Famed author Jack Ganssle has selected the very best embedded systems design material from the Newnes portfolio and compiled into this volume. The result is a book covering the gamut of embedded design-from hardware to software to integrated embedded systems-with a strong pragmatic emphasis. In addition to specific design techniques and practices, this book also discusses various approaches to solving embedded design problems and how to successfully apply theory to actual design tasks. The material has been selected for its timelessness as well as for its relevance to contemporary embedded design issues. This book will be an essential working reference for anyone involved in embedded system design!
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1. Motors - Stuart Ball
Chapter 2. Testing - Arnold S. Berger
Chapter 3. System-Level Design - Keith E. Curtis
Chapter 4. Some Example Sensor, Actuator and Control Applications and Circuits (Hard Tasks) - Lewin ARW Edwards
Chapter 5. Installing and Using a Version Control System - Chris Keydel and Olaf Meding
Chapter 6. Embedded State Machine Implementation - Martin Gomez
Chapter 7. Firmware Musings - Jack Ganssle
Chapter 8. Hardware Musings - Jack Ganssle
Chapter 9. Closed Loop Controls, Rabbits, and Hounds - John M. Holland
Chapter 10. Application Examples David J. Katz and Rick Gentile
Chapter 11. Analog I/Os - Jean LaBrosse
Chapter 12. Optimizing DSP Software - Robert Oshana
Chapter 13. Embedded Processors - Peter Wilson
*Hand-picked content selected by embedded systems luminary Jack Ganssle
*Real-world best design practices including chapters on FPGAs, DSPs, and microcontrollers
*Covers both hardware andsoftware aspects of embedded systems

This new book manages the unthinkable- it conveys crucial technical information to engineers without boring them to tears In this unique reference, expert embedded designer Lisa Simone provides the solutions to typical embedded software debugging problems from a fresh new perspective. She introduces a team of engineers who readers will recognize from their own workplaces, and then confronts them with real-world debugging scenarios of progressive complexity, drawing the reader into the mysteries with their new fictional colleagues, and guiding them step-by-step toward successful solutions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Case of the Irate Customer: Debugging Other People's Code, Fast
Chapter 2: The Newest Employee: Learning the Embedded Ropes Through Code Inheritance
Chapter 3: It Compiles with No Errors; It Must Work Integrating Changes in a Larger System
Chapter 4: The Case of Thermal Runaway: Rare Transient Bugs are Still Bugs
Chapter 5: The Case of the Creeping Slider Carriage and the Case of the Hesitating Clock: Alternate Methods of Understanding System Performance
Chapter 6: If I Only Changed the Software, Why is the Phone on Fire?
Chapter 7: The Case of the Rapid Heartbeat: Meeting the Spirit of the Requirement
Chapter 8: What Kind of Error Message is "lume Fault"? When all of the Symptoms Seem Impossible
Chapter 9: When It's Not Hardware, It's Software. And Vice Versa. Blurring the Interface.
Chapter 10: Li Mei s List of Debugging Secrets
.Unique format casts the reader as "technical detective" by presenting a new mystery in every chapter
.Not another dry technical book Conversational tone and intriguing quandaries draw the reader into the action, while teaching crucial debugging skills
.The final chapter, a summary of the smart debugging techniques introduced throughout the book, is a quick reference to help solve future problems"

* Clear, practical tutorial style text with real-world applications
* First book on TPM for embedded designers
* Provides a sound foundation on the TPM, helping designers take advantage of hardware security based on sound TCG standards
* Covers all the TPM basics, discussing in detail the TPM Key Hierarchy and the Trusted Platform
Module specification
* Presents a methodology to enable designers and
developers to successfully integrate the TPM into an embedded design and verify the TPM's operation on a specific platform
* Includes an accompanying CD-ROM that contains the full source code, which can be customized and used in embedded designs-an extremely useful tool and timesaver for embedded developers!
- This sound foundation on the TPM provides clear, practical tutorials with detailed real-world application examples
- The author is reknowned for training embedded systems developers to successfully implement the TPM worldwide
- CD-ROM includes source code which can be customized for different embedded applications

