10+ Senior Embedded Software Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Answers to questions related to SPI and I2C protocols, structures and unions, bitfields in C, and microcontrollers.

• SPI is a synchronous protocol with a master-slave architecture, while I2C is a synchronous protocol with a multi-master architecture.

• A structure is a collection of variables of different data types, while a union is a collection of variables that share the same memory location.

• Bitfields in C allow for the creation of variables that occupy less than one byte of me...read more

Communication protocols used in embedded devices include SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, and Bluetooth.

• SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is a synchronous serial communication protocol used for short distance communication between microcontrollers and peripheral devices.

• I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) is a synchronous serial communication protocol used for communication between integrated circuits on a circuit board.

• UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) is an asynch...read more

M2M stands for machine-to-machine communication, while IoT stands for internet of things. M2M is a subset of IoT.

• M2M refers to direct communication between devices without human intervention.

• IoT refers to the connection of devices to the internet, enabling them to send and receive data.

• M2M is typically used in industrial settings, while IoT is used in consumer settings.

• Examples of M2M include sensors communicating with each other in a manufacturing plant, while examples of Io...read more

A communication protocol is a set of rules that govern the exchange of data between two or more devices.

• Communication protocols define the format, timing, sequencing, and error checking of messages exchanged between devices.

• Examples of communication protocols include TCP/IP, Bluetooth, USB, and CAN bus.

• Protocols can be either proprietary or open standards.

• Protocols can be categorized as either synchronous or asynchronous, depending on whether they require a clock signal to sy...read more

A relay is an electrically operated switch that uses an electromagnet to mechanically open or close a circuit.

• Relays are commonly used in electronic circuits to control high power devices such as motors, lights, and heaters.

• They can also be used to switch between different circuits or to isolate one circuit from another.

• Relays work by using a small amount of current to activate an electromagnet, which then moves a set of contacts to make or break a circuit.

• There are many diff...read more

Macros are extensively used in embedded C for code optimization and abstraction.

• Macros can be used for defining constants, functions, and conditional compilation.

• They can also be used for code optimization by replacing repetitive code with a macro.

• However, macros can also lead to code readability issues and should be used judiciously.

• Examples of commonly used macros in embedded C include #define, #ifdef, and #ifndef.

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.

• Arduino boards are used to create interactive objects or environments

• It uses a simplified version of C++ programming language

• Arduino has a large community of users and developers who share their projects and code online

• It can be used for a wide range of applications, from robotics to home automation

• Arduino boards can be programmed using the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment...read more

RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) manages hardware resources for timely task execution in embedded systems.

• Task Scheduling: RTOS uses priority-based scheduling to ensure critical tasks meet deadlines. Example: FreeRTOS uses preemptive scheduling.

• Inter-Task Communication: Mechanisms like message queues and semaphores allow tasks to communicate and synchronize. Example: POSIX message queues.

• Memory Management: RTOS provides dynamic memory allocation and management to optimize re...read more

Two code examples demonstrating basic embedded software functionalities.

• Example 1: Blink an LED using a microcontroller.

• Example 2: Read temperature from a sensor and display it.