The entire world of embedded systems at electronica 2012

Besides how to select the best embedded modules, the conference will answer fundamental questions about choosing components and system design. Together with the exhibition and the forum, the conference rounds out the three-pillar concept for the embedded sector.

According to forecasts by BITKOM (Federal Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media), sales of embedded systems in Germany will exceed the EUR 20 billion-mark for the first time in 2012. The market is expected to grow by some six percent this year alone. In many sectors, embedded systems have become indispensible: Modern smartphones and routers rely on them just as strongly as industrial control systems. Embedded systems also continue to increase in significance in machine building, automobile manufacturing and medical technology. Manufacturers are offering increasing efficient complete solutions for specific application sectors. However, that, in turn, is also causing requirements regarding interaction between all hardware and software components to increase.

embedded platforms conference

System architects and developers will find out all there is to know about selecting the right embedded modules, i.e. the processor platform, the operating system, the drivers and the networking technology, at the new embedded platforms conference. On November 14 and 15, semiconductor and tool manufacturers such as Atmel, Farnell, Freescale, Fujitsu, Infineon, Texas Instruments, TQ Systems and Toshiba will inform participants about the use of multicore, multiprocessing, DSP, USBs, Ethernet, motor control, safety, low-power, migration, freeware and open source at the Press Centre East.

New application sectors and more energy efficiency

At this year’s electronica, Freescale will do more than present its large portfolio of ARM processors. The company will also introduce the first microcontroller to be based on the ARM Cortex-M0+, which is currently the most energy-efficient processor on the market. Other highlights include the latest solutions in the sectors for energy supply and management, metrology and building management.

Kontron is also focusing on the topic of energy efficiency at electronica. It will introduce the new Kontron Computer-on-Module ULP-COM-sAT30, which is particularly small and flat. The module was developed for applications in the POS/POI, infotainment, digital signage, security and monitoring, medical technology and defense technology sectors. Besides ultra-low-power modules, the company is also presenting new motherboards based on Pico-ITX and Mini-ITX standards. The new boards make it possible to reduce the costs and power consumption of imaging-centric, low-profile applications.

Software Village and embedded Forum for in-depth know-how

Optimum interaction between hardware and software continues to increase in importance in the development of embedded systems. That applies to the firmware integrated into the component as well as to independent systems that communicate with the hardware in question. Which is why hardware-based software will remain an important topic for exhibitors and visitors alike at the 2012 fair. For example, the Open Source Automation Development Lab will present current research projects and services that pertain to topics such as training, quality assurance, legal advice and software certification.

The embedded Forum in Hall A6 will also give visitors an in-depth look at this specialized sector. Among other things, the schedule includes lectures on topics such as “Smart Metering”, “ARM-based Computers & Processors”, “Energy Management & Efficiency” and “Electronic Lighting – Software Development”.