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Embedded Masterclass To Address 'Software Quality' in Embedded Systems

Publication date on this website: 23/03/2010

Category: Industry News (Market)

Company: Phaedrus Systems

Summary:

One of the key presentations at this year's ‘Embedded Masterclass’ hi-tech developers’ event will explore the tools and methodology that are required to develop reliable and effective software for embedded systems.

Full Text:
Chris Hills, founder and CTO of Phaedrus Systems, will discuss that from determining the initial requirements of a new development project to managing variants through the product life-cycle, a structured methodology will save development time, improve time to market and improve product quality, all of which will translate to the bottom line. "There is a general feeling that a rigorous methodology and a tool chain that goes beyond just a compiler and some test tools is only necessary if you are building safety-critical and high-integrity systems. This is not true, and the quality of some of the software in some consumer products often demonstrates this," said Chris. “This presentation will look at overall methodology, and discuss the tools that can improve it even further, using examples and anecdotes drawn from real applications." Chris Hills has extensive experience in designing, implementing and supporting safety-critical and high-reliability embedded systems, both in the lab and in the field. He is an active participant in standards bodies, including ISO C, C++ and IEC 61508-3 and writes regularly for US and UK based publications. "Chris's presentation is a very good fit for this event," said Richard Blackburn, the event organiser. "We are working hard to put on an event that engineers will find useful and productive. Such a knowledgeable speaker, with real hands on experience is the kind of presenter that we know engineers prefer to listen to." A major change at this year's event will be a move away from Power Point presentations. Instead, the presenters are asked to use a white board, flip chart and hand-outs. "We wanted to shake things up a bit," said Richard. "An engineer’s time is valuable, so we want to raise the standard of the presentations. We think engineers need a break from endless bullet points and animated slides. We feel sure this approach will prove to be more spontaneous, more interactive and more informative." Over the past 9 years, the Embedded Masterclass has established itself as an important UK event for engineers looking to explore the most recent tools and technologies for the development of embedded systems. The Embedded Masterclass is recognised for the quality of its presentations and workshops, which are technical in content and presented by engineers, for engineers. "The object of the Embedded Masterclass has always been to provide a 'non-sales' forum," said Richard. "A forum where embedded systems engineers can come along and meet a broad range of industry experts from key vendors and learn about what is happening at the leading edge of embedded microprocessor, DSP and FPGA technology." The Embedded Masterclass will take place in Cambridge on May 6th and in Reading on May 11th. www.embedded-masterclass.com Over 30 industry vendors have sponsored this year's event. Principal sponsors are Lauterbach, IAR Systems and Phaedrus Systems. Other supporters include LDRA, Wind River, Green Hills Software, MontaVista, QNX, Blue Chip Technology, IPL and Enea. Attendance at the exhibition, including the series of 40-minute technical presentations, is free to embedded engineers and technology managers. In addition to eight 40-minute technical presentations on assorted topics, there will be six half-day technical workshops and a vendor exhibition. The half-day workshops cost £95.00+VAT. Engineers are advised to register early, as space at the event is limited. Registration is on-line at www.embedded-masterclass.com

Contact:
Phaedrus Systems Contact Chris Hills chills@phaedsys.com 0808 1800 358 Embedded Masterclass Contact: Richard Blackburn richard@energi-tech.co.uk +44 (0)1603 278228