically, the program attempted to access memory at an invalid address ("0x000000000000009c"), resulting in a cascade of failures across various critical services and platforms. Many experts argue that if the update had been written in 🦀 Rust, the compiler would have caught the null pointer bug before deployment, avoiding the widespread disruptions and ensuring safer software deployment practices. ⛓ More information... #news #crowdstrike #rust #programming #security

💻 C++ Design Patterns for Low-latency Applications Including High-frequency Trading This paper focuses on optimizing C++ code for low-latency applications, specifically targeting high-frequency trading (HFT) systems. The research highlights key design patterns and techniques to reduce latency in critical software systems. Features of the article: ➡️Provides with a Low-Latency Programming Repository with statistical benchmarks, available on 😹 GitHub. ➡️Optimization of a market-neutral statistical arbitrage pairs trading strategy. ➡️Implementation of the Disruptor pattern in C++ for enhanced performance. ➡️Techniques like cache warming, constexpr, loop unrolling, and hotpath vs. coldpath code separation. This research is valuable for both academics and industry professionals aiming to improve performance in latency-sensitive applications. It addresses a gap in publicly available resources on ultra-low-latency code optimization, offering practical implementations and benchmarking insights. More information: 😹 GitHub repository ✈️ Download the paper #articles #programming #design

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📺 Fusion Power: Inside the ITER Project This new documentary explores the ambitious ITER project in 🇫🇷 France, where scientists and engineers are working tirelessly to harness nuclear fusion, a technology that could be a potential solution to the global energy crisis. The video beautifully captures the construction of the fusion reactor, showcasing impressive infrastructure, cutting-edge engineering, and the most complex equipment in the world, highlighting the extraordinary human endeavor behind this monumental project. ⛓ https://youtu.be/sBaU4BVM5h8 #video #energy #fusion

📚 Rapid and Efficient Embedded Systems Creation: From Fundamentals to IoT with Arm Mbed The third edition of Rapid and Efficient Embedded Systems Creation provides a swift introduction to designing embedded systems using the innovative Arm mbed "ecosystem," encompassing both hardware elements and a web-based development platform. Little prior knowledge is required to begin. Each chapter delves into a key topic in embedded systems through a series of hands-on experiments. This "learning by doing" methodology introduces theoretical concepts alongside practical application. Utilizing C/C++ programming, it adopts a step-by-step method to enable quick initiation into coding. After covering the basics, the book explores advanced embedded subjects such as smart instrumentation, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, real-time programming, and the Internet of Things. In this updated edition, all code has been revised to align with the new mbed operating system, and substantial new code has been added. It explains the principles of real-time operating systems and demonstrates the features of the mbed RTOS clearly. This third edition serves as an excellent foundation for introductory and intermediate university or college courses in embedded systems. ✈️ Download the book (.pdf, 31 MB) #books #design #programming

💻 What happens to the semiconductor industry If China invades Taiwan? As the tensions in the Asia region continue to grow, the industry analysts are trying to foresee any possible scenario. As such, if China invades Taiwan, the global semiconductor industry would face severe disruptions due to Taiwan's dominance in chip manufacturing. Taiwan produces over 60% of the world's chips and 70% of advanced chips smaller than 7 nanometers. TSMC, a major Taiwanese company, supplies chips to tech giants like Apple and Google and has started diversifying production to the US, Japan, and Germany to mitigate risks. Nonetheless, any conflict disrupting Taiwan's chip production could cause a global shortage, skyrocketing prices, and significant economic impact. ⛓ More information... #news

⌚️ Open-Source ESP32-Based Smartwatch with LiDAR and Wi-Fi Scanning This project is prominent for utilizing the 🇨🇳 ESP32 microcontroller to combine advanced functionality with environmental monitoring and IoT control. It also stands out with its capability to interact with various smart devices, offering a unique blend of practicality and technological innovation for enthusiasts. Features of the smartwatch: ➡️Provides high precision timekeeping. ➡️Activates the watch based on motion. ➡️Tracks atmospheric conditions such as humidity, pressure, and temperature. ➡️Includes a VL53L1X distance sensor and a 5mW laser for precise measurements and presentations. ➡️Provides details on network signal strength and encryption levels. ➡️Control of IoT devices like door locks and light switchers. ➡️Recharges fully in 43 minutes via USB-C or magnetic charger. The comprehensive features of this smartwatch and its quick charging capability make it a practical and exciting tool for innovative applications and daily use. More information: 🔗 The main article 🔗 The official website 📺 The YouTube video #projects #esp32 #IoT

