Embedded software is taking on an increasingly critical role in SOC  (System on Chip) and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Chip) designs. Why? Firstly, the need to fix bugs, meet changing standards and update software dynamically are strong determinants of commercial longevity and success. Secondly, embedded software adds intelligence and autonomy to chips and the devices they support, so that more processing takes place at the edge and less processing takes place on the server side of the cloud: more processing on the product means less data transfer is needed back and forth and that delivers immediacy and overcomes latency issues in one hit. Thirdly, at Sondrel, working at the most advanced nodes, the proportion of software on chips is rising. Get down to 7nm and below, and not only is the software component more significant, it is complex and mission critical to the purpose of the product. Embedded software engineers are now tackling the big problems in small but mighty IC designs.

Sondrel designs some of the most complex SoCs in the world

Sondrel designs some of the most complex SoCs (System on Chips) in the world. Embedded software consultants are involved at the architecture stage and as soon as the first C code is written from the spec. The work continues all the way through to delivering a silicon tested BSP (board support package) to customers. Our Embedded Software engineers are also called in to consult on customer designs specifically to solve a problem or meet a need that simply cannot be satisfied elsewhere. The exposure our teams have to a range of technologies and working practices feeds their creativity and expands their capability to solve difficult problems quickly and effectively.

The team members can one day be writing software on Linux kernel device drivers and then the next day be composing lightweight RTOS, or just bare metal code. The role demands exceptional focus at times, and also truly collaborative team working with hardware engineers in any of our global office locations.