The Best Embedded Systems Books for Beginners

This book is self-published and is printed on demand. The original ISBN was generated in 2012, but if you purchase the book new from Amazon you will get the new version, which was uploaded December 2018. This book, now in its fifth edition, is the first in a series of three books that teach the fundamentals of embedded systems as applied to the ARM Cortex-M family of microcontrollers. This fifth edition focuses on the LaunchPads based on the TM4C123, TM4C1294, and MSP432E4 microcontrollers. This first volume is an introduction to computers and interfacing focusing on assembly language and C programming.

The second volume, Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers, focuses on hardware/software interfacing and the design of embedded systems. There are MSP432P versions of the first two volumes. The third volume, Embedded Systems: Real-Time Operating Systems for ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers, is an advanced book focusing on operating systems, high-speed interfacing, control systems, and robotics. The third volume could also be used for professionals wishing to design or deploy a real-time operating system onto an ARM platform. This first book is an introductory book that could be used at the college level with little or no prerequisites. An embedded system is a system that performs a specific task and has a computer embedded inside. A system is comprised of components and interfaces connected together for a common purpose. This book is an introduction to embedded systems. Specific topics include microcontrollers, fixed-point numbers, the design of software in assembly language and C, elementary data structures, programming input/output including interrupts, analog to digital conversion, digital to analog conversion. This book employs many approaches to learning. It will not include an exhaustive recapitulation of the information in data sheets. First, it begins with basic fundamentals, which allows the reader to solve new problems with new technology. Second, the book presents many detailed design examples. These examples illustrate the process of design. There are multiple structural components that assist learning. Checkpoints, with answers in the back, are short easy to answer questions providing immediate feedback while reading. Simple homework, with answers to the odd questions on the web, provides more detailed learning opportunities. The book includes an index and a glossary so that information can be searched. The most important learning experiences in a class like this are of course the laboratories. Each chapter has suggested lab assignments. More detailed lab descriptions are available on the web. Specifically for this volume, look at the lab assignments for EE319K. For Volume 2 refer to the EE445L labs, and for Volume 3, look at the lab assignments for EE445M/EE380L.6.There is a web site accompanying this book http://users.ece.utexas.edu/~valvano/arm. Posted here are Keil uVision and Texas Instruments Code Composer Studio projects for each of the example programs in the book. You will also find data sheets and Excel spreadsheets relevant to the material in this book. The book will cover embedded systems for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers with specific details on the TM4C123, and MSP432E4. Most of the topics can be run on any of these microcontrollers. Although the examples designed are specific for the TM4C123, it will be possible to use these books for other ARM derivatives.

PIC microcontrollers are used worldwide in commercial and industrial devices. The 8-bit PIC which this book focuses on is a versatile work horse that completes many designs. An engineer working with applications that include a microcontroller will no doubt come across the PIC sooner rather than later. It is a must to have a working knowledge of this 8-bit technology. This book takes the novice from introduction of embedded systems through to advanced development techniques for utilizing and optimizing the PIC family of microcontrollers in your device.

To truly understand the PIC, assembly and C programming language must be understood. The author explains both with sample code and examples, and makes the transition from the former to the latter an easy one. This is a solid building block for future PIC endeavors. New to the 2nd Edition:. *Include end of chapter questions/activities moving from introductory to advanced. *More worked examples. *Includes PowerPoint slides for instructors. *Includes all code snips on a companion web site for ease of use. *A survey of 16/32-bit PICs. *A project using ZigBeeCovers both assembly and C programming languages, essential for optimizing the PICAmazing breadth of coverage moving from introductory to advanced topics covering more and more complex microcontroller familiesDetails MPLAB and other Microchip design tools.

Want to build your own robots, turn your ideas into prototypes, control devices with a computer, or make your own cell phone applications? It's a snap with this book and the Arduino open source electronic prototyping platform. Get started with six fun projects and achieve impressive results quickly. Gain the know-how and experience to invent your own cool gadgets. With Arduino, building your own embedded gadgets is easy, even for beginners. Embedded systems are everywhere―inside cars, children’s toys, and mobile phones. This book will teach you the basics of embedded systems and help you build your first gadget in just a few days.

Each learn-as-you-build project that follows will add to your knowledge and skills. Experiment with Arduino, the popular microcontroller board Build robots and electronic projects with easy-to-follow instructions Turn your ideas into working physical prototypes Use Android phones as remote controls in your projects Work with an uncomplicated programming language created for artists, designers, and hobbyists Get everyone involved, with projects that even beginners can build.