📺 Comparing Fake vs. Genuine Power Semiconductors In this video, the author shows the significant performance differences between genuine and fake power semiconductors using advanced testing equipment. Viewers will learn that fake semiconductors have much higher on-resistance and lower gate charge, resulting in poorer efficiency and higher temperatures in practical applications like a DC/DC converter. The video demonstrates static tests with a curve tracer and dynamic tests with a double pulse tester, highlighting the critical importance of using genuine components for reliable and efficient device operation. ⛓ https://youtu.be/3BIpCOOiHKw #video #electronics

🇸🇬 Singaporian Researchers developed a flexible battery for smart contact lenses A team from Nanyang Technological University has developed a flexible and thin battery for smart contact lenses that can be powered by a wearer’s tears. The development overcomes the limitations of current rechargeable batteries that depend on metal electrodes or induction coils. Offering a safer and more efficient alternative, this new battery can produce enough power for smart contact lenses which might be used in augmented reality, health monitoring, and disease treatment. Right now researchers are working towards commercializing their invention and collaborating with contact lens companies to further enhance the technology. ⛓ More information... #news #battery

💻 Qt vs. Flutter: Which Framework is Right for Your Embedded Project? Choosing between Qt and Flutter for embedded project development depends on the specific technical needs of the project. Qt, built on C++, excels in native performance and efficiency, making it ideal for complex, high-performance applications. It offers extensive libraries and robust community support, catering to projects that require sophisticated functionalities and direct hardware access, such as medical devices and low-end hardware without GPU support. On the other hand, Flutter focuses on rapid development and cost-effectiveness, utilizing Dart for an accessible programming experience. Key features like hot reload enable quick iteration, and a single codebase ensures consistent UI across platforms. To sum up, Qt is suited for intricate, performance-critical applications, while Flutter is ideal for projects prioritizing speed, cost-efficiency, and cross-platform consistency. ⛓ More information... #articles #qt #flutter #programming

🍏 New Embedded Programming Language by Apple The last week at WWDC 2024, Apple has showed its new programming language for resource-constrained systems. Embedded Swift is a specialized version of Apple's 🖥 Swift programming language designed for microcontrollers like the 🇨🇳 ESP32, 🍓 Raspberry Pi RP2040, 🦋 STM32. It enables the development of IoT and low-power devices with Swift's familiar syntax and features. Features of the language: ➡️Supports value and reference types, closures, optionals, and error handling ➡️Designed for the constrained environments of microcontrollers ➡️Seamlessly integrates with existing C and C++ SDKs ➡️Wide range of supported microcontrollers and plenty of code examples Embedded Swift brings the benefits of Swift's ergonomics, safety features, and ease of use to embedded development, making it accessible for both hobbyists and professional developers familiar with 🖥 Swift language. More information: 🔗 The main article 😹 The GitHub repository 📺 The YouTube video #news #swift #programming

🎹 Open-Source Haptic SmartKnob This is a very interesting input device with software-configurable endstops, virtual detents, haptic touch feedback, and a round LCD. A brushless gimbal motor is paired with a magnetic encoder to provide closed-loop torque feedback control, enabling virtual endstops and detents. Internally, everything is powered by an ESP32, with a TMC6300 BLDC motor driver, HX711 strain gauge ADC, VEML7700 ambient light sensor, and more! Key features of the project: ➡️240x240 round LCD ➡️Low-cost BLDC gimbal motor ➡️Powered by ESP32-PICO-V3-02 ➡️PCB flexure and strain gauges (press detection) ➡️8 side-firing RGB LEDs illuminate ring This project offers an innovative solution for modern human-device interfaces and is made only off-the-shelf components. The source files are represented in both hardware and software domain. More information: 😹 The GitHub repository 📺 The YouTube video #projects #esp32

©️ Strategies for Handling Padding in C Programming In C programming, padding refers to the extra memory space added between members of a structure to align the data in a way that the CPU can access it more efficiently. Normally, the compiler adds padding to structures to align data members according to their natural boundaries. Consider the following structure in a firmware written for a 32-bit system:

struct foo {
  uint32_t i;
  uint8_t b;
};

In this example, the compiler adds 3 bytes of padding after "b" to ensure the structure’s total size is a multiple of 4 bytes, making it 8 bytes in total. To address this issue the referred article proposes several strategies regarding structure padding to optimize memory layout and access efficiency, particularly focusing on packed structures. ⛓ More information... #programming

🍏 Apple Intelligence: Apple’s New Generative AI Unveiled At WWDC 2024 which took place today, Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, a generative AI integrated across its ecosystem. Apple Intelligence is designed to offer highly personalized experiences while prioritizing user privacy.

