Embedded Systems: Introduction to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers

by Jonathan W. Valvano

Embedded systems are a ubiquitous component of our everyday lives. We interact with hundreds of tiny computers every day that are embedded into our houses, our cars, our toys, and our work. As our world has become more complex, so have the capabilities of the microcontrollers embedded into our devices. The ARM Cortex-M family represents a new class of microcontrollers much more powerful than the devices available ten years ago. The purpose of this book is to present the design methodology to train young engineers to understand the basic building blocks that comprise devices like a cell phone, an MP3 player, a pacemaker, antilock brakes, and an engine controller.
This book is the first in a series of three books that teach the fundamentals of embedded systems as applied to the ARM® Cortex™-M family of microcontrollers. This first book is an introduction to computers and interfacing focusing on assembly language and C programming. The second book Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers focuses on hardware/software interfacing and the design of embedded systems. The third book Embedded Systems: Real-Time Operating Systems for ARM Cortex-M Microcontrollers is an advanced book focusing on operating systems, high-speed interfacing, control systems, and robotics. The third volume could also be used for professionals wishing to design or deploy a real-time operating system onto an ARM platform. This first book is an introductory book that could be used at the college level with little or no prerequisites.
An embedded system is a system that performs a specific task and has a computer embedded inside. A system is comprised of components and interfaces connected together for a common purpose. This book is an introduction to embedded systems. Specific topics include microcontrollers, fixed-point numbers, the design of software in assembly language and C, elementary data structures, programming input/output including interrupts, analog to digital conversion, digital to analog conversion.
The book will cover embedded systems for ARM® Cortex™-M microcontrollers with specific details on the LM3S811, LM3S1968, LM3S8962, LM4F120, and TM4C123. Most of the topics can be run on any of these microcontrollers. In these books the terms LM3S LM4F and TM4C will refer to families of microcontrollers with the Texas Instruments Stellaris® line. Although the solutions are specific for the LM3S LM4F and TM4C families, it will be possible to use these books for other ARM derivatives.
The true engineering experience occurs not with your eyes and ears, but rather with your fingers and elbows. In other words, engineering education does not happen by listening in class or reading a book; rather it happens by designing under the watchful eyes of a patient mentor. So, go build something today, then show it to someone you respect!

Genres: Programming

509 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2012

Reviews

[Mahdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won't find a better book if you want to learn about embedded systems. You can also watch the free online course on edx.org platform. It is an excellent book for both students and instructors.

[alazga · Rating 4 out of 5]

increible un 10 aunq un poco desfasado de tiempo pero gracias padre por recomendarmelo

[Joe Narvaez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the edX class only requires high school physics electricity, the first chapter assumes more of the reader. The practice problems, rules of thumb, and design principles are excellent. Perhaps I think more highly of this book because the teachers in the edX lectures are so affable. I like the systems approach. I love their tenacious focus on good engineering design.

[Haluk]

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