Embedded computer systems literally surround us: they're in our cell
phones, PDAs, cars, TVs, refrigerators, heating systems, and more. In
fact, embedded systems are one of the most rapidly growing segments of
the computer industry today.Along with the growing list of devices for
which embedded computer systems are appropriate, interest is growing
among programmers, hobbyists, and engineers of all types in how to
design and build devices of their own. Furthermore, the knowledge
offered by this book into the fundamentals of these computer systems can
benefit anyone who has to evaluate and apply the systems.The second
edition of Designing Embedded Hardware has been updated to include
information on the latest generation of processors and microcontrollers,
including the new MAXQ processor. If you're new to this and don't know
what a MAXQ is, don't worry--the book spells out the basics of embedded
design for beginners while providing material useful for advanced
systems designers.Designing Embedded Hardware steers a course between
those books dedicated to writing code for particular microprocessors,
and those that stress the philosophy of embedded system design without
providing any practical information. Having designed 40 embedded
computer systems of his own, author John Catsoulis brings a wealth of
real-world experience to show readers how to design and create entirely
new embedded devices and computerized gadgets, as well as how to
customize and extend off-the-shelf systems.Loaded with real examples,
this book also provides a roadmap to the pitfalls and traps to avoid.
Designing Embedded Hardware includes:
- The theory and practice of embedded systems
- Understanding schematics and data sheets
- Powering an embedded system
- Producing and debugging an embedded system
- Processors such as the PIC, Atmel AVR, and Motorola 68000-series
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) architectures
- Protocols (SPI and I2C) used to add peripherals
- RS-232C, RS-422, infrared communication, and USB
- CAN and Ethernet networking
- Pulse Width Monitoring and motor control
If you want to build your own embedded system, or tweak an existing one,
this invaluable book gives you the understanding and practical skills
you need.
