Building Embedded Systems


Book Description

Develop the software and hardware you never think about. We're talking about the nitty-gritty behind the buttons on your microwave, inside your thermostat, inside the keyboard used to type this description, and even running the monitor on which you are reading it now. Such stuff is termed embedded systems, and this book shows how to design and develop embedded systems at a professional level. Because yes, many people quietly make a successful career doing just that. Building embedded systems can be both fun and intimidating. Putting together an embedded system requires skill sets from multiple engineering disciplines, from software and hardware in particular. Building Embedded Systems is a book about helping you do things in the right way from the beginning of your first project: Programmers who know software will learn what they need to know about hardware. Engineers with hardware knowledge likewise will learn about the software side. Whatever your background is, Building Embedded Systems is the perfect book to fill in any knowledge gaps and get you started in a career programming for everyday devices. Author Changyi Gu brings more than fifteen years of experience in working his way up the ladder in the field of embedded systems. He brings knowledge of numerous approaches to embedded systems design, including the System on Programmable Chips (SOPC) approach that is currently growing to dominate the field. His knowledge and experience make Building Embedded Systems an excellent book for anyone wanting to enter the field, or even just to do some embedded programming as a side project. What You Will Learn Program embedded systems at the hardware level Learn current industry practices in firmware development Develop practical knowledge of embedded hardware options Create tight integration between software and hardware Practice a work flow leading to successful outcomes Build from transistor level to the system level Make sound choices between performance and cost Who This Book Is For Embedded-system engineers and intermediate electronics enthusiasts who are seeking tighter integration between software and hardware. Those who favor the System on a Programmable Chip (SOPC) approach will in particular benefit from this book. Students in both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science can also benefit from this book and the real-life industry practice it provides.




Making Embedded Systems


Book Description

Interested in developing embedded systems? Since they donâ??t tolerate inefficiency, these systems require a disciplined approach to programming. This easy-to-read guide helps you cultivate a host of good development practices, based on classic software design patterns and new patterns unique to embedded programming. Learn how to build system architecture for processors, not operating systems, and discover specific techniques for dealing with hardware difficulties and manufacturing requirements. Written by an expert whoâ??s created embedded systems ranging from urban surveillance and DNA scanners to childrenâ??s toys, this book is ideal for intermediate and experienced programmers, no matter what platform you use. Optimize your system to reduce cost and increase performance Develop an architecture that makes your software robust in resource-constrained environments Explore sensors, motors, and other I/O devices Do more with less: reduce RAM consumption, code space, processor cycles, and power consumption Learn how to update embedded code directly in the processor Discover how to implement complex mathematics on small processors Understand what interviewers look for when you apply for an embedded systems job "Making Embedded Systems is the book for a C programmer who wants to enter the fun (and lucrative) world of embedded systems. Itâ??s very well writtenâ??entertaining, evenâ??and filled with clear illustrations." â??Jack Ganssle, author and embedded system expert.




Building Embedded Linux Systems


Book Description

Linux® is being adopted by an increasing number of embedded systems developers, who have been won over by its sophisticated scheduling and networking, its cost-free license, its open development model, and the support offered by rich and powerful programming tools. While there is a great deal of hype surrounding the use of Linux in embedded systems, there is not a lot of practical information. Building Embedded Linux Systems is the first in-depth, hard-core guide to putting together an embedded system based on the Linux kernel. This indispensable book features arcane and previously undocumented procedures for: Building your own GNU development toolchain Using an efficient embedded development framework Selecting, configuring, building, and installing a target-specific kernel Creating a complete target root filesystem Setting up, manipulating, and using solid-state storage devices Installing and configuring a bootloader for the target Cross-compiling a slew of utilities and packages Debugging your embedded system using a plethora of tools and techniques Details are provided for various target architectures and hardware configurations, including a thorough review of Linux's support for embedded hardware. All explanations rely on the use of open source and free software packages. By presenting how to build the operating system components from pristine sources and how to find more documentation or help, this book greatly simplifies the task of keeping complete control over one's embedded operating system, whether it be for technical or sound financial reasons.Author Karim Yaghmour, a well-known designer and speaker who is responsible for the Linux Trace Toolkit, starts by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of Linux as an embedded operating system. Licensing issues are included, followed by a discussion of the basics of building embedded Linux systems. The configuration, setup, and use of over forty different open source and free software packages commonly used in embedded Linux systems are also covered. uClibc, BusyBox, U-Boot, OpenSSH, thttpd, tftp, strace, and gdb are among the packages discussed.




Embedded Systems Architecture


Book Description

Embedded Systems Architecture is a practical and technical guide to understanding the components that make up an embedded system's architecture. This book is perfect for those starting out as technical professionals such as engineers, programmers and designers of embedded systems; and also for students of computer science, computer engineering and electrical engineering. It gives a much-needed 'big picture' for recently graduated engineers grappling with understanding the design of real-world systems for the first time, and provides professionals with a systems-level picture of the key elements that can go into an embedded design, providing a firm foundation on which to build their skills. - Real-world approach to the fundamentals, as well as the design and architecture process, makes this book a popular reference for the daunted or the inexperienced: if in doubt, the answer is in here! - Fully updated with new coverage of FPGAs, testing, middleware and the latest programming techniques in C, plus complete source code and sample code, reference designs and tools online make this the complete package - Visit the companion web site at http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780123821966/ for source code, design examples, data sheets and more - A true introductory book, provides a comprehensive get up and running reference for those new to the field, and updating skills: assumes no prior knowledge beyond undergrad level electrical engineering - Addresses the needs of practicing engineers, enabling it to get to the point more directly, and cover more ground. Covers hardware, software and middleware in a single volume - Includes a library of design examples and design tools, plus a complete set of source code and embedded systems design tutorial materials from companion website




