Embedded computer systems literally surround us: they're in our cell phones, PDAs, cars, TVs, refrigerators, heating systems, and more. In fact, embedded systems are one of the most rapidly growing segments of the computer industry today.

Along with the growing list of devices for which embedded computer systems are appropriate, interest is growing among programmers, hobbyists, and engineers of all types in how to design and build devices of their own. Furthermore, the knowledge offered by this book into the fundamentals of these computer systems can benefit anyone who has to evaluate and apply the systems.

The second edition of "Designing Embedded Hardware" has been updated to include information on the latest generation of processors and microcontrollers, including the new MAXQ processor. If you're new to this and don't know what a MAXQ is, don't worry--the book spells out the basics of embedded design for beginners while providing material useful for advanced systems designers.

"Designing Embedded Hardware" steers a course between those books dedicated to writing code for particular microprocessors, and those that stress the philosophy of embedded system design without providing any practical information. Having designed 40 embedded computer systems of his own, author John Catsoulis brings a wealth of real-world experience to show readers how to design and create entirely new embedded devices and computerized gadgets, as well as how to customize and extend off-the-shelf systems.

Loaded with real examples, this book also provides a roadmap to the pitfalls and traps to avoid. "Designing Embedded Hardware" includes:

The theory and practice of embedded systems

Understanding schematics and data sheets

Powering an embedded system

Producing and debugging an embedded system

Processors such as the PIC, Atmel AVR, and Motorola 68000-series

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) architectures

Protocols (SPI and I2C) used to add peripherals

RS-232C, RS-422, infrared communication, and USB

CAN and Ethernet networking

Pulse Width Monitoring and motor control

If you want to build your own embedded system, or tweak an existing one, this invaluable book gives you the understanding and practical skills you need.