The Embedded Frontier

Jacob Beningo concludes his embedded software modernization framework series by discussing the establishment of metrics scoreboards for embedded systems development. He explores various metrics categories including code quality, performance, and security, with a deep dive into cyclomatic complexity as a powerful but underutilized metric among embedded developers. Key Takeaways: • Metrics scoreboar...

Jacob Beningo explores how artificial intelligence and machine learning can modernize embedded systems development, sharing practical examples and dispelling myths about AI's applicability to embedded development. He demonstrates how AI can accelerate development workflows, from requirements gathering to code generation, while emphasizing an iterative, agile approach rather than fully autonom...

In this episode, Jacob explores simulation for embedded systems as the seventh step in modernizing embedded development. He discusses functional simulation, on-chip simulation, and software architecture simulation, demonstrating how proper abstraction enables developers to validate code before hardware is available. Jacob provides a practical demonstration of simulating a push button module with d...

In this episode, embedded systems expert Jacob Beningo explores test-driven development (TDD) as the fourth step to modernize embedded software development. He addresses common misconceptions that TDD doesn't work for embedded developers, demonstrates how proper software architecture enables effective testing, and explains the mental shift required to write tests before production code for hi...

Embedded systems expert Jacob Beningo explores five major industry trends for 2026, focusing on how AI-assisted development, security requirements, and platform-based engineering are reshaping embedded software development. This comprehensive analysis covers emerging technologies and methodologies that microcontroller-based system developers need to understand to stay competitive in the evolving e...

Visit our sponsor's website to learn more about their embedded security solutions at https://www. RunSafeSecurity.com/jacob  This episode explores the critical shift from reactive "patch and pray" security approaches to proactive embedded security strategies. Host Jacob discusses common vulnerabilities in embedded systems, real-world security threats from nation-state actors, and pr...

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier podcast, host Jacob interviews Darwin from GitLab's field CTO office about the adoption and implementation of DevOps practices in embedded systems development. They explore the unique challenges embedded developers face when modernizing their workflows, including managing complex codebases with hundreds of millions of lines of code, compliance requirem...

This podcast episode explores step three of modernizing embedded software development: adopting DevOps practices to solve the critical problem of late and over-budget project delivery in embedded systems. Host Jacob Beningo discusses the four core DevOps principles, presents a compelling case study of the Ariane 5 rocket failure that cost $500 million, and provides practical guidance for implement...

NXP's Brendan Slade discusses why major semiconductor companies are investing heavily in Zephyr RTOS, exploring how this open-source real-time operating system is transforming embedded development for IoT and edge computing applications. The conversation covers NXP's role as a founding platinum member of the Zephyr project, practical advice for developers evaluating RTOS options, and the...

Summary In this episode of the Embedded Frontier Podcast, Jacob Beningo dives into modernizing embedded software architecture —the second step in his seven-step framework for building faster, smarter firmware. He explores why most legacy architectures turn into “giant balls of mud,” how tightly coupling software to hardware holds teams back, and the four architectural dimensions you must consider:...

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier podcast, Jacob Beningo and Kyle Dando from NXP discuss the modernization of embedded software and firmware, focusing on the MCU Xpresso SDK. They explore the significant changes made to the SDK, including the adoption of CMake and KConfig, the introduction of West for managing software repositories, and the overall impact on developer workflows. The convers...

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier Podcast, Jacob Beningo discusses the importance of modernizing build systems in embedded software development. He outlines a seven-step framework for developing faster and smarter firmware, focusing on the need to overhaul build systems to keep pace with contemporary development practices. The conversation covers containerization, the adoption of tools like...

Summary In this episode of the Embedded Frontier Podcast, Jacob Beningo introduces a comprehensive framework for modernizing embedded systems development. He discusses the importance of adapting to modern techniques in firmware development, emphasizing the need for a shift in workflows, architectures, and tools. The episode outlines a seven-step process that includes modernizing build systems, imp...

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier podcast, Jacob Beningo explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in embedded systems development. He discusses the potential applications of AI, including code review, documentation, and generating code, while emphasizing the importance of adopting AI technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency in the field. Beningo also addresses t...

Summary In this episode of the Embedded Frontier, Jacob Beningo discusses the key trends observed at Embedded World 2025, focusing on the integration of commercial tools with modern workflows, the rise of Zephyr as a dominant RTOS, the pervasive influence of AI in embedded systems, the necessity of multi-core processors, and the mainstream adoption of DevOps practices. Beningo emphasizes the impor...

Summary In this conversation, Jacob Beningo interviews John Taylor about his extensive experience in embedded systems and his new book, 'The Embedded Project Cookbook.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, its target audience, and key themes such as the importance of building and testing software before hardware. John shares insights on challenges in requirements gathering, the...

In this episode of Embedded Frontier, Jacob Beningo discusses the top trends in embedded systems for 2025. He highlights the increasing role of AI and machine learning, the dominance of open-source software, the critical importance of security, and the ongoing relevance of programming languages like C and C++. Beningo also emphasizes the rise of simulation technologies, the integration of DevOps a...

Curious about the future of embedded systems? In this episode, Jacob Beningo is joined by Shawn Prestridge from IAR Systems to tackle the pressing challenges developers face today. From real-world insights into AI’s role in embedded devices to the overlooked pitfalls of security in connected systems, Shawn shares practical lessons learned from his decades in the field. Whether you’re interested in...

In this episode, Jacob Beningo interviews François Baldassari, Memfault CEO, about IoT security compliance demands. They discuss embedded manufacturers' readiness for new security regulations, the challenges they face, and potential solutions. They also explore the differences between the EU's Cyber Resilience Act and the US's Cyber Trust Mark. François emphasizes the importance of...

Summary In this conversation, Jacob and Daniel Situnayake discuss the future of AI and machine learning in embedded software development. They explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI and machine learning at the edge, and how tools like TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers and Edge Impulse are making it easier for developers to deploy models on resource-constrained devices. They...

In this episode, Jacob Beningo discusses the importance of debugging in embedded development and shares several techniques to decrease debugging time. He highlights the statistic that development teams spend 20-40% of their time debugging, which equates to 2.5-4.5 man-months of development. Beningo emphasizes the use of test-driven development (TDD) as a way to prevent bugs and decrease debugging...

Summary In this episode, Jacob Beningo interviews Frank Herta, the CEO of Curtail Incorporated, about the risks of zero-day attacks in open source software. They discuss the importance of DevSecOps and the need for comprehensive security measures. Frank shares his background in security and how his company is working on detecting zero-day bugs.  They also explore the vulnerabilities of open source...

In this episode, Jacob Benningo discusses the importance of DevOps in the embedded software development industry. He emphasizes the need for DevOps to improve project delivery, efficiency, and product quality. Jacob provides insights into the principles of DevOps, the implementation of CI/CD pipelines, and the impact of DevOps on software development processes. He also shares actionable steps for...

Carsten Gregerson shares his background in the embedded systems industry and how he got into it. He discusses his work at Nabto, a company that provides remote access to small devices using peer-to-peer technology. Carsten then delves into the topic of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and the battle for open-source RTOS. He explains the difference between a real-time operating system and a high-...

Summary This podcast episode discusses using bare metal and real-time operating systems (RTOS) in embedded systems development. It highlights the steady adoption of RTOS in the industry and the continued relevance of bare metal development, particularly in 8-bit microcontrollers. The episode explores the future of RTOS, including the rise of open-source options like Eclipse ThreadX and Zephyr. It...