The Firmware Handbook (Embedded Technology) [Paperback]

Jack Ganssle (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 075067606X | ISBN-13: 978-0750676069 | Publication Date: April 1, 2004 | Edition: First Edition

This handbook provides a comprehensive reference for firmware developers looking to increase their skills and productivity. It addresses each critical step of the development process in detail, including how to optimize hardware design for better firmware. Topics covered include real-time issues, interrupts and ISRs, memory management (including Flash memory), handling both digital and analog peripherals, communications interfacing, math subroutines, error handling, design tools, and troubleshooting and debugging. The companion CD-ROM includes all the code used in the design examples and a searchable ebook version of the text.

This book is not for the beginner, but rather is an in-depth, comprehensive one-volume reference that addresses all the major issues in firmware design and development, including the pertinent hardware issues.

* Included CD-Rom contains all the source code used in the design examples, so engineers can easily use it in their own designs

Editorial Reviews

Review

This handbook will be the standard reference in the field, it provides a much-needed comprehensive information source for firmware developers looking to increase their skills and productivity. - EDN Magazine

This book is edited by Jack Ganssle and includes contributions from a wide range of writters, making this book very broadly based. Any software graduate reading this book would be taking a step in the right direction for learning about software issues that arise in developing production level embedded software. More experienced engineers may find a lot of the material familiar, though I came across a few points that I had not seen elsewhere.

The first thing I noticed was that unlike most embedded systems books, this one does not emphasise a particular processor, or RTOS, or technology. This is probably a good thing if you are looking for a broad embedded education, rather than details of one specific technology. The book also has more of a software emphasis than most books on this topic. - Panelsoft.com

Book Description

Master the complex world of firmware programming and troubleshooting with this comprehensive, practical reference written by the leader in the field!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 365 pages
• Publisher: Newnes; First Edition edition (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075067606X
• ISBN-13: 978-0750676069
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #728,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good For Large Dev Teams, January 16, 2005

By 

EmbeddedFlyer (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Firmware Handbook (Embedded Technology) (Paperback)

It's true this book is NOT a comprehensive guide to developing firmware from conception to delivery. It is, however, a practical guide to several aspects of the firmware development process--especially if you work on a large team or for a big company. Unlike most books covering this topic (I have at least half a dozen recent examples) it's fairly easy to read. Ganssle drops in just enough humor and "real life" anecdotes to keep the reader engaged in what would otherwise be pretty dry material.

Sadly, I've yet to find the "one complete book" that someone should read above all others. Some are aimed at hobbyists, some are aimed at those working within the structure of a large company. Some focus more on specific target environments, some focus more on high level concepts with few real-world examples.

Jack's books are mostly written from the perspective of working with large firmware development groups at large companies. If you're a one or two person show, his books may not be the best match. A lot of what's diccussed relates to things like coding standards, interfacing with management, teamwork, version control, project schedules, etc. The material is largely written from the perspective of different groups performing hardware development, firmware development, product testing and product maintenance.

The most benefit from Jack's books would likely come from having senior management read them. Unfortunately, senior managers are among the least likely to read such books. So it's up to those further down the hierarchy to "sell" his concepts to others within the company.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun to read, but not a handbook., July 27, 2004

By 

J. LUO (Santa Cruz, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Firmware Handbook (Embedded Technology) (Paperback)

The book is a collection of articles in various aspect of embedded programming. I found out I already read some of them on www.embedded.com. It is not a tutorial to someone totally new to embedded world, but it is very useful if you already have two years experience (or more). I feel it is a great book because there is something I can learn and apply to my project. It is fun to read a chapter when I have half hour.

I do not give it a five star because it names itself Handbook, but not cover enough topic and lack of further reference if you want to dig deeper.

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Think carefully before you buy, July 23, 2004

By 

R. Wang "bookworm" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Firmware Handbook (Embedded Technology) (Paperback)

I bought this book based on the previous reviewer's recommendation. However, I must admit that I was very disappointed with the book after opening it. The book is a collection of author's tips, and talks nothing about "firmware". Don't waste your money, unless you want to have something to read at bedtime.