Microcontrollers and Microcomputers: Principles of Software and Hardware Engineering [Hardcover]

Fredrick M. Cady (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195110080 | ISBN-13: 978-0195110081 | Publication Date: February 27, 1997

There are a mind-boggling number of microcontrollers in use today. Hundreds of millions are shipped every year in products such as automobiles and coffee makers. In order to fully understand this technology, it is necessary to grasp current principles of microprocessor technology and their relationship to microcontrollers. Microcontrollers and Microcomputers: Principles of Software and Hardware Engineering is a top-down introductory treatment of microprocessors which provides students with an accessible and thorough overview of the key hardware and software engineering issues of today.
The text begins with an explanation of the mystery of a stored-program computer, and goes on to explore the resources of the processor in a laboratory setting. Cady leads students step-by-step through examples that utilize various instructions. More difficult programming assignments are given as readers progress. These assignments demonstrate the need for techniques used in debugging, which is a critical step in developing software for microprocessors. A key chapter dedicated to software design presents top down design and promotes pseudocode.
Ideal for use in microprocessor courses in electrical engineering and computer science, the text is accompanied by an instructor's manual which includes problem solutions and a course outline. A World Wide Web site provides an errata and other additional information: http://www.coe.montana.edu/ee/cady/cadyhmpg.htm.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Excellent text! Covers the major aspects of software and hardware engineering."--David J. Waldo, Oklahoma Christian University

About the Author

Frederick M. Cady is at Montana State University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195110080
• ISBN-13: 978-0195110081
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #640,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Computers & Technology > Hardware > Microprocessors & System Design > Microprocessor Design

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, October 4, 2009

By 

A. Lewis "Prometheus One" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microcontrollers and Microcomputers Principles of Software and Hardware Engineering (Paperback)

I am half way through a semester teaching with this book and I could not be happier.
It presents topics in a very well thought out way. It does not emphasize one particular processor
which is a good idea. It teaches PRINCIPLES, not specifics.

When I look at the organization, I can tell that the author is a good teacher. He is a master of presenting
material in a logical, well thought out way.

The specifics of a particular processor can be found in a data sheet. In fact, other books
I have used are little more than expanded versions of processor data sheets.... oh but one major
difference... they cost a lot of money.

I like the idea of teaching students the principles first then bringing in current (and accurate)
material which gives an example of the principle. Using this book, for example, I can talk about
registers in general, then give examples in the PIC18, PIC32, MIPS, 6800 Etc processors,
and compare.

I prefer to teach from principles versus a particular processor. Why? Because
(A) In the workplace the student is not likely to use the processor *I* select.
If the student does not understand the basic principles he/she will have to start from scratch.
(B) processor technology changes quickly. Any particular processor will be dated within a few years.


The bottom line: great book about principles BUT, you will need to augment the material with specifics
about the processor you may be using.


One suggestion for the publisher: It would be great to lower the price of the book a bit given that it is a soft cover...

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars fairly nice but basic, November 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Microcontrollers and Microcomputers: Principles of Software and Hardware Engineering (Hardcover)

Well ,When I bough this book I was looking for a definitive guide on interfaces & programming them.Particularly for teaching ends. This is not it! It is however a very nice introduction to both areas whereas the software & design part is to little, in my opinion.Considering interfacing ,a few (fairly good)examples are given but they are few.All in all I consider it a little to shallow for EE majors .It is however easily readable and not complex , it could serve in a more obscure course of some sort.