Embedded Systems Design
In this new edition the latest ARM processors and other hardware developments are fully covered along with new sections on Embedded Linux and the new freeware operating system eCOS. The hot topic of embedded systems and the internet is also introduced. In addition a fascinating new case study explores how embedded systems can be developed and experimented with using nothing more than a standard PC.
* A practical introduction to the hottest topic in modern electronics design
* Covers hardware, interfacing and programming in one book
* New material on Embedded Linux for embedded internet systems
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a single, practical introduction that ties together hardware, I/O interfacing, and the software side of embedded systems — including early coverage of Embedded Linux and eCos. It gives hands-on case studies and engineering orientation that help you move from circuits and peripherals to deployable embedded applications.
Who Will Benefit
Engineers and advanced students who already know basic electronics and C and want a practical, systems-level introduction to microcontroller hardware, interfacing, and embedded OS options.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic C programming, basic digital electronics (gates, signals), and familiarity with microcontrollers or embedded concepts.
Key Takeaways
- Describe the end-to-end embedded system design process, from requirements to prototype and debugging.
- Interface digital and analog peripherals to microcontrollers and design common sensor/actuator circuits.
- Explain basic ARM processor concepts and memory/bus considerations relevant to embedded designs.
- Compare and apply simple embedded OS options (principles of RTOS/eCos and an introduction to Embedded Linux).
- Design and build simple networked/Internet-capable embedded applications and prototype them on a PC-based setup.
- Use practical debugging and development workflows for firmware, including cross-compilation and target debugging.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Embedded Systems and Design Methodology
- Microprocessor and Microcontroller Basics
- ARM Processors and Architecture Overview
- Memory, Buses and System Architecture
- I/O, Digital Interfacing and Peripheral Standards (UART, SPI, I2C)
- Analog Interfacing: ADCs, DACs, sensors and conditioning
- Timers, Counters, and Real-Time Issues; Interrupts
- Software Architecture: Drivers, Libraries and Firmware Structure
- RTOS Concepts and eCos Introduction
- Embedded Linux: Basics and Using Linux in Embedded Systems
- Networking and Internet-enabled Embedded Systems
- Case Studies and PC-based Experimentation
- Debugging, Testing, Prototyping and Production Considerations
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Broader and more tutorial in scope than focused ARM references like Joseph Yiu's Definitive Guide or Valvano's Cortex-M texts; for Embedded Linux coverage, it's more introductory than Hallinan's Embedded Linux Primer.
