Control Freak!

From the snazzy cell phone in your pocket to the car you drive, from televisions to rocket systems,

technology never ceases to grow and awe! But have you ever wondered what lies at the heart of such systems? More so, do you aspire to innovate such technological masterpieces? Look no further if you do. It’s time to get floored by embedded technology - a fascinating career option that combines both skill and innovation. Technically, an embedded system is a combination of computer hardware, software and perhaps additional parts, designed to perform a specific function. Consumer electronics such as mobile phones, PDA’s, digital televisions, automatic washing machines and microwave ovens are the best examples that one can state to give a feel of embedded systems at work. Their role continues in communication, travel, automation, medicine, military, and even entertainment. Considering the span of embedded technology, it comes as no surprise that the global embedded and telecom market today is worth one trillion dollars, and will continue to grow at an exponential pace. (Source: Gartner Inc)

NATURE OF WORK Madhuraj Jadhav, Global Head, Embedded Systems, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), says, “Pioneering research and demand for state-of-art applications is pushing the world towards solutions in embedded technology across various verticals. This involves miniaturisations of integrated circuit (IC) chips, design of dedicated and functionally specialised systems, embedded software programming, hardware development of better processors and microcontrollers, development of systems on chips (SOCs) and work on integrated devices.” Hence, one may be involved in internal design and fabrication for day-to-day products and special applications as well as creating software for the same. He continues, “The obsession of packing in more power in a system than just the basics is driving inventive work in the industry. As a matter of fact, embedded technology is evolving to a level wherein systems are to have their own thought process and decision making skills.” He mentions automotive, industrial and office automation, consumer electronics and data communication as vibrant sectors.

ELIGIBILITY Prof SS Paygude has been teaching hardware, microprocessors and microcontrollers for the last fourteen years. She says, “Candidates of embedded technology need knowledge of electronic hardware subjects and operating systems (OS) as related subjects. Often, basic concepts like timers, schedulers, circuitry, power supply and connection, signals and the like are often neglected. These are vital for any embedded system development and should be thoroughly understood. This field is interdisciplinary and requires excellence in hardware as well as software with an eye for detail.” Thus, embedded technology calls for a high-level of skill, technical soundness, dedication and core knowledge. Moreover, with use of embedded technology expanding to multiple-industrial sectors, the complexity only grows. A student of electronics and telecommunication engineering is the preferred candidate for a career in embedded systems. However, since there are many verticals existing in embedded technology, students with a background in computer science, electrical engineering, instrumentation and other branches may enter the field as well. “The industry is also considering candidates from ‘Mecatronics’- a course being currently offered by very few institutes,” informs Jadhav. His wife, Parul Jadhav, a professor of microcontrollers, system programming, basic and advanced digital signal processing adds, “Currently, embedded systems is a subject in electronics and computer engineering. Electronic and telecommunication engineers are more attracted to this area than computer engineers. However, as this field grows, the gap between both branches will be reduced.”

SKILL SET REQUIRED Î Î Î Î Î Î Î

Programming languages - C, C++ and Assembly language Computer architecture and software development methods Standard skills for specialised domain Basic electronics and circuit theory Digital and analog design techniques Knowledge of CAD for VLSI tools System design techniques

REMUNERATION The pay packet in this field varies a great deal according to organisation profile and nature of work. Some freshers get about Rs 3,00,000 per annum. Those with specialised courses can get up to Rs 4,00,000. Professionals maybe directly engaged with the IT industry where the remunerations are high, or with smaller specialised production firms that pay comparatively lesser.

SCOPE IN INDIA Raj Sahakari of the Embedded Systems Group in Tech-Mahindra says, “India is primarily recognised as a software provider. It makes sense then that the prowess be expanded into the booming field of embedded technologies. “Not surprisingly, niche players like Wipro, Tech-Mahindra, TCS, and Patni are already in the race for providing services in embedded technologies.

INSTITUTES There are few proficient or industry-backed training providers offering courses in embedded technology in India such as C-DAC and IIT. However, degrees and certifications are available aplenty in foreign universities.

CONCLUSION With the industry often complaining of quality standards of graduates across all segments, can the scenario be any different when it comes to a sophisticated field like embedded technology? Sahakari observes, “There is a gap between industry and academia, because knowledge provided by universities is theoretical and industry needs practical understanding and application. It is vital that this gap be bridged between them so that newer technology can be promoted and students can be ready for the industry when they step out.” Jadhav agrees, “Students need to learn concepts and applications, and more so for a technologyintensive and challenging field like embedded technology. If they do that there is no need to for additional certifications. Nonetheless, opportunities are ample for fresh and non-mediocre talent.” So if you think that you have the will to get embedded into the wonderful world of embedded technology, why wait? Surf on this rising wave.

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