Design and integrate complex analog and digital systems for innovative stand-alone applications
Embedded systems are autonomous electronic systems, often real-time, specialized for a specific task. This option provides skills in the design and programming of microcontroller architectures, real-time operating systems and the development of embedded software with the integration of artificial intelligence.
It also enables you to master the various communication interfaces and protocols between systems and their environment (sensors and actuators). It also enables students to master the development of low-power analog and digital architectures and their integration on silicon (integrated circuit design, power supply and consumption management, clock generation, software and hardware security). Embedded systems applications address a wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary business sector.
Admission
Bac+2
Campus
Toulon
Program Length
3 years (6 semesters)
Targeted degree
Ingénieur
→ RNCP38412
The plus of the training
The European Reschip4EU program enables students in the embedded systems option to study at partner universities.
Full academic and professional recognition of the Diploma, in France and abroad.
This course is eligible for scholarships covering all or part of the tuition fees.
International mobility
This program offers a semester of international study in the 4th year, as well as a double degree with a partner university in the 5th year.
Embedded systems option program
The engineering cycle consists of 3 years. The 1st year is a turning point in terms of skills acquisition. Here, students prepare for the common core of the engineering cycle, and at the end of the year choose their option.
| Year 4 (ECTS) | Year 5 (ECTS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence | 5 | - |
| Microcontrollers and interfaces | 5 | - |
| System development | 5 | - |
| IoT systems engineering | 5 | - |
| Technical Project | 10 | - |
| SHES | 6 | 3 |
| English | 4 | 2 |
| Physics and Safety | 5 | - |
| Digital electronics & advanced analog | 5 | - |
| Design analog microelectronics | 5 | - |
| Engineering application internship | 5 | - |
| Microelectronics and manufacturing | - | 5 |
| Systems design & verification | - | 5 |
| On-board electronics | - | 5 |
| Design office | - | 10 |
| Graduation project or professional contract | - | 30 |
Full english
100% of courses
taught in English
Pro contract
ou d'apprentissage possible en 5e année (1 an)
12 000
ISEN engineers
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System ( ECTS ) is a points system developed by the European Union as part of the Bologna Process and theEuropean Higher Education Area(EHEA). Credits are divided into teaching units (UE).
It aims to make it easier to read and compare study programmes within a country and between different European countries. The ECTS system applies mainly to university education. It is applied in France and has replaced the system of credits (UV) previously used.
Admission
This program is available after a bac+3, at ISEN, or in parallel admission to candidates from bac+3, university, BUT (GEII, Mesures Physiques réseaux et Télécoms, Informatique), BTS (Systèmes numériques, électrotechnique) or another engineering school.
What's next?
Growing market opportunities
Opportunities in the embedded systems field are vast and constantly growing, thanks to the rise of connected and automated technologies. Specialized engineers can work in a variety of sectors, including :
- Automobile : Développement des systèmes d’aide à la conduite, véhicules autonomes, et gestion des motorisations électriques.
- Aérospatiale et défense : Conception de systèmes embarqués critiques pour l’aviation, les satellites et les équipements militaires.
- Objets connectés (IoT) : Création de dispositifs pour la domotique, la santé connectée, et toutes les technologies portables (montres, capteurs…).
- Énergie et industrie : Automatisation industrielle, gestion des énergies renouvelables et maintenance prédictive.
With skills in programming, electronics and optimization, engineers can occupy positions such as systems architect, embedded developer or technical project manager.
Attractive remuneration
Salaries in the embedded systems sector are attractive overall, reflecting the high demand for specialized engineers and the technical skills required. At the start of their careeran embedded systems engineer can expect an annual gross salary of between 40,000 and €45,000 in France, depending on the company, region and level of study (engineering school or specialized master's degree).
With a few years' experience, salaries increase significantly, often reaching 50,000 to €70,000 gross per yearparticularly in sectors such as aeronautics, automotive and IoT. Internationally, salaries are generally higher, especially in North America and Europe, with positions starting at 60 000 € gross per year.
Experienced profiles or those occupying strategic positions, such as project manager or technical expert, can earn more than 80,000 gross per annumor even more in highly specialized niches.
Testimonials and opinions of former students
Opportunités de carrière après la formation en systèmes embarqués
An engineering degree in embedded systems opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in a variety of competitive sectors. Embedded systems play a key role in many modern industries, from automotive to the Internet of Things (IoT). Here is a non-exhaustive list of the career opportunities available with this type of specialization:
Embedded systems development engineer
- Description: Design, development and testing of software or hardware for embedded systems.
- Key skills :
- Programming in C/C++, RTOS, microcontroller architecture.
- Integration of sensors, management of communication protocols (SPI, UART, I2C).
- Areas of application :
- IoT, home automation, industrial control systems.
Embedded software engineer
- Description: Software development for embedded systems, including firmware and middleware.
- Key skills :
- Real-time application development.
- Software optimization for memory and power constraints.
- Examples of projects:
- Software for drones, medical applications, battery management.
Embedded hardware engineer
- Description: Design of electronic circuits for embedded systems.
- Key skills :
- PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, circuit simulation, component integration.
- Proficiency in electronic CAD tools such as KiCad, Altium Designer or OrCAD.
- Examples of projects:
- Design of electronic boards for medical devices, connected objects and industrial equipment.
Real-time systems engineer
- Description: Specialist in embedded systems requiring fast, reliable and deterministic responses.
