# 423: Speaking of Aardvarks

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2022-08-04
- Length: 1h 08m
- Episode: 423
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/423

## Summary

Phillip Johnston, founder of Embedded Artistry, discusses how his approach to embedded software design has evolved, particularly regarding abstract interfaces and the tension between code reuse and client IP ownership. He explains his shift from full abstract interfaces to 'delegate' patterns (like the template method) to improve changeability, and details his experience building an embedded virtual machine that failed due to vendor lock-in concerns. The conversation also covers his new educational courses, the importance of design patterns like state machines and queues, and the utility of the Total Phase Aardvark adapter for hardware debugging.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks#t=6) Introduction and Background
- [3:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks#t=188) Evolution of Abstract Interfaces
- [11:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks#t=693) Delegates and the Template Method Pattern
- [21:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks#t=1272) Learning Design Patterns and Academic Papers
- [38:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks#t=2308) The Embedded Virtual Machine and IP Concerns
- [50:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks#t=3029) Embedded Artistry Education and Courses
- [57:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks#t=3439) Key Design Patterns: State Machines and Queues
- [1:03:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-04-423-speaking-of-aardvarks#t=3783) Hardware Debugging with Aardvark

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Embedded Artistry (company)
- Memfault (company)
- Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter (tool)
- Total Phase (company)
- Bus Pirate (tool)
- Arduino STK (product)
- Zephyr (product)
- QP Framework (product)
- CppUTest (tool)
- Design Patterns for Embedded Systems in C (product)
- Bruce Powel Douglass (other)
- David Parnas (other)
- Gang of Four (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Firmware for Hardware Engineers with Phillip Johnston](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-09-07-firmware-for-hardware-engineers-with-phillip-johnston) (The Amp Hour)
- [Patterns in the Machine with John and Wayne Taylor](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-01-04-patterns-in-the-machine-with-john-and-wayne-taylor) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [An Interview with Piotr Esden-Tempski](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-08-21-an-interview-with-piotr-esden-tempski) (The Amp Hour)
- [Creating Next-Gen Microcontroller Developer Tools and Equipping the People Who Use Them](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-04-22-creating-next-gen-microcontroller-developer-tools-and-equipping-the-people-who-u) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Interview with Phillip Johnston Part 2](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-11-29-interview-with-phillip-johnston-part-2) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)

## Citing this page

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