China's Electronics Industry is a comprehensive and current report on the technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and infrastructure that have made China a major player in the electronics industry. Not only does it cover the past, present, and future of important electronic technologies, but also the pros and cons of conducting business in China. This is an important reference for any company planning a venture in China as well as those who have already taken their first steps. It will also be of great interest to researchers and policy makers who need to know more about the role of central government in promoting strategic industries and assisting national science and technology development. Much of the data contained in the report is from 2006.No country has burst onto the economic scene as dramatically as China has in the past decade. It is the world's largest producer of many electronic products and has a leading edge semiconductor industry. This timely and comprehensive report from America's leading authority is a critical for anyone who is interested in working with China in the electronics field including business managers, academics, government institutes, foreign investors, as well as those who are interested in the past, present and future growth of China's Electronics Industry.If you are thinking about doing business in china's electronics industry, you must have this book.

Software Quality Control, Error, Analysis

Without sensors most electronic applications would not exist-sensors perform a vital function, namely providing an interface to the real world. Hall effect sensors, based on a magnetic phenomena, are one of the most commonly used sensing technologies today. In the 1970s it became possible to build Hall effect sensors on integrated circuits with onboard signal processing circuitry, vastly reducing the cost and enabling widespread practical use. One of the first major applications was in computer keyboards, replacing mechanical contacts. Hundreds of millions of these devices are now manufactured each year for use in a great variety of applications, including automobiles, computers, industrial control systems, cell phones, and many others.
The importance of these sensors, however, contrasts with the limited information available. Many recent advances in miniaturization, smart sensor configurations, and networkable sensor technology have led to design changes and a need for reliable information. Most of the technical information on Hall effect sensors is supplied by sensor manufacturers and is slanted toward a particular product line. System design and control engineers need an independent, readable source of practical design information and technical details that is not product- or manufacturer-specific and that shows how Hall effect sensors work, how to interface to them, and how to apply them in a variety of uses. This book covers:
-the physics behind Hall effect sensors
-Hall effect transducers
-transducer interfacing
-integrated Hall effect sensors and how to interface to them
-sensing techniques using Hall effect sensors
-application-specific sensorICs
-relevant development and design tools
This second edition is expanded and updated to reflect the latest advances in Hall effect devices and applications!
Information about various sensor technologies is scarce, scattered and hard to locate. Most of it is either too theoretical for working engineers, or is manufacturer literature that can't be entirely trusted. Engineers and engineering managers need a comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate reference to use when scoping out their designs incorporating Hall effect sensors.
* A comprehensive, up-to-date reference to use when crafting all kinds of designs with Hall effect sensors
*Replaces other information about sensors that is too theoretical, too biased toward one particular manufacturer, or too difficult to locate
*Highly respected and influential author in the burgeoning sensors community

In an embedded system, firmware is the software that directly interfaces with the microcontroller, controlling the system s function. The major forces driving the embedded firmware development process today are reduced development times, increased complexity, and the need to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. These forces translate into strenuous design requirements for embedded engineers and programmers. Many low-level embedded microcontroller designs have insufficient memory and/or architectural limitations that make the use of a real-time operating system impractical. The techniques presented in this book allow the design of robust multitasking firmware through the use of interleaved state machines. This book presents a complete overview of multitasking terminology and basic concepts. Practical criteria for task selection and state machine design are also discussed.
Designing multitasking firmware is arduous, complex and fraught with potential for errors, and there is no one, standard way to do it. This book will present a complete and well-organized design approach with examples and sample source code that designers can follow.
* Covers every aspect of design from the system level to the component level, including system timing, communicating with the hardware, integration and testing.
* Accompanying companion website contains the source code for the text examples and other useful design tools."

