Asidua

Seamus

I am Studying a Bsc Hons Computing Science Degree at the University of Ulster. For my placement I applied to work in Asidua’s Device Services division. I choose Asidua as I wanted to program hardware and gain good low level programming skills.

Work in Asidua
During my time at Asidua, I got to work primary with Linux. Using it both as a main operating system for Day to Day use, as well as my main development OS and as an embedded OS of choice for the project I worked on. My project involved creating a cross compiler, a firmware image build environment as well as creating the final Linux OS image complete with user space control utilities. A large majority of my project revolved around manipulation of network protocols and has included creation of  network device drivers but also has involved hardware modifications at various times. Much of this required learning new skills as I worked on my project.

Training in Asidua
Training at Asidua started with learning the concepts that will be used in later projects. For this there is an in-house training school which shows you the basics of programming for embedded devices. There are also many opportunities for on the job training which has included embedded C and network training. Throughout my placement there where group training sessions held where senior developers would demonstrate topics that would be useful on many projects including my own.

Fun at Asidua
Asidua has a sports and social committee which organises social events. While at work and not working, you can use the Xbox 360 or Wii.

Final Thought
Asidua has been a great placement which has allowed me to develop skills and gain knowledge that will be useful later in my final year of my degree and throughout my career.