Real-time/embedded systems development RESD

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Designing and developing reliable real-time software typically within embedded systems.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Guidance notes

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Embedded systems provide a dedicated function within a more extensive mechanical or electronic system with real-time, safety, security, and reliability constraints. Typically, it involves interfacing with hardware, sensors, and actuators for monitoring and control in industrial, automotive, aerospace, medical or robotic equipment, including IoT (Internet of Things) devices and intelligent systems.

These systems typically perform critical functions and have demanding requirements including, but not limited to, integrity, reliability, safety, security or power consumption.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

defining non-functional system requirements such as performance, reliability, safety, and security, including requirements for power, cost, physical space or response time
building in fail-safe/secure characteristics for graceful degradation
using specialist techniques to define systems and to assure essential attributes are achieved
applying comprehensive verification, validation and testing methods and techniques
using specialised tools such as in-circuit emulators, logic analysers and digital oscilloscopes.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Real-time/embedded systems development: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

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Designs, builds and tests simple real-time/embedded components as part of an overall larger systems design.

Uses appropriate programming languages to drive simple sensors and actuators.

Learns to use specialised tools such as in-circuit emulators, logic analysers and digital oscilloscopes.

Real-time/embedded systems development: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

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Designs, builds and integrates medium-complexity real-time/embedded components as part of an overall larger systems design.

Follows agreed standards and uses specialist tools such as in-circuit emulators and logic analysers.

Drives specialist hardware, typically sensors and actuators, and optimises component code for performance.

Applies a range of approaches to the verification and testing of real-time components.

Real-time/embedded systems development: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

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Designs, builds and integrates complex real-time/embedded components and sub-systems.

Designs physical layouts that reflect the connection between system components to test and optimise performance.

Builds system prototypes and simulations to aid development and enable debugging, testing and troubleshooting of embedded software.

Applies a range of approaches to the validation, verification and testing of real-time components and sub-systems. Is fully familiar with a range of specialist tools.

Real-time/embedded systems development: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

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Designs and develops real-time/embedded architectures and systems to meet agreed system requirements.

Plans and manages the development of complex real-time/embedded systems and selects the approaches and techniques to be used.

Analyses design options and trade-offs between hardware and software, makes recommendations and assesses and manages associated risks. Ensures that effective validation, verification and testing is undertaken throughout development.

Oversees the integration of multiple sub-systems into the overall system.

Real-time/embedded systems development: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

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Provides overall direction and leadership in the development of real-time/embedded systems.

Develops organisational policies, standards and guidelines for real-time/embedded systems architectures and designs.

Plans and leads strategic, large and complex real-time/embedded system developments. Identifies opportunities to exploit new technologies and improve existing technologies and practices.

Drives adherence to technical strategies, systems architectures and the implementation of risk-based verification, validation and testing. Develops effective implementation and procurement strategies.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.