00_overview/fw_sw_categories.md

(draft)

Categories of Firmware & Software#

Scientific instruments rely on multiple layers of digital systems.
This review groups them into clear categories to help contributors place new examples correctly.

1. Embedded Firmware#

Low‑level code running on microcontrollers or ASICs.
Examples:

sensor readout loops
timing control
basic filtering
static calibration routines

2. Control Software#

Software that manages instrument operation.
Examples:

device drivers
instrument UIs
sampling logic
automation scripts

3. Analysis Pipelines#

Algorithms that interpret raw data.
Examples:

peak fitting
spectral decomposition
sequence alignment
inversion models

4. Visualization Tools#

Software that displays or transforms data.
Examples:

spectrograms
oscilloscope traces
microscopy image processing

5. Cloud‑Based Processing#

Remote or distributed computation.
Examples:

cloud calibration
remote analysis pipelines
device‑management platforms

6. Proprietary vs Open‑Source Stacks#

A note on transparency, reproducibility, and drift.

These categories help contributors classify FW/SW examples before assigning them to Green, Yellow, or Red zones.