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If I were an embedded interviewer, here are some questions I would ask, covering various aspects of embedded development, aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of the candidate’s technical abilities, problem-solving approaches, and practical experience.
1
Basic Knowledge
1.1. Related to C Language
How do you handle memory management in embedded development? How do you avoid memory leaks?
Please briefly describe the difference between pointers and arrays.
What is the volatile keyword, and what are its applications in embedded programming?
How do you debug embedded C programs? What common debugging techniques do you use?
1.2. Data Structures and Algorithms
What data structures are commonly used in embedded systems? How do you choose different data structures in development?
How do you optimize the time complexity of sorting algorithms in resource-constrained environments?
1.3. Processor and Hardware Knowledge
What processor architectures are you familiar with? What are their differences?
Explain the working principle of interrupts and how to handle them in embedded systems.
2
Operating Systems and Multitasking Management
2.1. RTOS (Real-Time Operating System)
Please explain task scheduling and priority management in RTOS.
How do you implement task synchronization in FreeRTOS? What RTOS APIs have you used?
How do you handle deadlock issues in RTOS? Please provide an example you have dealt with.
2.2. Embedded Linux
How do the kernel and user space collaborate in embedded Linux systems?
How do you compile an embedded Linux kernel? What common cross-compilation tools are you familiar with?
How do you debug the kernel or drivers under Linux?
3
Hardware Design and Interfaces
3.1. Hardware Interfaces
Please explain the differences between SPI, I2C, and UART, as well as their application scenarios in embedded development.
How do you handle signal transmission issues in RS485 communication? Please explain the working principle of RS485.
What sensors have you used, and how do you interface and collect data with embedded systems?
3.2. Circuit and Hardware Design
What embedded hardware design tools are you familiar with? Please briefly introduce some circuits you have designed.
Describe how to design hardware and software for low-power applications.
How do you design power management for embedded systems to ensure long-term operation on battery power?
4
Embedded Software Development
4.1. Software Architecture
In your projects, how do you choose the appropriate software architecture (e.g., front-back architecture, task-driven architecture, etc.)?
How do you handle errors and exceptions in embedded systems? What mechanisms do you commonly use to ensure program reliability?
4.2. Development Tools and Version Control
How do you manage code versions in embedded projects?
Please introduce the debugging tools and methods you commonly use, such as JTAG, GDB, logic analyzers, etc.
4.3. Protocols and Communication
What communication protocols have you used in embedded projects? How do you implement them in projects (e.g., Modbus, CAN, Ethernet, etc.)?
How do you handle exceptions and errors in communication, such as data loss and timeouts?
5
System Optimization
How do you optimize the boot time, memory usage, and CPU utilization of embedded systems?
In resource-constrained environments, how do you optimize the performance of embedded systems? What optimization techniques have you used?
6
Practical Project Experience
6.1. Project Design and Implementation
Please introduce the specific embedded development tools (e.g., Keil, IAR, Visual Studio, etc.) and hardware platforms (e.g., STM32, ESP32, etc.) you have used in projects.
Describe your specific role and responsibilities in an embedded project. How did you coordinate with hardware, testing, and project management teams?
6.2. Problem Solving and Challenges
What tricky problems have you encountered during your development process? How did you troubleshoot and resolve them?
Have you encountered time-sensitive projects? How did you manage project time and task priorities?
7
Knowledge Related to Modern Technologies
Have you used IoT platforms for device connectivity and data management? If so, please describe your experience in that project.
How do you implement remote upgrades (OTA) in embedded systems? Do you have practical experience in this area?
What wireless communication protocols (e.g., ZigBee, LoRa, NB-IoT, etc.) do you know, and how do you choose the appropriate protocol to meet system requirements?
8
Teamwork and Communication
Describe a cross-departmental collaboration project you participated in. How do you ensure communication and collaboration between the development team and other teams (such as hardware, testing, product, etc.)?
How do you manage technical documentation in your work? How do you ensure the integrity and accuracy of the documentation?
