If you want a simple guide to building complex robots, then this book is for you. You'll need some programming knowledge and experience working with mechanical systems.

Your author was chief engineer on the Avionics for the F111 fighter aircraft which was the first military aircraft to include GPS for its navigation system. That was before the days of widespread use of NanoTechology in electronics; as a result the F111 GPS was in a box the size of a Personal Computer and cost around half million dollars. I have a Tom-Tom GPS for my auto which is palm sized and cost a few hundred dollars. In 2012 I bought a 4 inch Samsung SIII smartphone which cost less than $200 and which included a free GPS App. I also bought a Toshiba Thrive Tablet for less than $300 which contains a free Google GPS App. GPS can be downloaded free to any Android mobile device. These free Google GPS Apps use Google navigation maps, for which you get charged data usage by your Android mobile server. You can download a more sophisticated GPS program that includes downloaded maps for which you pay a once only price, which avoids the data cost for using the maps which are stored in your mobile device memory. I took a test flight in the Caltech flying club aircraft that included a GPS navigation system with an easy to comprehend display. One of the benefits of this aircraft GPS is it would permit making IFR approaches to airports that lack an FAA ILS approach system, such as the airport here in Lompoc, CA, where I live. This book is intended to provide the status of GPS technology for use in walking, driving, boating and flying in 2013.

USB is likely the most successful communication interface in the history of computer systems, and is the de-facto standard for connecting computer peripherals. Micri m's C/USB-Device is a USB device stack designed specifically for embedded systems. Built from the ground up with Micri m's quality, scalability and reliability, it has gone through a rigorous validation process to comply with the USB 2.0 specification. The first part of this book describes the inner-workings of USB using Micri m's C/USB-Device stack as a reference. The second part demonstrates how the Renesas YRDKRX63N Demonstration Kit (sold separately) and Micri m's C/USB-Device stack can be used as the foundation to build a USB device that relies on a combination of proven hardware and software platforms. Renesas' ultra-low-power RX63N MCU is at the core of the YRDKRX63N board, which incorporates communication functions such as USB 2.0 full-speed (host or device) among others. The examples featured in this book include USB devices with the most basic functionality that will allow you to understand the USB concepts covered in the first part of the book and at the same time, they provide a framework to quickly build devices such as: - USB-to-serial adapter (Communications Device Class) - Mouse or keyboard (Human Interface Device Class) - Removable storage device (Mass Storage Class) - USB medical device (Personal Healthcare Device Class) - Custom device (Vendor Class)

Embedded microcontrollers enable products with sophisticated control, precise timing, low unit cost, low development cost, and high design flexibility. This book shows how to design and optimize embedded systems using the energy-efficient RL78 family of microcontrollers from Renesas Electronics Inc. The book is suitable for practicing engineers and both undergraduate and graduate classes on embedded systems. The first section of the book provides an introduction to developing embedded systems efficiently. - Basic microcontroller concepts - Processor core, instruction set architecture and interrupt system - Peripherals for digital and analog interfacing, serial communications, timing control, system robustness and acceleration, clock system control and low-power standby modes - Software development concepts including software engineering, development tool-chain, and compiler concepts The second section dives into optimizing embedded systems for three different goals. - Program speed depends on designing an efficient program and then helping the compiler generate fast object code. Execution time profiling finds the slow parts of the program quickly and guides speed optimization efforts. Examining object code helps determine if the compiler is working well enough. - Program responsiveness to events depends on the task scheduling approach and the use of preemption and prioritization. Real-time system analysis enables the calculation of response times and schedulability. - System energy efficiency depends on balancing a system's static and dynamic power consumption. A good design will trade off supply voltage, operating frequency, standby and shutdown modes to meet energy or power goals.

The vast majority of computers in use today are encapsulated within other systems. In contrast to general-purpose computers that run an endless selection of software, these embedded computers are often programmed for a very specific, low-level and often mundane purpose. Low-end microcontrollers, costing as little as one dollar, are often employed by engineers in designs that utilize only a small fraction of the processing capability of the device because it is either more cost-effective than selecting an application-specific part or because programmability offers custom functionality not otherwise available. Embedded Systems Interfacing for Engineers using the Freescale HCS08 Microcontroller is a two-part book intended to provide an introduction to hardware and software interfacing for engineers. Building from a comprehensive introduction of fundamental computing concepts, the book suitable for a first course in computer organization for electrical or computer engineering students with a minimal background in digital logic and programming. In addition, this book can be valuable as a reference for engineers new to the Freescale HCS08 family of microcontrollers. The HCS08 processor architecture used in the book is relatively simple to learn, powerful enough to apply towards a wide-range of interfacing tasks, and accommodates breadboard prototyping in a laboratory using freely available and low-cost tools. In Part I: Assembly Language Programming, the programmer's model of the HSC08 family of processors is introduced. This part leads the reader from basic concepts up to implementing basic software control structures in assembly language. Instead of focusing on large-scale programs, the emphasis is on implementing small algorithms necessary to accomplish some of the more common tasks expected in small embedded systems. The first part prepares the reader with the programming skills necessary to write device drivers in and perform basic input/output processing Part II, whose emphasis is on hardware interfacing concepts. Table of Contents: Introduction to Microcomputer Organization / Programmer's Model of the HCS08 CPU / HCS08 Assembly Language Programming

This slightly revised 4th edition includes two example projects from the earlier editions not found in the third edition but is otherwise unchanged. As before it includes a massive amount of information about the 8051-family of microcontrollers and techniques for programming them in the C language. There is a strong emphasis on interrupt-driven programming and operating systems as well as many algorithms related to typical microcontroller interfacing. There is extensive ground-up coverage of serial interfacing and small-area networks.