Embedded System Design on a Shoestring


Book Description

In this practical guide, experienced embedded engineer Lewin Edwards demonstrates faster, lower-cost methods for developing high-end embedded systems. With today's tight schedules and lower budgets, embedded designers are under greater pressure to deliver prototypes and system designs faster and cheaper. Edwards demonstrates how the use of the right tools and operating systems can make seemingly impossible deadlines possible. Designer's Guide to Embedded Systems Development shares many advanced, in-the-trenches design secrets to help engineers achieve better performance on the job. In particular, it covers many of the newer design tools supported by the GPL (GNU Public License) system. Code examples are given to provide concrete illustrations of tasks described in the text. The general procedures are applicable to many possible projects based on any 16/32-bit microcontroller. The book covers choosing the right architecture and development hardware to fit the project; choosing an operating system and developing a toolchain; evaluating software licenses and how they affect a project; step-by-step building instructions for gcc, binutils, gdb and newlib for the ARM7 core used in the case study project; prototyping techniques using a custom printed circuit board; debugging tips; and portability considerations. A wealth of practical tips, tricks and techniques Design better, faster and more cost-effectively




A Hands-On Guide to Designing Embedded Systems


Book Description

This practical resource introduces readers to the design of field programmable gate array systems (FPGAs). Techniques and principles that can be applied by the engineer to understand challenges before starting a project are presented. The book provides a framework from which to work and approach development of embedded systems that will give readers a better understanding of the issues at hand and can develop solution which presents lower technical and programmatic risk and a faster time to market. Programmatic and system considerations are introduced, providing an overview of the engineering life cycle when developing an electronic solution from concept to completion. Hardware design architecture is discussed to help develop an architecture to meet the requirements placed upon it, and the trade-offs required to achieve the budget. The FPGA development lifecycle and the inputs and outputs from each stage, including design, test benches, synthesis, mapping, place and route and power estimation, are also presented. Finally, the importance of reliability, why it needs to be considered, the current standards that exist, and the impact of not considering this is explained. Written by experts in the field, this is the first book by “engineers in the trenches” that presents FPGA design on a practical level.




Embedded Software Development for Safety-Critical Systems


Book Description

Safety-critical devices, whether medical, automotive, or industrial, are increasingly dependent on the correct operation of sophisticated software. Many standards have appeared in the last decade on how such systems should be designed and built. Developers, who previously only had to know how to program devices for their industry, must now understand remarkably esoteric development practices and be prepared to justify their work to external auditors. Embedded Software Development for Safety-Critical Systems discusses the development of safety-critical systems under the following standards: IEC 61508; ISO 26262; EN 50128; and IEC 62304. It details the advantages and disadvantages of many architectural and design practices recommended in the standards, ranging from replication and diversification, through anomaly detection to the so-called "safety bag" systems. Reviewing the use of open-source components in safety-critical systems, this book has evolved from a course text used by QNX Software Systems for a training module on building embedded software for safety-critical devices, including medical devices, railway systems, industrial systems, and driver assistance devices in cars. Although the book describes open-source tools for the most part, it also provides enough information for you to seek out commercial vendors if that’s the route you decide to pursue. All of the techniques described in this book may be further explored through hundreds of learned articles. In order to provide you with a way in, the author supplies references he has found helpful as a working software developer. Most of these references are available to download for free.




Patterns for Time-triggered Embedded Systems


Book Description

CD-ROM contains: Source code in 'C' for patterns and examples -- Evaluation version of the industry-standard Keil 'C' compiler and hardware simulator.




Embedded Systems and Computer Architecture


Book Description

The author has taught the design and use of microprocessor systems to undergraduate and technician level students for over 25 years. - A core text for academic modules on microprocessors, embedded systems and computer architecture - A practical design-orientated approach




Practical Embedded Security


Book Description

The great strides made over the past decade in the complexity and network functionality of embedded systems have significantly enhanced their attractiveness for use in critical applications such as medical devices and military communications. However, this expansion into critical areas has presented embedded engineers with a serious new problem: their designs are now being targeted by the same malicious attackers whose predations have plagued traditional systems for years. Rising concerns about data security in embedded devices are leading engineers to pay more attention to security assurance in their designs than ever before. This is particularly challenging due to embedded devices' inherent resource constraints such as limited power and memory. Therefore, traditional security solutions must be customized to fit their profile, and entirely new security concepts must be explored. However, there are few resources available to help engineers understand how to implement security measures within the unique embedded context. This new book from embedded security expert Timothy Stapko is the first to provide engineers with a comprehensive guide to this pivotal topic. From a brief review of basic security concepts, through clear explanations of complex issues such as choosing the best cryptographic algorithms for embedded utilization, the reader is provided with all the information needed to successfully produce safe, secure embedded devices. - The ONLY book dedicated to a comprehensive coverage of embedded security! - Covers both hardware- and software-based embedded security solutions for preventing and dealing with attacks - Application case studies support practical explanations of all key topics, including network protocols, wireless and cellular communications, languages (Java and C/++), compilers, web-based interfaces, cryptography, and an entire section on SSL