Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Careers in Embedded systems

Career in Embedded Technology

Many software professionals are now going for a career in embedded systems, the latest wave in technology. The communications industry is at an all-time high with embedded technology playing a crucial role in its advancement.

Professionals trained in embedded systems technologies happen to be a rare commodity in the recruitment market place. The demand for embedded systems engineers for product development and application will continue to grow in the years to come.

Embedded technology is a combination of computer hardware, software and additional mechanisms, an embedded device is one in which the software is hidden in the hardware on which it runs. Embedded systems are designed to perform a specific function within a given time frame.

Embedded devices are found inside (besides PCs or workstations) in anything electronic that seems intelligent such as handheld devices like personal digital assistants PDAs, toys, automobiles, mobile phones, microwave ovens, music systems, digital cameras, access cards, TVs, MP3 players, ATMs, traffic signals and numerous other gadgets that we come across in our every day life.

Some other interesting scenarios in which embedded systems can be used are; Heating and lighting systems, which sense their surroundings and help minimize power consumption; Embedded software allows your washing machine to choose speed according to the type of cloth, gives thinking power to the microwave, acts like a music conductor in the car engine and pushes rocket launches into space.

Embedded systems are similar to memory chips with applications pre-loaded onto them. Once programmed, the software cannot be changed and this is what makes it different from Personal Computer. There is a lack of technical talent is this highly evolving and developing area.

Eligibility to Start a Career in Embedded Technology: A candidate with a BE, Diploma in Electronics, MCA's, BCA's and B.Sc (Physics) are ideally suited for a career in embedded technology. While certifications and degrees are available in foreign universities, there are very few high-end training providers offering courses focused on embedded software in India.

Diploma in Embedded Systems Design:

Realizing the growth of embedded systems in day-to-day life and the need for trained manpower in this promising area, C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) has launched a Diploma in Embedded Systems Design (DESD).

Established in March 1988, C-DAC is a Scientific Society of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. DESD is a five-month full-time course consisting of six modules, an industry relevant project and a seminar. Daily sessions comprise two hours of lecture followed by four hours of lab work.

Candidates with engineering degree in Electronics & Communication / Electronics & Instrumentation / Computer Science & Engineering / Computer Engineering / Information Technology or M.Sc Electronics / Instrumentation with first class in the final degree are eligible.

All applicants should possess sound knowledge of Electronic Circuits, Analog & Digital Design, Microprocessors, Computer Architecture, C Programming & Data Structures, Basics of Data Communication & Networking and Concept of Operating Systems.

Applicants will undergo a national level Common Entrance Test (CET). The pattern of the test will be mainly objective, covering various technical and aptitude aspects along with a subjective component to test the written communication skills. The duration of the test will be 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Selection will be on the basis of performance in the CET and the preferences of the centre opted by the applicant. The applicant's academic record will also be taken into consideration.
Advanced Diploma:

The Embedded Competency Centre (ECC), a training division of Mistral Software Pvt Ltd, offers Advanced Diploma in Real-time and Embedded Systems for fresh Engineering graduates. The four month programme is a full time course comprising of both theory and lab sessions. Students with BE in electronics, electrical and electronics, communications, computer science or Information Science with a minimum of 60 percent aggregate are ideal for this course.

Mistral has designed the curriculum after extensive interaction with the industry and the research institutes to enable the training of a confident embedded product developer. It has a background in developing embedded systems and the same knowledge is transferred to the students. Mistral is involved in training the corporate in embedded technology and hence has first hand feel of the requirements of the Industry.
Emdedded Career Prospects:

Career sectors for embedded systems engineers 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.
Check out for Embedded Training Institutes:

C-DAC's Advanced Computing Training School,
No. 1, Old Madras Road,
Above Bank of Mysore,
Near NGEE, Bangalore - 560 038.

Mistral Software Pvt Ltd,
No. 60, 'Adarsh Regent',
100 Ft Ring Road, Domlur Extension,
Bangalore - 560 071,
Phone: 25356400.

Manvish Infotech Limited,
No. 502, Prestige Meridian II,
MG Road,
Bangalore - 560 001,
Phone: 91-80-25321327.

source:http://www.winentrance.com/career_courses/Career-Embedded-Technology.html