What are Embedded Computing Systems, and why should I get into this field?
Ali Kerem Yücel
In our digitalized world, no matter what technical product we buy, what device we utilize and what service we use, Embedded Computing Systems are in charge of controlling tasks, processing data or interfacing systems. With upcoming trends like the Internet-of-Things (IoT), Industrial Internet, Smart Grids / Power / Water / Cities, and autonomous mobility we observe a tremendous increase in the demand for such systems. According to Global Markets Insight, the Embedded Systems market will reach a total size of US$258 billion in 2023 at an average annual growth rate of 5.6%. Clearly, if you want to shape the digitalized world of tomorrow, competence in Embedded Computing System design is a key.
Embedded Computing System technology has a strong industrial basis in Europe. It is fundamentally different from classical computer technology. For example, a desktop computer, communicates with the human user through devices like a monitor, a keyboard or a mouse. By contrast, Embedded Computing Systems communicate directly with a system environment. They are "embedded" into a technical application and take over highly specialized tasks in a wide range of applications.
Designing Embedded Computing Systems
The design of Embedded Computing Systems confronts engineers with many challenges. Embedded Computing Systems typically
- must be highly optimized for a specific application (or deployment area)
- must achieve good trade-offs between flexibility and efficiency
- must consume only little energy
- must fulfill real-time requirements
- must be safe and secure
- are designed under strict cost constraints
- are composed into heterogeneous system environments
- reach life times of up to decades
In general, developing Embedded Computing Systems requires competences in several tightly coupled areas:
- system architectures: hardware and software
- design methodologies: system-level modeling, design techniques, testing and verification
- application areas of Embedded Computing Systems: knowledge on application areas is needed since Embedded Computing Systems must be highly optimized w.r.t. applications
A decision made at one design level may have a strong impact at other levels. Therefore, engineers need to have a good understanding of the interdependencies and possible impact of design decisions on all system aspects. Although you will probably become an expert in one of the above domains, having a global view on the entire hardware/software design process is essential. It will allow you to coordinate large design projects and lead the communication between different groups of engineers and computer scientists.
Why should I study ESY @TUK?
Our mission is to provide first-class education and to equip you with all the skills and knowledge you need for starting a successful career as an Embedded Computing Systems engineer:
- You will be provided with a comprehensive overview on Embedded Computing Systems spanning over all relevant domains of this field: hardware design from system level to the physical layer, software development from the application level to low-level firmware, the hardware/software interface, methodologies for design, test and verification.
- You will be equipped with profound competences and practical skills in specialized topics. You may choose these from a wide range of teaching and research activities at TUK and its associated institutes.
- We teach at the forefront of research and continuously update our lectures and labs to the state of the art.
TUK is one of the largest hubs for research and education in the field of Embedded Computing Systems in Germany. Our departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science cover a wide range of teaching topics from System-on-Chip hardware to software aspects of Embedded Computing Systems. Additionally, several leading research institutions of Max Planck Society, Fraunhofer Society, and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) are associated with TUK in the Science Alliance. This offers a unique spectrum of research opportunities and study options to all ESY students.
The EU has recognized the leading role of TUK in Embedded Computing Systems education in Europe. ESY was selected twice by the EU under the prestigious Erasmus Mundus framework and constitutes the TUK component of the Erasmus Mundus European Master's Program in Embedded Computing Systems (EMECS). As a result, you will study here in a vivid international atmosphere with national and international students jointly attending the same courses and labs.
Start building your professional network and make friends with your fellow students from Germany, from other European countries and from all over the world!