Programming Embedded Systems in C and C++

xii Preface

the book are memory testing and verification, device driver design and implemen-

tation, real-time operating system internals, and code optimization techniques.

Why I Wrote This Book

I once heard an estimate that in the United States there are eight microprocessor-

based devices for every person. At the time, I wondered how this could be. Are

there really that many computers surrounding us? Later, when I had more time to

think about it, I started to make a list of the things I used that probably contained

a microprocessor. Within five minutes, my list contained ten items: television, ste-

reo, coffee maker, alarm clock, VCR, microwave, dishwasher, remote control,

bread machine, and digital watch. And those were just my personal possessions—I

quickly came up with ten more devices I used at work.

The revelation that every one of those products contains not only a processor, but

also software, was not far behind. At last, I knew what I wanted to do with my

life. I wanted to put my programming skills to work developing embedded com-

puter systems. But how would I acquire the necessary knowledge? At this point, I

was in my last year of college. There hadn’t been any classes on embedded sys-

tems programming so far, and I wasn’t able to find any listed in the course catalog.

Fortunately, when I graduated I found a company that let me write embedded

software while I was still learning. But ...