Embedded Systems Design: An Introduction to Processes, Tools and Techniques (Paperback)

by Arnold S. Berger (Author), Arnold S. Berger (Author) "Unlike the design of a software application on a standard platform, the design of an embedded system implies that both software and hardware are being..." (more)
Key Phrases: debug kernel, debug circuitry, debug core, Computer Design, Additional Reading, Works Cited (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
The explanation of BDM/JTAG debuggers is one of the best I've seen... [the book's] a needed addition to our art. -- - Jack Ganssle, Embedded Systems Programming technical editor

Product Description
· Hardware/Software Partitioning
· Cross-Platform Development
· Firmware Debugging
· Performance Analysis
· Testing & Integration

Get into embedded systems programming with a clear understanding of the development cycle and the specialized aspects of writing and testing software in this environment. Learn how to apply your development skills to new software and hardware tools you'll need to work effectively in this cross-development environment.

Learn the design considerations unique to embedded systems, a few of which include:

· Processor selection for optimal cost, system performance, and testability
· Software failure, the need for testing, and the use of the watchdog timer
· Writing code that directly manipulates the device hardware
· Code placement and memory space limitations
· Parallel HW/SW development and the hazards of system integration
· The need for dedicated debugging circuitry
· Tool requirements and the implications of tool intrusion

You get the key methods and technologies for each phase of the development process: specification, partition, design, integration, validation, and maintenance and upgrade. With these you will be able to:

· Appreciate the consequences of early design decisions
· Anticipate the potential pitfalls you may encounter in this new environment
· Make more effective use of embedded systems tools
· Survive the challenges in the parallel development process

And you will be prepared for the challenges of integrating your untested software with untested hardware by effectively using logic analyzers and ICEs (Integrated Circuit Emulators) in basic debugging and test coverage measurement.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 237 pages
• Publisher: CMP Books; 1st edition (December 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578200733
• ISBN-13: 978-1578200733
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #295,544 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Embedded System Design Process, October 1, 2002

By	Rajesh S. Raghavan (Copley, OH 44321) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is not about writing software for embedded systems. If that is what you want to learn about, you should read David Simon's book, "An Embedded Software Primer". However, this book does an excellent job of covering the PROCESS of designing embedded systems, from microprocessor selection to system debugging, and discusses the many engineering tradeoffs that need to be made in the design of real-world systems.

As a useful trilogy, I would recommend:
1) David Simon's book for learning how to write embedded software.
2) Jack Ganssle's "The Art of Designing Embedded Systems" for tips, tricks, and strategies on being a good embedded software designer.
3) This book, for understanding the engineering decisions that need to be made in the design of an embedded system, and for learning about the debugging tools and techniques available as well.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal book for embedded microprocessor engineering students, May 3, 2002

By	Daniel Mann (Austin, Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

"Embedded System design" moves the reader with an academic understanding of embedded microprocessor systems to a position of practical understanding of the technology. This is the kind of experience gained by an engineer working in the field over many years. Dr. Berger is clearly writing from knowledge acquired first hand; and he conveys this efficiently and enjoyably. The book presents the essential information needed to enable an inexperienced engineered, or student, to quickly become a productive member of an embedded engineering team.

The book goes beyond what some might consider junior engineering activates. It deals with many of the more challenging tasks; such as hardware-software tradeoffs and tool-processor compatibilities. Much of this material is unfortunately not included in engineering training courses. I would say that the material presented has been well selected and is essential knowledge for an engineer developing embedded system software.

The book is ideal for software developers already familiar with developing code for PC or Unix-workstation execution, but wishing to know how to retarget code for execution on an embedded processor based system. This requires a more complex development, and in particular debug, environment. Additionally, managers new to the embedded product development phases will learn the pitfalls to be avoided. There are many decisions to be made in leading a successful embedded project. This book will help you make the right ones and accelerate acquisition of your project management skills.

There are a number of significant pressures effecting current embedded projects: The drive for shorter product development times; The use of higher performance processors; Increased software complexity and interoperability; The desire to restrain project tool and man-power costs. The book does a good job at covering these issues. The traditional or established methodologies are covered as well as the latest trends and likely future directions.

The book is ordered much like a real embedded project. First there is the selection process. This includes the processor itself. But this cannot occur in isolation of the software development tool chain; and other critical components, such as a real-time operating system. The balancing of these sometimes-conflicting requirements is very important and present with the clarity of a veteran campaigner. The book moves on to deal with hardware-software portioning - not something the typical PC software developer has to resolve. Similarly, the construction of the embedded run-time environment is explained. This is followed by an explanation of development tool operation; In particular, the all-too-often challenge of embedded software debug - This topic is particularly well explained. Specialised software topics, such as interrupt processing and low-level hardware manipulation are, as you would expect, covered. Finally, there is a section on testing, and an exploration of future trends.

In summary the book contains the right material, it is presented in an easy to absorb manor and is practically oriented. I highly recommended it to embedded engineering students, or engineers and managers facing the challenges of an embedded processor development project.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable Text for Critical (and Underserved ) Discipline, November 30, 2001

By A Customer

With the release of "Embedded Systems Design: An Introduction to Processes, Tools, and Techniques" Arnold S. Berger has made an invaluable contribution to the field of embedded system design.

Despite the use of most of the world's microprocessor production in embedded systems, the field of embedded system design has been poorly served by the academic community until now. In 20+ years of embedded system design engineering management I have been challenged to hire freshly minted engineers (IROCs)with even the most rudimentary understanding of the principles of embedded system design. It is simply not taught in most engineering schools, forcing manufacturers of electronic systems to expend countless resources in training engineers in these disciplines. I believe that Dr. Berger's book turns the tide.

Berger draws upon many years of experience with major corporations in which he spearheaded numerous embedded system design initiatives as well as the creation of design methodologies and development tools. This book is clearly written and provides the student with a straight-forward, practical approach to--as the title promises--the processes, tools and techniques required by the embedded systems development engineer.

It is refreshing to, at long last, see a book that addresses the critical issues of embedded system design with such insight and expertise. I give this book my highest recommendation for any student of engineering, be they an undergraduate, a graduate student or even an experienced embedded systems designer. You are sure to learn volumes. I did.