A key technology enabling fast-paced embedded media processing developments is the high-performance, low-power, small-footprint convergent processor, a specialized device that combines the real-time control of a traditional microcontroller with the signal processing power of a DSP. This practical guide is your one-stop shop for understanding how to implement this cutting-edge technology. You will learn how to: * Choose the proper processor for an application. * Architect your system to avoid problems at the outset. * Manage your data flows and memory accesses so that they line up properly * Make smart-trade-offs in portable applications between power considerations and computational performance. * Divide processing tasks across multiple cores. * Program frameworks that optimize performance without needlessly increasing programming model complexity. * Implement benchmarking techniques that will help you adapt a framework to best fit a target application, and much more Covering the entire spectrum of EMP-related design issues, from easy-to-understand explanations of basic architecture and direct memory access (DMA), to in-depth discussions of code optimization and power management, this practical book will be an invaluable aid to every engineer working with EMP, from the beginner to the seasoned expert.

All disc-based content for this title is now available on the Web.

* Comprehensive subject coverage with emphasis on practical application * Essential assembly language code included throughout text * Many real-world examples using Analog's popular Blackfin Processor architecture

The Microchip PIC family of microcontrollers is the most popular series of microcontrollers in the world. However, no microcontroller is of any use without software to make it perform useful functions. This comprehensive reference focuses on designing with Microchip s mid-range PIC line using MBASIC, a powerful but easy to learn programming language. It illustrates MBASIC s abilities through a series of design examples, beginning with simple PIC-based projects and proceeding through more advanced designs. Unlike other references however, it also covers essential hardware and software design fundamentals of the PIC microcontroller series, including programming in assembly language when needed to supplement the capabilities of MBASIC. Details of hardware/software interfacing to the PIC are also provided.
BENEFIT TO THE READER: This book provides one of the most thorough introductions available to the world s most popular microcontroller, with numerous hardware and software working design examples which engineers, students and hobbyists can directly apply to their design work and studies. Using MBASIC, it is possible to develop working programs for the PIC in a much shorter time frame than when using assembly language.
* Offers a complete introduction to programming the most popular microcontroller in the world, using the MBASIC compiler from a company that is committed to supporting the book both through purchases and promotion
* Provides numerous real-world design examples, all carefully tested
* Companion website contains the source code files and executables, and will include a demo version of the MBASIC compiler, allowing engineers to work out the design exercises in the book"

Wireless networking is poised to have a massive impact on communications, and the 802.11 standard is to wireless networking what Ethernet is to wired networking. There are already over 50 million devices using the dominant IEEE 802.11 (essentially wireless Ethernet) standard, with astronomical growth predicted over the next 10 years. New applications are emerging every day, with wireless capability being embedded in everything from electric meters to hospital patient tracking systems to security devices.
This practical reference guides readers through the wireless technology forest, giving them the knowledge, the hardware and the software necessary to design a wireless embedded device rapidly, inexpensively, and effectively. Using off-the-shelf microcontrollers from Microchip and Atmel, the author provides step-by-step instructions for designing the hardware and firmware for a fully operational wireless networking device. The book gives a thorough introduction to 802.11 technology and puts it into perspective against the other wireless standard options. Just enough theory and mathematics is provided to give the depth of understanding needed for practical design work.
The book thoroughly covers:
* Laptop wireless Ethernet card introduction and theory
*Introduction to CompactFlash-to-microcontroller interfacing
* Implementing the laptop wireless Ethernet card in an embedded environment
In addition, the book includes access to a companion website containing all of the code, schematics and programs necessary to implement embedded 802.11 wireless networking.
* Covers the hottest new embedded market area- wireless networking
* Shows designers how to save money and time by using microcontrollers in their embedded wireless designs instead of expensive, complex prefab boards
* Companion website accompanying book contains all the code, schematics and programs necessary to get started now

