The term 'embedded' has acquired some unsavoury connotations since the current Iraqi exploit began, but the word has a long-standing dictionary meaning: To fix firmly in a surrounding mass of some solid material [OED]. In computer science and engineering an embedded system is "one that is physically embedded in a larger system in order to achieve an overall objective"; but "embedded software requires a different type of strategy ... because errors and failures must be dealt with immediately, and often the detection and recovery from errors must be automated" [Encyc. of Computer Science].

In the case of non-embedded software the computer is the dominant 'player', controlling input, storage, and output. In an embedded software system the computer is subservient to the application, which is required to control error/failure detection and recovery.

Newnes, a long-standing publisher of professional references and now an imprint of Elsevier Science, has an Embedded Technology series.

Embedded Software

This book contains a series of articles, written by several people working in the field, that address practical issues faced by embedded software developers. The items have been arranged in chapters that follow a logical sequence; many are quite brief—because they focus on a specific aspect — and follow the academic style of: introduction, argument, conclusion. That is not to suggest the content is esoteric or highly technical; the language is clear, readers are not expected to have any special background, and useful illustrations are used to support the text.

Even though the book is intended for a professional audience or teachers and students of computer science it is remarkably readable. Informed lay readers with a reasonable understanding of programming should find much of the material interesting, even without the code examples. The scope is remarkably wide, covering topics such as how to choose a CPU for your system-on-chip design; introduction to USB software; self-testing in embedded systems; testing computers on wheels (telematics systems in automobiles); an explanation of how a traffic light system is designed; networking (Wi-Fi, SNMP, IPv6, PPP, SSL, IP multicasting); and discussions of C and C++ programming languages in the context of embedded systems.

A companion CD contains the source code used in the book, PowerPoint slides, and spec sheets.

This is an innovative compilation of articles written by professionals over a period of time. Apart from its value
as a text for students and reference for developers, it makes for great browsing.
 

Colin Walls: Embedded Software: The works ISBN 0-7506-7954-9 Published by Newnes, 390 pp. + CD, RRP $85.00 incl. GST

Embedded Media Processing (EMP)

This title deals with EMP systems, which are "applications involving large data blocks (whether image, video, audio, speech, or some combination of these), a need for signal processing, and (often) a real-time nature". Who uses EMP? Everyone who uses a mobile phone, digital camera, video recorder, MP3 player, PDA, and so on. Many one of those devices now accommodate multiple EMP technologies.

Embedded Media Processing covers the many issues encountered in embedded media processing. It includes
interesting discussions of human hearing and visual perception, and the technologies used in audio and video/ image processing. There are also informative discussions about: memory systems; direct memory access (DMA); system resource partitioning and code optimisation; and power management for embedded systems.

The authors use a particular processor as their model, Analog Devices' Blackfin, which is classed as a convergent processor. Blackfin is a family of processors with variants that include dual processors, a range of memory configurations, and many peripheral block combinations. The authors' detailed discussion of why they prefer Blackfin is informative beyond the context of embedded media processing, providing insights into processors in general.

The book's audience is identified as those who "[want] to understand more about what embedded media processing entails ...[,] ... need to design an embedded multimedia system and want to know how to choose the proper processor for the application[,] ... have already chosen a processor and want to know how to ... [design a] system ... [to] avoid problems at the outset[,] ... are in the middle of designing a multimedia system ... [and] have run into some snags with trying to get ... data flows and memory accesses to line up properly". It serves that purpose very well, focussing on practical issues. Designers, or intending designers, should find it a valuable guide to making decisions in respect of hardware and methodology.

At the same time the book deserves a far wider audience. Even though there is much technical detail the content is presented in remarkably clear language that should be comprehensible to informed general readers. In short, one does not need a degree in computer science or electronic engineering to appreciate Embedded Media Processing. There is a wealth of 'background' discussions that make fascinating reading. Anyone with a serious interest in audio and video processing should find the book worth reading.
 

David Katz and Rick Gentile: Embedded Media Processing ISBN 0-7506-7912-3 Published by Newnes, 389 pp., RRP $99.99 incl. GST

Embedded Wireless Networking

Implementing 802.11 with Microcontrollers has the sub-title, Wireless Networking for Embedded Systems Designers. It is not a text for DIY wireless network enthusiasts who lack a strong technical background, and is not a pliers-and-soldering-iron manual.

Throughout the text the author uses two microcontroller-based devices, the AirDrop-P and AirDrop-A; if you look for web pages relating to AirDrop devices specify "AirDrop-P" or "AirDrop-A'; "airdrop" per se will return a flood of references to dropping things out of aeroplanes.

Fred Eady writes in a breezy style, but the book's content is also marked by great technical depth. He recounts his frustrations when trying to obtain information about how to implement 802.11b and then proceeds to describe how he "successfully designed, built (from scratch) and programmed two variants of microcontroller-based 802.11b devices". They are called AirDrops', are available commercially, and the drivers are provided on a companion CD. There is — I suspect thanks to the author — an AirDrop user group. It seems that Fred decided to do something about the paucity of information that was either scattered over many documents, or obtuse, or both. This book is the result.

It documents everything needed to implement "inexpensive and simple embedded 808.11 b wireless hardware and firmware". Each piece of hardware mentioned is illustrated, there are plenty of schematic diagrams, and lots of example code. The companion CD contains source code, data sheets, and more schematics (which are printable).

If you want a definitive guide to implementing 802.11b with microcontrollers this is the book to have. It is practical, contains advice on how to select equipment, and is exceptionally detailed.
 

Fred Eady: Implementing 802.11 with Microcontrollers ISBN 0-7506-7865-8 Published by Newnes, 380 pp. + CD, RRP $100.00 incl. GST

These titles are available direct from Elsevier Australia Customer Service, tel. 1800 263 951, fax 02 9517 2249, Email: customerserviceau@elsevier.com.

Reprinted from the August 2006 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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