Offers a systematic approach to PIC programming and interfacing using Assembly and C languages. Offering numerous examples and a step-by-step approach, it covers both the Assembly and C programming languages and devotes separate chapters to interfacing with peripherals such as Timers, LCD, Serial Ports, Interrupts, Motors and more. A unique chapter on hardware design of the PIC system and the PIC trainer round out coverage. Systematic coverage of the PIC18 family of Microcontrollers. Assembly language and C language programming and interfacing techniques. Thorough coverage of Architectures and Assembly language programming of the PIC18. Thorough coverage of C language programming of the PIC18. Separate chapters on programming and interfacing the PIC with peripherals - Includes information on how to interface the PIC with LCD, keyboard, ADC, DAC, Sensors, Serial Ports, Timers, DC and Stepper Motors, Optoisolators, and RTC. Covers how to program each peripheral, first using the Assembly language and then using the C language. Those involved with PIC programming and interfacing using Assembly and C languages.

Gain a Working Knowledge of the Entire Microprocessor Design Flow

This unique step-by-step guide is a complete introduction to modern microprocessor design, explained in simple nontechnical language without complex mathematics. An ideal primer for those working in or studying the semiconductor industry, Microprocessor Design explains all the key concepts, terms, and acronyms needed to understand the steps required to design and manufacture a microprocessor.

Developed from a successful corporate training course, this hands-on learning guide walks readers through every step of microprocessor design. You'll follow a new processor product from initial planning through design to production. In Microprocessor Design, the author converts his real-world design and teaching experience into an easy-to-follow reference employing an on-the-job-training approach to cover: The evolution of microprocessors Microprocessor design planning Architecture and microarchitecture Logic design and circuit design Semiconductor manufacturing Processor packaging and test

This authoritative reference is an excellent introduction for students or engineers new to processor design and can show industry veterans how their specialty fits into the overall design flow. This accessible and practical guide will provide the reader with a broad working knowledge of the concepts of microprocessor design, as well as an understanding of the individual steps in the process and the jargon used by the industry.

This book will teach students how to design digital logic circuits, specifically combinational and sequential circuits. Students will learn how to put these two types of circuits together to form dedicated and general-purpose microprocessors. This book is unique in that it combines the use of logic principles and the building of individual components to create data paths and control units, and finally the building of real dedicated custom microprocessors and general-purpose microprocessors. After understanding the material in the book, students will be able to design simple microprocessors and implement them in real hardware.

The peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus is the dominant bus system used to connect the different elements making up today's high-performance computer systems. Different PCI implementations have also been developed for such applications as telecommunications and embedded computing. If an application calls for high speed, high reliability, flexible configuration, and bus mastering, then PCI is the only logical bus choice. This book is an applications-oriented introduction to the PCI bus, with an emphasis on implementing PCI in a variety of computer architectures. Special attention is given to industrial and mission-critical applications of PCI bus.
.Fully describes PCI electrical specifications, mechanical requirements, and signal types
.Covers advanced topics through numerous design examples to increase the readers understanding of the subject
.Includes updated coverage of PCI-X 2.0

Find hundreds of readily accessible tips for upgrading and tuning your PC inside this organized resource. Written by best-selling computer book author Kris Jamsa, you’ll get inside information and best practices on everything from system settings to adding and upgrading peripherals, and much more.

This book introduces microcontroller theory using the Parallax BASIC Stamp I, II, and IIsx. The BASIC Stamp microcontroller is based on Microchip's PIC hardware with some modifications and is very approachable for beginning users. Once the basic theory is established, BASIC Stamp, 2/E walks the reader through applications suitable for designers as well as the home hobbyist. These applications can be used as is or as a basis for further modifications to suit specific design needs. BASIC Stamp, 2/E thoroughly explains the hardware base of the BASIC Stamp microcontroller including internal architecture, the peripheral functions, as well as providing the technical data sheets for each kind of chip. The authors also explain the BASIC Stamp development systems including DOS and Windows-based tools in tremendous detail. As an added feature, BASIC Stamp, 2/E includes full instructions for using PBASIC programming and formatting. The book provides many specific applications for microcontroller use, complete with programming instructions, including: single instructions, multiple instructions, interfacing directions, and more complex applications such as motion detection, light measurement, and home automation.

Provides a keystone for the introductory level of the Newnes microelectronics titles
Introduces PIC microcontroller operation
Demonstrates applications for designers and hobbyists

Debugging Embedded Microprocessor Systems provides techniques for engineers, technicians, and students who need to correct design faults in embedded systems. Using real-world scenarios, designers can learn practical, time-saving ways to avoid and repair potentially costly problems. Prevention is stressed.
In this book, the author addresses hardware and software issues, including up-front design techniques to prevent bugs and contain design creep. Practical advice includes descriptions of common tools which can be used to help identify and repair bugs, as well as test routines. RTOS and embedded PC environments are also covered.
Each chapter of Debugging Embedded Microprocessor Systems opens with an example design problem which illustrates real-world issues such as design changes, time pressures, equipment or component availability, etc. Case studies of past debugging projects are presented in the final chapter.

Addresses real-world issues like design changes, time pressures, equipment or component availability
Practical, time-saving methods for preventing and correcting design problems
Covers debugging tools and programmer test routines

This cutting-edge, practical guide brings you an independent, comprehensive introduction to DSP processor technology. A thorough tutorial and overview of DSP architectures, this book incorporates a broad range of today's product offerings in examples that illustrate DSP features and capabilities. This book is especially useful to electronic systems designers, processor architects, engineering managers, and product planners.