Students often ask me: Teacher, is the current trend of full-stack embedded engineers inevitable? Will those of us working with microcontrollers be eliminated? Today, let’s discuss this topic together..
First, what is a full-stack embedded engineer?
Traditionally, those of us working with microcontrollers might focus on writing low-level drivers, debugging hardware, and designing circuit boards. However, full-stack roles require a broader skill set, as they need to understand hardware, upper-level application development, and even cloud connectivity and mobile APP interactions, etc. They can independently complete the entire development process from hardware selection to software implementation.
For example, previously, when we wrote code to control an LED light to blink, that was considered completing the task. Now, we might also need to develop a mobile APP that allows users to control the light remotely, upload the light’s status to the cloud, and perform data analysis. This extends from simple hardware control to software, networking, and even user experience design.
Second, why has this trend emerged?
First, product updates are happening too quickly. Today’s smart devices are becoming increasingly complex; previously, a microcontroller product could work independently. However, now, many devices need to connect to the internet, interact with mobile devices, and utilize cloud services. For instance, current smart home devices, wearable devices, and industrial IoT sensors, etc. This means that merely being able to debug hardware is no longer sufficient. If an engineer can design circuit boards, write drivers, and also develop applications and connect to the cloud, it can significantly reduce communication costs and improve efficiency in product development. Naturally, such talents are more sought after by companies.
Second, the technical barriers have lowered. Previously, hardware design required many years of experience, but now there are various ready-made modules and development boards. Writing drivers used to be very difficult, but now operating systems provide many ready-made interfaces, making it possible for one person to cover multiple fields.
Third, system integration has become more important. Many product issues are not caused by a single link but rather by poor collaboration between hardware and software. Engineers who understand the entire development process can fundamentally solve problems.
Third, what should we do in microcontroller development?
Many of you might feel anxious, wondering if I need to transform immediately? Are my microcontroller skills outdated? I believe there is no need to worry.
First, the demand for microcontroller development will not disappear. Moreover, with the rapid growth of IoT devices, the demand for quality microcontroller developers is actually greater. Many products do not require complex connectivity features, and still need professional microcontroller engineers.
Furthermore, full-stack embedded engineers are not meant to replace specialized engineers but rather to extend the capabilities of engineers in specific fields. Your expertise in microcontrollers is a crucial part of full-stack capability; without a solid foundation in hardware and low-level skills, the so-called broad full-stack knowledge is just a castle in the air.
Fourth, how can we gradually expand our capabilities?
I recommend gradually expanding your skills; do not try to achieve everything at once..
First, your microcontroller development skills must be solid. MasterC language, understand register operations, and be familiar with common peripherals.
Start with simple Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, and try to enable communication between the microcontroller and mobile or other devices.
Understand upper-level development, learn a bit of Python, Java, and try to write simple PC or mobile programs to receive data from the microcontroller.
Finally, learn how to send data to the cloud, which requires understanding some network protocols and basic server knowledge.
Importantly, each step should be combined with practical projects for learning. For example, first create a small car that can be controlled via Bluetooth from a mobile phone, then try to make a monitoring device that can upload room temperature data to a home server..
Indeed, becoming a full-stack embedded engineer is a trend in the industry, but this does not mean we must become all-rounders overnight. The most important thing is to maintain a learning attitude, gradually broadening our knowledge while deeply cultivating our expertise in microcontrollers. The future embedded field may require more T shaped talents, who possess both broad full-stack capabilities and deep expertise in a specific area.