This it the first technical reference book available on the PSoC, and it offers the most comprehensive combination of technical data, example code, and descriptive prose you ll find anywhere.
Embedded design expert Robert Ashby will guide you through the entire PSoC world, providing thorough coverage of device feature, design, programming and development of the software-reconfigurable PSoC. He shares his best tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you to utilize the flexible and inexpensive PSoC to its greatest potential, with a minimum of heartaches and late nights.
With its emphasis on designing for adaptability -- a feature of the utmost importance in today s fast-paced and cost-pressured design cycles -- this book will bring you up to speed quickly on everything PSoC, from memory management to interconnects. You will add brains and capable signal conditioning to a design with one chip, giving you extreme flexibility for a relatively low price. Specific application examples highlighting the PSoC s unique capabilities are included throughout the text, with the supporting sample source code. This valuable code is also provided on the companion website so you can easily adapt it to your own designs.
* The first independent technical reference available on the PSoC, a product line experiencing explosive growth in the embedded design world
* Application examples, sample code, and design tips and techniques will get readers get up-to-speed quickly
* Companion website includes all example code from book, so that engineers can easily adapt it to their own designs"

This book has been written to help digital engineers who need a few basic analog tools in their toolbox. For practicing digital engineers, students, educators and hands-on managers who are looking for the analog foundation they need to handle their daily engineering problems, this will serve as a valuable reference to the nuts-and-bolts of system analog design in a digital world.
This book is a hands-on designer's guide to the most important topics in analog electronics-such as Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog conversion, operational amplifiers, filters, and integrating analog and digital systems. The presentation is tailored for engineers who are primarily experienced and/or educated in digital circuit design. This book will teach such readers how to "think analog" when it is the best solution to their problem. Special attention is also given to fundamental topics, such as noise and how to use analog test and measurement equipment, that are often ignored in other analog titles aimed at professional engineers.
* Extensive use of case-histories and real design examples.
* Offers digital designers the right analog "tool" for the job at hand.
* Conversational, annecdotal "tone" is very easily accessible by students and practitioners alike.

"Current Sources and Voltage References" provides fixed, well-regulated levels of current or voltage within a circuit. These are two of the most important "building blocks" of analog circuits, and are typically used in creating most analog IC designs.
Part 1 shows the reader how current sources are created, how they can be optimized, and how they can be utilized by the OEM circuit designer. The book serves as a "must-have" reference for the successful development of precision circuit applications. It shows practical examples using either BJTs, FETs, precision op amps, or even matched CMOS arrays being used to create highly accurate current source designs, ranging from nanoAmps to Amps. In each chapter the most important characteristics of the particular semiconductor type being studied are carefully reviewed. This not only serves as a helpful refresher for experienced engineers, but also as a good foundation for all EE student coursework, and includes device models and relevant equations.
Part 2 focuses on semiconductor voltage references, from their design to their various practical enhancements. It ranges from the simple Zener diode to today's most advanced topologies, including Analog Devices' XFET(R) and Intersil's FGA(TM) (invented while this book was being written). Over 300 applications and circuit diagrams are shown throughout this easy-to-read, practical reference book.
* Discusses how to design low-noise, precision current sources using matched transistor pairs.
* Explains the design of high power current sources with power MOSFETs
* Gives proven techniques to reduce drift and improve accuracy in voltage references.

Today s control system designers face an ever-increasing need for speed and accuracy in their system measurements and computations. New design approaches using microcontrollers and DSP are emerging, and designers must understand these new approaches, the tools available, and how best to apply them.
This practical text covers the latest techniques in microcontroller-based control system design, making use of the popular MSP430 microcontroller from Texas Instruments.
The book covers all the circuits of the system, including:
.Sensors and their output signals
.Design and application of signal conditioning circuits
.A-to-D and D-to-A circuit design
.Operation and application of the powerful and popular TI MSP430 microcontroller
.Data transmission circuits
.System power control circuitry
Written by an experienced microcontroller engineer and textbook author, the book is lavishly illustrated and includes numerous specific circuit design examples, including a fully tested and documented hands-on project using the MSP430 that makes use of the principles described. For students, engineers, technicians, and hobbyists, this practical text provides the answers you need to design modern control systems quickly and easily.
* Seasoned Texas Instruments designer provides a ground-up perspective on embedded control systems
* Pedagogical style provides a self-learning approach with examples, quizzes and review features
* Accompanying companion website contains source code and more "

