An embedded software article: The simplest possible UI

My latest embedded.com article has been published:

The simplest possible UI

It is very easy to think that all embedded systems are complex devices, with powerful CPUs – maybe more than one – and a rich array of peripherals. This might include a display screen, on which extensive user information may be displayed. However, there are many systems that are the other end of the complexity scale. Deeply embedded systems typically have no user interface, which is a challenge to the software designer who needs to communicate some simple information to the user. A common solution is the provision of a simple LED indicator. This article reviews how such a humble “UI” can be used to good effect.

Of course, for many systems, something a little more sophisticated is required. A full UI needs rather more code and the UI solutions from Mentor Embedded give the opportunity to get to the market quickly.