Embedded Systems Courses, Career Details
Embedded systems are involved in almost every facet of modern life. Applications
of embedded processors are in many industries like consumer electronics, automobile,
communications, aviation, space etc. Embedded software is getting more complex and
versatile with the drive to create smaller devices supporting enhanced functionalities.
An embedded system is some combination of computer hardware and software, either
fixed in capability or programmable, that is specifically designed for a particular
kind of application device. Industrial machines, automobiles, medical equipment,
cameras, household appliances, aeroplanes, vending machines and toys as well as
cellular phone and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) are among the numerous possible
hosts of an embedded system. Design of such a system is no more an easy task, as
it necessitates a good knowledge about the available hardware and software platforms,
operating systems, interfacing devices, sensors, networking etc. on one side. On
the other side it requires the knowledge of specification techniques, hardware-software,
co-design approaches, system testing and verification, along with the upcoming issues
like low power design.
Eligibility: There
are degree courses, certification courses and PG Diploma courses offered in Embedded
Technologies. A candidate must be B.E./ B. Tech. in Electronics/ Electrical/ Instrumentation
and allied subjects, M.C.A./ M.Sc with minimum 60% marks. Candidates have to appear
for an entrance exam if they are desirous of obtaining admission in Embedded Systems.
While embedded systems certifications and degrees are available in foreign universities,
there are very few high-end training providers offering courses focused on embedded
software in India.
Career Options: Career
sectors for embedded systems engineers are telecom/ mobile communications, industrial
engineering, computers / peripherals, consumer electronics, aerospace, military,
automotive / transportation, medical equipment, electronic equipment.
While India is a known player in the software services space, the image of the country
has been so far as a low–cost service provider. This is where embedded software
development, which requires specialized skill sets, can make the difference. It
is a sector promising a fast track career, which is only for the brightest and the
best.
Scope: 
The
Embedded Technology sector is currently amongst the fastest growing sectors in the
IT segment and is likely to remain for a long time to come. Therefore, there is
a rising demand in this field for professionals who can deliver on the challenging
requirements in this field. This field has a vast scope, ranging from telecom to
consumer electronics to aerospace. The demand for embedded systems engineers for
product development and application will continue to grow in the years to come.
As the world is experiencing ground breaking research in the areas of hardware technology
(e.g. Nano technology and Quantum Mechanics), packing more power into a single chip
will become possible in the near future. Researchers are trying to implement more
than one core in a single chip. Once these chips become a reality, it will lead
to further miniaturization of the ICs. This in turn will pave the path for the development
of SOCs (System on Chip).
An embedded system is a special-purpose computer system built into a larger device.
An embedded system is required to meet very different requirements than a general-purpose
personal computer. Two major areas of differences are cost and power consumption.
Since many embedded systems are produced in the tens of thousands to millions of
units range, reducing cost is a major concern. Embedded systems often use a relatively
slow processor and small memory size to minimize costs. The slowness is not just
clock speed. The whole architecture of the computer is often intentionally simplified
to lower costs.
Remuneration: Embedded
System Professionals can earn anywhere between Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 50,000. With more
experience they can earn higher. They have lots of opportunities abroad.
List of Embedded
System Training Institutes in India:
- Vector Institute, Hyderabad.
- Department of Electronics Accredited Computer Courses (DOEACC) Centre, Calicut.
- Manvish Services, Banglore.
- Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh.
- R V College of Engineering, Banglore.