Finally, here is a single volume containing all of the engineering information needed to successfully design and implement any type of wireless network Author Dan Dobkin covers every aspect of RF engineering necessary for wireless networks. He begins with a review of essential math and electromagnetic theory followed by thorough discussions of multiplexing, modulation types, bandwidth, link budgets, network concepts, radio system architectures, RF amplifiers, mixers and frequency conversion, filters, single-chip radio systems, antenna theory and designs, signal propagation, as well as planning and implementing wireless networks for both indoor and outdoor environments.
The appendices contain such vital data as U.S., European, and Japanese technical and regulatory standards for wireless networks, measurements in wireless networks, reflection and matching of transmission lines, determining power density, and much more. The accompanying companion website includes useful software tools such as a link budget calculator, a Smith Chart calculator and plotter, and radio chain analysis utilities. No matter what type of wireless network you design-Bluetooth, UWB, or even metropolitan area network (MAN)-this book is the one reference you can t do without

. The A-to-Z guide to wireless network engineering covers everything from basic electromagnetic theory to modulation techniques to network planning and implementation
. Engineering and design principles covered are applicable to any type of wireless network, including 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, and Bluetooth.
. Discusses state-of-the-art modulation techniques such as ultra wideband (UWB) and orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)."

In this practical reference, popular author Lewin Edwards shows how to develop robust, dependable real-time systems for robotics and other control applications, using open-source tools. It demonstrates efficient and low-cost embedded hardware and software design techniques, based on Linux as the development platform and operating system and the Atmel AVR as the primary microcontroller. The book provides comprehensive examples of sensor, actuator and control applications and circuits, along with source code for a number of projects. It walks the reader through the process of setting up the Linux-based controller, from creating a custom kernel to customizing the BIOS, to implementing graphical control interfaces.
Including detailed design information on:
-ESBUS PC-host interface
-Host-module communications protocol
-A speed-controlled DC motor with tach feedback and thermal cut-off
-A stepper motor controller
-A two-axis attitude sensor using a MEMS accelerometer
-Infrared remote control in Linux using LIRC
-Machine vision using Video4Linux
The Accompanying CD-ROM contains a wealth of design materials, including:
-Full schematics and source code for the projects described
-Ready-made disk images for the miniature Linux distribution uses as the basis for the PC-side software
-Distribution archives of source code for all GNU software used, along with application-specific patches where appropriate
-A free version of the schematic capture and PCB CAD software used
-Atmel AVR Studio
* The first-ever book on using open source technology for robotics design!
* Immensely valuable source code and design tools provided on the CD-ROM
* Covershot topics such as GPS navigation, 3-D sensing, and machine vision, all using a Linux platform!

Digital Signal Processing has undergone enormous growth in usage/implementation in the last 20 years and many engineering schools are now offering real-time DSP courses in their undergraduate curricula. Our everyday lives involve the use of DSP systems in things such as cell phones and high-speed modems; Texas Instruments has introduced the TMS320C6000 DSP processor family to meet the high performance demands of today s signal processing applications.
This book provides the know-how for the implementation and optimization of computationally intensive signal processing algorithms on the Texas Instruments family of TMS320C6000 DSP processors. It is organized in such a way that it can be used as the textbook for DSP lab courses offered at many engineering schools or as a self-study/reference for those familiar with DSP but not this family of processors.
This book provides a restructured, modified, and condensed version of the information in more than twenty TI manuals so that one can learn real-time DSP implementations on the C6000 family in a structured course, within one semester. Each chapter is followed by an appropriate lab exercise to provide the hands-on lab material for implementing appropriate signal processing
functions. These labs are included on the accompanying companion website to take the reader through the entire process of C6X code writing.
* Each chapter is followed by an appropriate lab exercise
* Provides the hands-on lab material for implementing appropriate signal processing functions
* Labs are included on accompanying companion website taking the reader through the entire process of C6X code writing"

