SÃO PAULO — Brazil's vibrant embedded systems engineering community was out in full force at ESC Brazil 2014 last week. Here’s a look at four of the biggest-buzz-generating trends we saw at the show.

No. 1: The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things was a hot topic at ESC Brazil, with companies like Atmel and Microchip showcasing the latest technologies for connecting to the cloud.

“Actually, the Internet of Things is nothing new, as we have been connecting MCUs to sensors and analyzing the data for a long time,” said Andreas Eieland, senior product marketing manager at Atmel. “But what is new is the technology options available for engineers to develop connected systems without the high degree of complexity of the past.”

To wit, Atmel had on display the new Bluetooth and 802.11n WiFi solutions it has added to its SmartConnect wireless portfolio line through the acquisition of Newport Media. “We can now offer a range of technologies that meet a designer's needs, whether it is range or battery life or data rate,” said Eieland. For larger-volume customers, Atmel will share its module design.