ESC Boston 2011: Classes I'd attend if there were two (or more) of me
Android/Linux development
Even though Agile development is very much on my mind, I know that for many embedded systems developers attending the conference, it's Google's platform that has their attention. ESC devotes an entire track to Linux/Android/Open source. In addition there is a chance for embedded systems developers to earn an Android Certification.
Of the several classes in this track, the one I'm most interested in is Android variants, hacks, tricks, and resources (ESC-205) presented by Karim Yaghmour of Opensys.
While the Linux/Android platform has more than enough capability for non-real-time and nondeterministic mobile apps, as it now stands I don't think it has much chance in hardcore embedded control apps. I'm hoping that Yaghmour's class--an overview of third-party projects, resources, and tools that embedded systems developers may need--will provide some insights on how to adapt both Android and Linux to the applications in the mainstream of embedded control design.
ARM processor development
If you're like me, you're probably ravenous about anything that relates to the ARM processor platform. It has become the de facto standard for much of the embedded systems design and mobile markets, despite Intel's continuing efforts to make inroads with its new x86-based Atom processor platform.
While UBM's 2011 ARMTechCon in Santa Clara will open only four weeks after the Boston ESC, a number of ESC classes and venues will keep you satiated--at least temporarily--until then, including:
Embedded programmers guide to the ARM Cortex-M architecture (ESC-108) where the instructor, Feabhas Ltd.'s Niall Cooling, will look at the Cortex from an embedded software engineer's perspective, examining ARM's implemented specific features (such as unaligned data transfers, bit-banding) that aid the programmer, including a new a software support standard (CMSIS--Cortex Microcontroller Software Interface Specification).
Developer's insight into Cortex M debugging and M4 (ESC-213). Mark Kraeling of GE Transportation will focus on the various hardware debug options that are available on ARM Cortex M processor cores, explaining them from a software developer's point of view as well as revealing tips and tricks to make the debugging steps easier.
If you want to drill down to some specific applications, be sure to sign up for a series of classes from Gene Carter, David Donley, Paul Boogaards, and Amitkumar Bhojraj of NXP Semiconductor:
Making USB plug-and-play easier with NXP Cortex USB portfolio (SS-217)
Breaking the 8-/16-bit habit with the 32-bit NXP Cortex-M0 LPC1100 (SS-218)
Designing LCD applications with NXP Cortex-M products (SS-219)
Redefining DSC with the NXP Cortex-M4 dual core LPC4000 (SS-220)
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