Accelerated Testing and Validation Methods is a cross-disciplinary guide that describes testing and validation tools and techniques throughout the product development process. Alex Porter not only focuses on what information is needed but also on what tools can produce the information in a timely manner. From the information provided, engineers and managers can determine what data is needed from a test and validation program and then how to select the best, most effective methods for obtaining the data.
This book integrates testing and validation methods with a business perspective so readers can understand when, where, and how such methods can be economically justified. Testing and validation is about generating key information at the correct time so that sound business and engineering decisions can be made. Rather than simply describing various testing and validation techniques, the author offers readers guidance on how to select the best tools for a particular need, explains the appropriateness of different techniques to various situations and shows how to deploy them to ensure the desired information is accurately gathered.
* Emphasizes developing a strategy for testing and validation
* Companion website includes example spreadsheets, program source code, case studies, video clips and much more
* Teaches how to design a testing and validation program that deliver information in a timely and cost-effective manner

The Complete "Tool Kit" for the Hottest Area in RF/Wireless Design!
Short-range wireless-communications over distances of less than 100 meters-is the most rapidly growing segment of RF/wireless engineering. Alan Bensky is an internationally recognized expert in short-range wireless, and this new edition of his bestselling book is completely revised to cover the latest developments in this fast moving field.
You'll find coverage of such cutting-edge topics as:
- architectural trends in RF/wireless integrated circuits
- compatibility and conflict issues between different short-range wireless systems
- "Zigbee" and related new IEEE standards for short-range communications
- latest U.S. and international regulatory standards for spread spectrum, ultra wideband, and other advanced communications techniques
Alan Bensky also thoroughly discusses the fundamentals of radio signal propagation, communications protocols and modulation methods, information theory, antennas and transmission lines, receivers, transmitters, radio system design, and how to successfully implement a short-range wireless system. All material has been carefully updated and revised to make it as technically up-to-the-minute as possible. The accompanying CD includes Mathcad worksheets to greatly simplify common design tasks and calculations.
You'll also find coverage of Bluetooth, "Wi-Fi" and related 802.11 variants, digital modulation methods, and other essential information for planning and designing short-range wireless hardware and networks.
This new edition will, like the first edition, be an invaluable reference for engineers and technical professionals who design, support, market, and maintain short-range wireless communications systems.
* No other book contains EVERYTHING pertaining to short-range wireless design.
* Covers all the hot topics like 802.11, Zigbee, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
* Valuable CD-Rom included that will simplify the design process.

This handbook provides a comprehensive reference for firmware developers looking to increase their skills and productivity. It addresses each critical step of the development process in detail, including how to optimize hardware design for better firmware. Topics covered include real-time issues, interrupts and ISRs, memory management (including Flash memory), handling both digital and analog peripherals, communications interfacing, math subroutines, error handling, design tools, and troubleshooting and debugging. The companion CD-ROM includes all the code used in the design examples and a searchable ebook version of the text.
This book is not for the beginner, but rather is an in-depth, comprehensive one-volume reference that addresses all the major issues in firmware design and development, including the pertinent hardware issues.
* Included CD-Rom contains all the source code used in the design examples, so engineers can easily use it in their own designs

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. The accompanying companion website contains all the code used in the design examples as well as useful open-source tools for embedded design.
.A wealth of practical tips, tricks and techniques
.Design better, faster and more cost-effectively
.Accompanying companion website includes useful open-source tools for embedded design"