It’s personal intelligence, and it’s the next big step for Apple Tim Cook

This announcement underscores the integration of Apple Intelligence into iOS, macOS, and VisionOS. SVP Craig Federighi highlighted that much of the processing occurs locally on Apple silicon, with additional support from Private Cloud Compute for tasks needing cloud resources. The key moments of the presentation: ➡️Enhanced Siri: Deeply integrated with new capabilities, including text-based queries and expanded App Intents for first and third-party apps. ➡️App Integration: Helps compose messages in Mail and supports Smart Replies. ➡️Image Playground: On-device image generation for apps like Messages and Keynote. ➡️Image Wand: A tool for Apple Pencil to create images from text. Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhone 15 Pro and M1 Mac and iPad devices with upcoming OS updates. Additionally, Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri, offering advanced image and text generation features. ⛓ More information... #news #artificial_intelligence

💻 5 best practices for writing ISRs Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs) are essential for embedded systems, but poorly written ISRs can cause race conditions, poor responsiveness, and high CPU usage. To write effective ISRs, it's crucial to keep them short and fast to minimize CPU cycle consumption and avoid timing issues. Avoid calling functions within ISRs to reduce execution time and prevent system instability. Instead, use static compilation, preprocessor, and inline functions to streamline ISR code without compromising modularity. Additionally, offload intensive processes to other threads by using flags, queues, and proper synchronization to ensure efficient and responsive ISRs. Declaring shared variables as volatile prevents compiler optimizations that might lead to unpredictable behavior. Customize default ISR handlers to set diagnostic flags instead of infinite loops to handle unexpected interrupts safely. By following these best practices, you can enhance the performance and reliability of your embedded systems. ⛓ More information... #programming

🖥 LVGL with ESP32 TFT LCD Touchscreen Display (Arduino IDE) In this guide, you'll learn to use the LVGL (Light and Versatile Graphics Library) with a 2.8 inch TFT LCD touchscreen display and an ESP32 board using the ♾ Arduino IDE. The guide covers wiring the display to the ESP32, understanding the SPI communication protocol, and utilizing the ILI9341 driver. You'll explore LVGL's features, including creating graphical user interfaces with buttons, sliders, images, and animations. By following the detailed instructions, you'll gain the skills to develop sophisticated, interactive displays for your microcontroller projects. ⛓ More information... #articles #arduino #esp32

🍓 Raspberry foundation has released an affordable AI Kit The Raspberry Pi Foundation has launched the Raspberry Pi AI Kit, priced at $70, in collaboration with Hailo. This kit, featuring an M.2 HAT+ board preassembled with a Hailo-8L AI accelerator module, is designed to enhance the Raspberry Pi 5's capabilities in neural networks (NN), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Key features of the kit: ➡️13 tera-operations per second (TOPS) ➡️Single-lane PCIe 3.0 connection running at 8Gbps ➡️Full integration with Raspberry Pi's software ecosystem ➡️Support for multiple cameras and NN configurations The kit supports a range of AI applications, such as object detection and pose estimation, by running complex AI models on the Hailo-8L co-processor, thus freeing up the Raspberry Pi's CPU for other tasks. ⛓ More information... #news #raspberry #artificial_intelligence

🔋 Ultra Compact LiDAR Distance Meter The Ultra Compact LiDAR Distance Meter/Range Finder is a super tiny gadget featuring a 0.49-inch OLED display, a micro battery, and a Xiao ESP32 microcontroller. Designed for compactness and efficiency, it measures distances accurately using a VL53L0X TOF-based LiDAR sensor. Hardware parts of the device: ➡️Xiao ESP32C3 with built-in battery management system ➡️0.49-inch OLED Display with 64x32 pixels ➡️VL53L0X TOF-based LiDAR laser ➡️Micro battery with rechargeable via USB port The project integrates tiny components to create a functional, portable device capable of measuring distances accurately up to 1 meter. ⛓ More information... #projects #sensors #esp32 #LiDAR

🖥 How to use LVGL with ESP32 TFT LCD Touchscreen Display (Arduino IDE)

🇳🇱 Our emoji pack was updated with 70+ new emojis! More than a month has passed since the release of our emoji pack dedicated to the microprocessor electronics. It was already installed by 500+ users. Today, we updated this pack. The update specifically focuses on robotics and AI. Example of the new emojis:

🧠⌨️🧠🌦🧠 🏠🧠🤖🤖🤖 🚘🔌👇🖥💻 💻🌎💻🤖🤖 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖

As of today, the pack contains 100+ emojis. This is not the last update so stay tuned and add the pack to your library if you like it! ✈️ Add the emoji pack #news