Embedded Software Primer, An

Description

"I sincerely wish (this book) had been available when I had to learn all this stuff the hard way."
--Steve Vinoski

"An excellent job of introducing and defining the jargon associated with embedded systems. This makes the text extremely easy to read."
--David Cuka

An Embedded Software Primer is a clearly written, insightful manual for engineers interested in writing embedded-system software. The example-driven approach puts you on a fast track to understanding embedded-system programming and applying what you learn to your projects. This book will give you the necessary foundation to work confidently in this field.

Building on a basic knowledge of computer programming concepts, this book will help you to:

• Learn core principles and advanced techniques of embedded-system software.
• Find out what a real-time operating system (RTOS) does and how to use one effectively.
• Experiment with sample code and the µC/OS RTOS version 1.11 (on the accompanying CD).
• Apply what you learn, no matter which microprocessor or RTOS you use.

After reading this book, you will be able to tackle the challenges of embedded system programming and quickly reap the benefits of your new skills.

Sample Content

Table of Contents

Preface.


Acknowledgments.


1. A First Look at Embedded Systems.

Examples of Embedded Systems.

Typical Hardware.

Chapter Summary.

2. Hardware Fundamentals for the Software Engineer.

Terminology.

Gates.

A Few Other Basic Considerations.

Timing Diagrams.

Memory.

Chapter Summary.

Problems.

3. Advanced Hardware Fundamentals.

Microprocessors.

Buses.

Direct Memory Access.

Interrupts.

Other Common Parts.

Built-Ins on the Microprocessor.

Conventions Used on Schematics.

A Sample Schematic.

A Last Word about Hardware.

Chapter Summary.

Problems.

4. Interrupts.

Microprocessor Architecture.

Interrupt Basics.

The Shared-Data Problem.

Interrupt Latency.

Chapter Summary.

Problems.

5. Survey of Software Architectures.

Round-Robin.

Round-Robin with Interrupts.

Function-Queue-Scheduling Architecture.

Real-Time Operating System Architecture.

Selecting an Architecture.