Embedded Software Co-op at Gentex Corporation
Allen
Experience Information
Employer: Gentex Corporation
Job Title: Embedded Software Developer
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Gentex Corporation is a automotive manufacturing company based in Zeeland, MI. While the company primarily produces automotive parts, it also has a fire protection and aerospace division. The company is most well known for automatic dimming mirrors, camera based rear-view mirrors, and automatic dimming headlights.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This semester, I worked on a new full display mirror (FDM) for an automotive customer. My typical tasks included discussing and implementing requirements for the mirror. Specifically, I focused on the graphical user interface (GUI) and HomeLink features. The FDM is a very complex system with several modes - each of which must display its own set of graphics to the user. Some of the GUI features I implemented include pan/roll/tilt/zoom adjustment menus, HomeLink training instructions, and HomeLink activity graphics. I also focused on other implementation details of the FDM including power modes (battery support) and peripheral management.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Overall, I've picked up quite a few skills during this co-op. First, I've gotten very comfortable working with several different teams that are part of the product development process. I've also gained a tremendous amount of technical knowledge related to FPGA development, video processing, power management, C programming, embedded design, and peripheral communication.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this experience was working with other great team members to develop a useful product that will be used by hundreds of people. I enjoyed the fact that team members and managers were always willing to explain the complex details of the product and the development process. I also enjoyed the fact that each month, I could see noticeable growth in my technical understanding of the project - I've learned a lot!
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It has lead me to continue to pursue a position in software development. Embedded development has certainty been a different experience than previous application development projects I have worked on, and I'm finding that I enjoy it.