Based on familiar circuit theory and basic physics, this book serves as an invaluable reference for both analog and digital engineers alike. For those who work with analog RF, this book is a must-have resource. With computers and networking equipment of the 21st century running at such high frequencies, it is now crucial for digital designers to understand electromagnetic fields, radiation and transmission lines. This knowledge is necessary for maintaining signal integrity and achieving EMC compliance. Since many digital designers are lacking in analog design skills, let alone electromagnetics, an easy-to-read but informative book on electromagnetic topics should be considered a welcome addition to their professional libraries.
Covers topics using conceptual explanations and over 150 lucid figures, in place of complex mathematicsDemystifies antennas, waveguides, and transmission line phenomenaProvides the foundation necessary to thoroughly understand signal integrity issues associated with high-speed digital design

New material in the third edition includes mobile base station antennas, operation of cellular networks, SAW filters and ceramic resonators, modulation for stereo FM broadcasts, ADPCM, and vocoders.
*The essential data and information for modern radio engineering at your fingertips
*Based on the practical knowhow of practicing engineers
*Ideal for reference and revision

Accessible to all readers, including students of secondary school and amateur technology enthusiasts, Robotics, Mechatronics, and Artificial Intelligence simplifies the process of finding basic circuits to perform simple tasks, such as how to control a DC or step motor, and provides instruction on creating moving robotic parts, such as an "eye" or an "ear." Though many companies offer kits for project construction, most experimenters want to design and build their own robots and other creatures specific to their needs and goals. With this new book by Newton Braga, hobbyists and experimenters around the world will be able to decide what skills they want to feature in a project and then choose the right "building blocks" to create the ideal results.
In the past few years the technology of robotics, mechatronics, and artificial intelligence has exploded, leaving many people with the desire but not the means to build their own projects. The author's fascination with and expertise in the exciting field of robotics is demonstrated by the range of simple to complex project blocks he provides, which are designed to benefit both novice and experienced robotics enthusiasts. The common components and technology featured in the project blocks are especially beneficial to readers who need practical solutions that can be implemented easily by their own hands, without incorporating expensive, complicated technology.
Accessible to technicians and hobbyists with many levels of experience, and written to provide inexpensive and creative fun with robotics
Appeals to all sorts of technology enthusiasts, including those involved with electronics, computers, home automation, mechanics, and other areas.

Written to provide information on all price ranges of equipment to everyone from the beginner to the experienced home theater owner, Build Your Own Home Theater has been completely updated for today's audience. This new edition contains valuable consumer information on the latest digital home theater components and technology, including digital surround sound receivers, DVD players, digital television & HDTV, digital satellites (DBS), digital camcorders, and digital hard-drive video recorders. It also features easy-to-understand explanations of surround sound technology and set ups including Dolbya Digital, THX Surround EXTM, and DTS-ESTM.
If you are interested in audio, video, and home theater technologies, this book will give you the information you need to choose the right components, hook the pieces together, and create a fabulous theater experience right in your own living room. When the first edition of Build Your Own Home Theater was published, decent home theater systems were primarily only affordable for wealthier consumers. Now, several years later, the technology is accessible to millions of homes as products such as wide-screen televisions, digital surround sound audio, DVD Video and Audio Players, and digital satellite systems have become commonplace. Though most people don't have actual home theater set-ups in their living rooms, more and more consumers are trying to combine components they already own with new high-tech components to create an affordable home theater experience. Complete with important home theater Web site addresses and resources, Build Your Own Home Theater, Second Edition is a comprehensive, current, and well-researched text. Beginners to advanced home theater consumers, Videophiles, technicians, engineers, and electronics hobbyists from all walks of life will especially find it invaluable.

*"Dolby" and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks and "Surround Sound EX" is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
THX and Lucasfilm are (c) Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights are reserved. Used under authorization. DTS and DTS-ES are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Covers all of the hot digital technologies and how to tie them together into one amazing home theater experience for budgets from $1,500 to $15,000.
New edition includes cutting edge technology from Digital Surround Sound to High Definition and Digital Television, DVD, Video Hard-Drives, Digital Satellites, and much more."