Mr. Huber, how is the embedded sector doing?
Bodo Huber: Embedded is advancing unabated: embedded systems are found in every smart device and every networked machine. They often even make the system "smart" by integrating image processing, new input technologies such as voice control or AI functions into a system. This is also the direction we are looking in: opening up new technologies to customers with embedded components and comprehensive advance services and enabling them to easily integrate and use them in their products.

What simplifies the integration of new technologies?
Modern embedded processors have dedicated units for AI algorithms, video and image processing, security and so on. They therefore offer enormous power density with a compact design. We rely on the latest processors and expand their features in our system-on-modules, single-board computers and complete devices. At the same time, we provide a software framework with board support packages and middleware that is optimally adapted to the electronics and simplifies the development of individual applications by our customers. Phytec has developed its own solutions for many tasks, such as IoT and cloud integration, update and device management or embedded security, and supports customers with expertise and development services.

Are embedded systems becoming increasingly complex and expensive?
That doesn't have to be the case. At embedded world, for example, we presented a system-on-module with the brand new i.MX-9 processor from NXP for the first time. This was designed as the successor to the cost-effective i.MX-6UL and adds an independent AI unit to its functionality at almost the same price. Our aim is to offer this module pin-compatible with the phyCore i.MX-6UL modules so that customers can even switch to the new generation in existing projects with little effort. At the other end of the spectrum, we are showcasing the phyCore-AM68x/TDA4x, an SoM with a TI processor from the automotive sector designed for self-driving robots and other extremely compute-intensive edge AI applications. Embedded systems based on these modules take on complex tasks and thus offer high added value for the end applications.

"Embedded. Responsible. Sustainable." is the motto of embedded world. What contribution does Phytec make to this?
For us, the three terms go hand in hand: We previously talked about smart devices that make our world better and more convenient - with the help of embedded systems. At the same time, embedded components are always perfectly adapted to their applications and therefore optimized per se in terms of economical use of resources and low power consumption. With long-term availability, industrial-grade quality and upgrade options, as shown above using the example of i.MX 6UL and i.MX 9, we also want to help ensure that electronics can be used in the long term despite ever faster development cycles and new technologies. Sustainability is therefore a design feature. At the same time, we still see great potential in the use of additive manufacturing technologies and resource savings in production. We have already achieved a number of goals with our new building in Mainz. We want to continue along this path.

The product range of Phytec embedded components extends from system-on-modules and single-board computers to complete solutions for specific applications, including software, housing and assembly.

© Phytec measurement technology

Corona and supply bottlenecks have also dominated the past year. What changes have you noticed as a result?
We were able to supply our customers throughout the entire period, albeit with some delays. In general, our close partnerships with customers and suppliers and strategic, forward-looking purchasing have proven their worth. We have noticed that this partnership-based cooperation is becoming increasingly important and customers appreciate the fact that, on the one hand, we keep an eye on whether the supply of components for their products is guaranteed or measures need to be taken and, on the other hand, they retain full control over their products. If anything, the crisis has strengthened many partnerships - including our partnership with NXP, who recently made us a Platinum Partner after many years of collaboration. Our common goal is to continue to drive forward the development of smart embedded components, in the spirit of even greater responsibility and sustainability.