Top 10 Embedded Developer Interview Questions and Answers 2023

As the embedded development industry continues to evolve, so do the questions employers ask during the interview process. To help you prepare for your next embedded development interview, we have compiled a list of the top 10 embedded developer interview questions for 2023. This blog post will discuss the most common questions employers ask and the best ways to answer them.

Who is an Embedded Developer?

Embedded developers are highly skilled software engineers designing and coding to control machines and devices. They specialise in creating software for specific hardware such as cars, modems, appliances, and cellular devices. Because of ongoing investments in artificial intelligence and computing, the embedded market is expected to grow rapidly. As a result, there is plenty of room for advancement.

Here are some excellent embedded developer interview questions and answers for all candidates. During the interview, these are the most frequently asked questions.

1. What is an embedded system, and list the components of an embedded system?

Answer: An embedded system is a collection of hardware and software designed to perform a specific function on a computer. The system executes a predefined function or program.

An embedded system is made up of three parts.

• Operating system 
• Hardware 
• Software

These elements are further subdivided into

• Processor
• Memory
• Timers counters
• Communication ports
• Output
• Input

2. What is a startup code?

Answer: A startup function is a code that is executed prior to the execution of the main function. This is written in assembly language and is used to create a basic platform for the application.

3. What is Semaphore and how is it classified?

Answer: It is a non-negative variable that can be shared between threads. It solves the critical selection problem and achieves process synchronisation.

Semaphores are classified into two categories.

• Binary semaphores
• Counting semaphores

4. What is ISR?

Answer: ISR now includes Interrupt Service Routines. These procedures are stored in a specific memory location and invoked when certain interrupts occur. The signal sent to the processor that indicates a high-priority event requiring immediate attention is called an interrupt. To accommodate the high-priority event, the processor suspends the normal flow of the program and executes the instructions in ISR. Following the execution of the ISR, the program resumes its normal flow. 

The flow of ISR is depicted in the diagrams below.

5. Why do we use the volatile keyword?

Answer: The volatile keyword is primarily used to prevent a compiler from optimising a variable that may unexpectedly change its behaviour after the optimisation.

6. What do you understand by Interrupt Latency?

Answer: The time it takes ISR to respond to an interrupt is called interrupt latency. The lower the latency, the faster the response to an interrupt event.

7. What do you mean by segmentation fault?

Answer: A segmentation fault is the most common type of error and frequently results in program crashes. It occurs when a program instruction attempts to access a memory address that cannot be accessed.

8. How can segmentation fault errors be avoided?

Answer: The following methods can be used to avoid errors:

• Correct pointer initialisation
• Using pointers as little as possible
• Troubleshooting

9. What are the differences between the const and volatile qualifiers?

Answer: 

10. Is it possible for a variable to be both volatile and constant at the same time?

Answer: When we want to ensure that the variable value does not change, we use the const keyword. However, external interrupts or events can still cause the value to change. As a result, we can use const with volatile keywords without issue.

Must-have Skills for an Embedded Developer

To work as an embedded developer, you must have the necessary skills. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and knowledge of programming languages and software development tools are required.
• Furthermore, effective communication with other development team members, as well as customers or clients who may use the final product, is critical.
• You must also be fluent in the following technical skills
• The programming languages C, C++ and Assembly.
• Microcontrollers and Microprocessors
• Debugging skills
• Linux 
• Embedded C

Conclusion

Skill-Lync is an E-learning platform offering a wide range of embedded systems and development courses. We provide PG programs in embedded systems to upskill you with relevant technical abilities and placement training. Our career success team mentors assist our students by conducting mock interviews, writing exceptional resumes, and updating their professional portfolios. Book a free demo session to know more!