Independent learning for embedded-systems engineersHardware · Firmware · Software

LEARNING

Choose where you want to begin.

Explore 28 expanded modules across core topics, engineering roles and standards, plus a worked system case study, an integration exercise and its worked solution connecting the disciplines. Each learning topic includes practical application and review questions.

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Search by TEA identifier, title, engineering subject, standard or role. Try the new TEA-401 connected-sensor case study.

01 / CORE TOPICS

Core Embedded Systems Topics

Connect hardware, firmware and software in dependable systems.

TEA-101Embedded systems architectureSystem boundaries, responsibilities, interfaces and engineering trade-offs.TEA-102Microcontrollers and peripheralsChoose and configure processing, memory, clocks and peripherals.TEA-103Sensors, actuators and signal acquisitionTurn physical signals into trustworthy measurements and controlled outputs.

TEA-104Communications interfaces and protocolsDefine electrical, data and timing contracts across connected devices.TEA-105Real-time behaviourManage deadlines, scheduling, latency and shared resources.TEA-106Fault handling and safe statesDetect failures and design bounded recovery, degradation and safe states.

TEA-107Embedded software architectureOrganise components, state, data flow and resource ownership.TEA-108Hardware–software integrationBring up the board and prove the hardware–software interface contracts.TEA-109Verification, debugging and test automationBuild repeatable tests, useful diagnostics and traceable verification evidence.

TEA-110Secure embedded developmentProtect devices through threat modelling, trusted updates and secure design.TEA-111Reliability and lifecycle managementPlan for ageing, field support, change, obsolescence and retirement.

02 / LEARNING BY ROLE

Learning by Role

Build the skills, decisions and evidence your engineering role needs.

TEA-201Systems engineers and architectsTranslate needs into architecture, interface agreements and system evidence.TEA-202Electronics and hardware engineersConnect circuit decisions, board behaviour and software assumptions.TEA-203Firmware and embedded software engineersDeliver predictable firmware with clear interfaces and testable behaviour.TEA-204Application and connectivity engineersIntegrate device data, applications and connected services reliably.

TEA-205Verification and test engineersTurn requirements and failure risks into repeatable verification.TEA-206Safety and reliability engineersLink hazards, fault responses and reliability claims to evidence.TEA-207Embedded cybersecurity engineersManage threats, trust boundaries and security across the device lifecycle.TEA-208Technical and product leadersMake informed scope, risk, resource and release decisions.

03 / STANDARDS & GUIDANCE

Standards & Guidance

Apply recognised frameworks to practical engineering decisions.

TEA-301IEC 61508 — Functional safetyUnderstand the safety lifecycle, integrity and evidence for safety functions.TEA-302ISO 26262 — Automotive functional safetyConnect automotive hazards, safety goals and development evidence.TEA-303IEC 62304 — Medical-device software lifecycleApply lifecycle activities and traceability to medical-device software.TEA-304DO-178C and DO-254 — Airborne systemsOrient software and electronic hardware assurance for airborne systems.

TEA-305IEC 62443 — Industrial cybersecurityRelate industrial security requirements to products, systems and development.TEA-306ETSI EN 303 645 — Consumer IoT securityApply baseline security principles to connected consumer products.TEA-307MISRA C and C++ guidanceUse coding guidance, analysis and justified deviations in C and C++.TEA-308ISO / IEC / IEEE 15288 — System lifecycleConnect system lifecycle processes, decisions and engineering records.TEA-309Secure-development guidance landscapeNavigate secure-development frameworks, practices and supporting evidence.

04 / WORKED EXAMPLES

System Case Studies and Exercises

Follow the connected-sensor case, investigate its interface failures, then compare your solution.

TEA-401Connected sensor: from power to trustworthy dataA connected temperature sensor covering power, interfaces, timing, diagnostics, integration and verification, with Firmware Academy implementation links.TEA-402Interface and integration exerciseInvestigate four system failures. Specify the interface, recovery behaviour and integration tests.TEA-403Interface and integration worked solutionCompare an example contract, recovery diagram, freshness calculation and twelve tests with expected results.