Embedded Systems Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineers and Programmers (Embedded Technology) (Hardcover)

by Tammy Noergaard (Author) "The field of embedded systems is wide and varied, and it is difficult to pin down exact definitions or descriptions..." (more)
Key Phrases: allowing other software, interrupt input level, architecture business cycle, Copyright of Freescale Semiconductor, Dynamic Random-Access Memory, Net Silicon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
A unique book that gives a detailed yet comprehensive introduction to every aspect of embedded systems, from architecture to system design and applications!

Product Description
This comprehensive textbook provides a broad and in-depth overview of embedded systems architecture for engineering students and embedded systems professionals. The book is well suited for undergraduate embedded systems courses in electronics/electrical engineering and engineering technology (EET) departments in universities and colleges, as well as for corporate training of employees.

The book is a readable and practical guide covering embedded hardware, firmware, and applications. It clarifies all concepts with references to current embedded technology as it exists in the industry today, including many diagrams and applicable computer code. Among the topics covered in detail are:
· hardware components, including processors, memory, buses, and I/O
· system software, including device drivers and operating systems
· use of assembly language and high-level languages such as C and Java
· interfacing and networking
· case studies of real-world embedded designs
· applicable standards grouped by system application

The CD-ROM accompanying the text contains source code for the design examples and numerous design tools useful to both students and professionals. A detailed laboratory manual suitable for a lab course in embedded systems design is also provided. Ancillaries also include a solutions manual and technical slides.





* Without a doubt the most accessible, comprehensive yet comprehensible book on embedded systems ever written!

* Leading companies and universities have been involved in the development of the content

* An instant classic!

Product Details

• Hardcover: 656 pages
• Publisher: Newnes (February 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750677929
• ISBN-13: 978-0750677929
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #429,300 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book is not about embedded systems architecture, February 23, 2006

By	skunkworker (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

I read through all the 5 star reviews prior to purchasing this book. I was very disaapointed to find most of the book devoted to very basic hardware concepts. Much of this information is obtainable from sources cheaper than a $70 book. For example, the MPC7450 PPC Reference Manual is over 800 pages and is free (check out Freescale or IBM websites) - you will learn about microprocessor architecture too!. There are two chapters in the book (Chapters 1 and 11) that have a weak discussion on architecture, and after a lot of hand waving, finally refer you to some other books (see page 533) that actually discuss architecture.

So if you know nothing about hardware or were sleeping in class, you might find this book useful. I am sending it back - and next time I will read all the reviews.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Useful to Learn about Hardware and Software Architecture for Embedded Systems, September 1, 2005

By	Kit Luu "Kit" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Wow. I have never read such a useful book explaining everything involved in understanding and designing an architecture of any embedded system. In fact, I do not think a book like this has ever been done (I am sure it has made the competition jealous, I certainly wish I could have written this type of book)

It explains all the major hardware and software components in a very organized way (where separate chapters reflect every major component and with chapters that bring it all together). The number and the quality of the diagrams are amazing!!!! The author clearly explains all the concepts using many visual diagrams, and even complex diagrams are introduced and dissected until the technical concepts within the diagrams are simplified and are clear (i.e., when the major components on the same hardware board are explained, or the major components found in a processor, ...). In fact, the hardware section is perfect for software people to get a good handle on understanding hardware, or students in EE just starting out!!!

I was also impressed that the architectural information is based on solid methodologies from credible organizations (i.e., the ABC invented by the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute, IBM Rational Unified Process,...) and applies it clearly to embedded systems, which I have not seen done before all in one text. I consider it a very valuable architecture book on Embedded Systems, and would not hesitate to recommend it!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Feb 17 2006 ACM Review, May 13, 2006

By	Reviewer - See all my reviews

"Embedded systems are limited hardware/software computer systems that are part of larger systems. They are generally dedicated to a specific function, and they have higher quality and reliability requirements than personal computers (PCs) or supercomputers. Examples of such systems are digital and analog televisions, games, cameras, set-top boxes (DVD recorders, VCRs, and so on), and global positioning systems (GPSs).

Embedded systems are gaining great popularity in both academia and industry, due to increased user demand for embedded functionalities. This book seeks to provide a comprehensive guide for both engineers and programmers for designing and developing embedded systems. The book is made up of 12 chapters, divided among four sections.

Section 1 (chapters 1 and 2) introduces the book. First, a detailed description of embedded systems is given. Then, examples from the five markets into which embedded systems commonly fall are described. This section also presents a listing of market-specific standards implemented in embedded systems.

Section 2 (chapters 3 through 7) addresses the hardware layer of embedded systems. It discusses the main hardware parts of an embedded system, namely, embedded processors, board memory, input/output, and buses.

Section 3 (chapters 8 through 10) addresses the two main software layers that make an embedded system work. These are the system software layer, which includes the software aspects of device drivers like memory drivers, on-board bus drivers, and middleware, and the application software layer, which defines the function and purpose of the embedded system. A concise definition of each concept is presented and illustrated with real-world examples.

Section 4 (chapters 11 and 12) continues the discussion of the set of processes started in previous sections, presenting the design and development phase. It presents, in chronological order, the main steps in building an embedded system. These steps include defining the architectural structures, evaluating the architecture, implementing the system, and testing it.

This book is a complete reference for embedded systems design and development. It provides a detailed presentation of the main parts that compose an embedded system, namely, the hardware layer and the software layer. The author provides the needed technological background for working with embedded systems. Real-world examples enforce the theoretical and practical aspects presented in the book. The author succeeds in presenting her practical experience with embedded systems in a structured and pedagogical way. I especially appreciated the tips and tricks in the book, such as comments on debugging tools, and the references to technical magazines related to the subject. I recommend this book as a first reference for studying embedded systems."

- Ghita Kouadri Most?faoui (REAL NAME). Feb. 17 2006
Association for Computing Machinery
See ACM Website for more information