EMBEDDED TECHNOLOGY
Unlocking the Power of Continuous Observability for Embedded Developers
Andreas Lifvendahl, CEO, Percepio T
he world of embedded systems is transforming rapidly. Gone are the days of single-purpose devices running static code. Modern embedded systems are highly complex with deeply integrated multi-core processors, multi-threaded software and a vast array of connected components and sensors.
This complexity brings new challenges for developers. Issues that may once have been relatively easy to diagnose and resolve now lurk in the shadows, manifesting only Moreover, the growing reliance on software- constant connectivity has introduced new avenues for failure and potential security vulnerabilities.
vehicles (SDVs). Unlike traditional automotive design, where each module functioned as a self-contained and rigorously tested unit, SDVs centre around software, enabling over- the-air updates, dynamic feature deployment and constant connectivity. While these advancements improve capabilities, they also introduce new risks, creating environments where it is almost impossible to test every potential scenario.
Observability-Driven Development to the Rescue
To address the challenges of building and maintaining complex embedded systems, a new approach is emerging:
Observability-Driven Development (ODD). ODD integrates observability, the ability to measure a system’s internal states by examining its outputs, into every stage of the development lifecycle, from initial software coding to post-deployment monitoring. By continuously monitoring system performance and behaviour, ODD provides
developers with the real-time insights they need to stay agile, even as software evolves after launch. Rather than relying on reactive debugging when issues arise, ODD empowers teams to proactively detect anomalies, optimise performance and enhance the safety and reliability of their products.
The core principles of ODD include:
Comprehensive instrumentation: Embedded systems are built from the ground up to collect detailed diagnostic data, including logs, system traces and performance metrics. This ensures that crucial information is always reproduce.
Automated data collection: The ODD approach automates data collection, which means it is always-on, rather than ad-hoc and reactive. This provides a continuous stream of information about system behaviour, without relying on developers to manually enable logging or diagnostics. Lifecycle-wide visibility: Observability spans the entire product lifecycle, from early software development through to allows teams to detect and address issues at the earliest possible stage. Proactive anomaly detection: ODD utilises advanced monitoring and analytics to detect system anomalies before they lead to costly failures. Proactive alerts can prevent malfunctions, downtime and expensive recalls.
Development
For organisations building complex embedded systems, especially in high-stakes industries like automotive, medtech and Continuous visibility helps developers maintain control, even as software and system
requirements evolve over time. Consider the case of the automotive manufacturer that recalled over a million vehicles due to a software and sensor combination issue in the Occupant embraced ODD, it could have likely detected and addressed this problem much earlier, before it resulted in a costly and reputation-damaging recall.
Similarly, the vulnerability discovered in a major medtech company’s insulin pump proactively through ODD’s continuous monitoring and anomaly detection capabilities. In these high-stakes industries, the consequences of software failures can be human safety.
Meeting Modern Security Challenges with ODD
Continuous Observability is also crucial for safeguarding embedded systems against cyber threats. ODD’s comprehensive monitoring capabilities enable real-time detection of potential security breaches, unauthorised access attempts and suspicious behaviour patterns. This aligns perfectly with the requirements of the EU’s new Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which mandates robust security for connected devices across their lifecycle. The CRA’s emphasis on continuous security monitoring and timely vulnerability management makes ODD an essential approach for manufacturers looking to comply with these regulations. For instance, ODD can help identify and track potential security weaknesses in real-time, enabling teams to deploy patches and updates before vulnerabilities can be exploited.
Percepio offers a comprehensive Continuous Observability solution.
12 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
Fig 1: As software takes on more functions in cars, it is becoming increasingly important to keep a close eye on the code and understand exactly what it does.
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