- Key skills :
- Use of RTOS (FreeRTOS, QNX, VxWorks).
- Management of latency and synchronization constraints.
- Typical applications :
- Critical systems in the automotive (ABS, airbags), aeronautics (autopilots) and robotics industries.
Automotive engineer
- Description: Development of on-board systems for modern vehicles.
- Key skills :
- Automotive-specific embedded systems (CAN, LIN, AUTOSAR).
- Development of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
- Examples of projects:
- Autonomous vehicles, battery management for electric cars.
Aerospace engineer
- Description: Design of embedded systems for the aviation and space industries.
- Key skills :
- Critical systems, specific standards (DO-178, ARINC 653).
- Development for constrained environments (low resources, high reliability).
- Examples:
- Avionics, satellites, navigation systems.
Other related opportunities
- R&D researcher or engineer :
- Participation in technological innovation in embedded systems, such as improving algorithms or hardware architectures.
- Education and training :
- Transmission of technical knowledge to schools and universities.
- Contractor:
- Creation of startups in the fields of IoT, robotics and connected objects.
Devenez un expert des systèmes intelligents
What is an embedded system?
An embedded system is an electronic and computer assembly integrated into a device, designed to perform a specific task. Unlike general-purpose IT systems, embedded systems are often optimized for specific constraints such as size, power consumption and reliability. Some examples: smart cars, connected watches, satellites, medical devices.
Pourquoi étudier les systèmes embarqués à l'ISEN Méditerranée ?
ISEN is renowned for its high-quality training in electronics, computing and telecommunications. Training as an engineer specializing in embedded systems enables students to :
- Acquire advanced technical skills in programming, electronics and systems design.
- Understand and apply optimization techniques for industrial constraints.
- Explore diverse application areas such as robotics, IoT (Internet of Things), and industrial systems.
Skills and prerequisites for training
The integration of embedded systems in engineering school requires a combination of fundamental skills, covering several fields related to electronics and computer science. These basic skills are covered during the first three years of study at ISEN Méditerranée, but can also be acquired in other scientific courses.
The list of skills below is a recommendation, not an obligation, and can also be acquired during your training:
Programming
- Essential languages :
- C and C++ are essential for the development of firmware and embedded applications.
- Python Python: useful for prototyping, testing and data analysis.
- Assemble For a better understanding of material interactions.
- Fundamental principles :
- Understanding algorithms and data structures.
- Low-level programming, including interrupt handling and register manipulation.
Electronique
- Electronics basics :
- Understanding analog and digital circuits.
- Analysis of basic components: resistors, capacitors, transistors, operational amplifiers, etc.
- Digital electronics :
- Knowledge of logic gates, multiplexers and sequential circuits (flip-flops, registers, counters).
- Introduction to FPGAs and the VHDL or Verilog (optional but recommended).
Microcontrollers and Microprocessors
- Knowledge of microcontrollers (e.g. STM32, AVR, PIC, ESP32, ARM Cortex-M) :
- Internal architecture (registers, memory, data bus, timers, etc.).
- Use of integrated development environments (IDEs) such as Keil, STM32CubeIDE, Arduinoetc.
- Communication interfaces :
- Proficiency in SPI, I2C, UART and CAN protocols.
- Interrupt and peripheral management.
Embedded operating systems
- Real-time systems (RTOS) :
- Key concepts: multitasking, priority management, interlocking.
- Introduction to popular RTOS (e.g. FreeRTOS, Zephyr).
- Basic knowledge of Unix/Linux systems :
- Basic administration and script programming.
- Notions of cross-compilation.
Applied mathematics
- Signals and systems :
- Time and frequency analysis (Fourier transform, filters).
- Signal processing basics.
- Automatic :
- Linear systems, control models (PID, regulation).
- Linear algebra and discrete mathematics essential for the design of embedded algorithms.
Hardware development and simulation tools
- Use of development boards (Raspberry Pi, Arduino, STM32).
- Simulation de circuits
- PCB design using software such as KiCad or Altium Designer.
Soft skills and methodologies
- Solving complex problems.
- Design methodologies :
- Project management using Agile or V-cycle approaches.
- Technical documentation and specification writing.
- Analytical skills for debugging code and diagnosing hardware problems.
Key technologies for embedded systems
Microcontrollers and microprocessors: functions and use
Microcontrollers (MCUs) integrate processor, memory and peripherals to perform specific tasks (connected objects, PLCs). Microprocessors (MPUs), more powerful but without integrated memory, manage complex systems such as smartphones. They are essential for controlling sensors and actuators in embedded systems.
Capteurs et actionneurs : rôle dans l'interaction avec l'environnement
Sensors capture physical data (temperature, light, etc.) and convert them into electrical signals for processing. Actuators translate commands into physical actions (movements, valve opening). They enable the system to interact with its environment.
Communication protocols: communication between embedded systems (CAN, UART, SPI, etc.)
Protocols enable data exchange between components. CAN is robust for automotive applications, UART handles simple connections, and SPI/I2C links microcontrollers and sensors. The choice depends on speed, distance and complexity requirements.
Standards and certification: importance of safety and quality standards (ISO, IEC, etc.)
Standards (e.g. ISO 26262 for the automotive industry, IEC 61508 for industry) guarantee safety and reliability, which are essential for critical applications (automotive, aerospace, medical). They impose rigorous processes and facilitate access to regulated markets.
