Python's role in developing real time embedded systems

By Jacob Beningo, EDA, Jun. 13, 2016 – 

Python has become quite the trending program language over the last few years. Named after the famous Monty Python comedy group, the language is object oriented and interpreted (not compiled). This attribute has resulted in Python being adopted on platforms such as Linux and Windows, and on single board computers such as the Raspberry Pi. With such a wide and growing adoption, one might wonder if there is a place for Python in real-time embedded systems. There is. Below are five roles that developers may find Python playing in real-time embedded systems.

Role #1 - Device control and debugging

During the embedded software development process, developers often find themselves analyzing bus traffic such as USB, SPI, or I2C. Sometimes the analysis is simply for debugging purposes, but other times there is a need to actually control the bus analyzer and send messages to the embedded system. Many bus analyzer and communication tools have user-friendly interfaces that can be used to control the tool. They also normally provide a way to develop scripts that can be used to control the tool as well. Python is one scripting languages that is normally supported, sometimes exclusively, to interface with and control the tool.

Role #2 - Automating testing

The ability to control tools that can send and receive messages from an embedded system through Python opens up the possibility for using Python to create automated tests, including include regression testing. Python scripts can be developed that set the embedded system into different states, set configurations, and test all the possible perturbations and interactions that the system would have with the external world. One advantage to using Python for automated testing is that regression tests can be developed that constantly test and exercise the system. Any code changes that result in bugs or non-conformances will be immediately discovered.

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