Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Embedded Systems Architecture
Embedded Systems Architecture

Embedded Systems Architecture: Explore architectural concepts, pragmatic design patterns, and best practices to produce robust systems

eBook
€20.98 €29.99
Paperback
€36.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at €18.99p/m

What do you get with eBook?

Product feature icon Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
Product feature icon AI Assistant (beta) to help accelerate your learning
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Billing Address

Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Embedded Systems Architecture

Work Environment and Workflow Optimization

The first step toward a successful software project is choosing the right tools. Embedded development requires a set of hardware and software instruments that make the developer's life easier, and may significantly improve productivity and cut down the total development time. This chapter is meant to provide a description of the tools, and give advice on how to use them, to improve the workflow. The first section gives an overview of the workflow in native C programming, and gradually reveals the changes necessary to translate the model to an embedded development environment. Then, the GCC toolchain, a set of development tools to build the embedded application, is introduced through the analysis of its components. Finally, in the last two sections, strategies of interaction with the target are proposed, to provide mechanisms for...

Workflow overview

Writing software in C, as well as in every compiled language, requires the code to be transformed to an executable format for a specific target to run it. C is portable across different architectures and execution environments. Programmers rely on a set of tools to compile, link, execute, and debug software to a specific target.

Building the firmware image of an embedded system relies on a similar set of tools, which can produce firmware images for specific targets, called a toolchain. This section gives an overview of the common sets of tools required to write software in C and produce programs that are directly executable on the machine that compiled them. The workflow must then be extended and adapted to integrate the toolchain components, and produce executable code for the target platform.

...

The GCC toolchain

An embedded toolchain is a set of software tools aimed to build software for a specific platform. While, in some cases, the complexity of the toolchain can be abstracted through a GUI, it is often distributed as a set of standalone applications, each one serving a specific purpose. Understanding the single tools and learning how to use them properly speeds up the development process and gives us a closer look at how things work under the hood.

GCC is nowadays one of the reference toolchains to build embedded systems, due to its modular structure allowing backends for multiple architectures. Thanks to its open source model, and the flexibility in building tailored toolchains from it, GCC-based toolchains are among the most popular development tools in embedded systems.

Building software using a command-line-based toolchain has several advantages, including the...

Interacting with the target

For development purposes, embedded platforms are usually accessed through a JTAG or an SWD interface. Through these communication channels, it is possible to upload the software onto the flash of the target, and access the on-chip debug functionalities. There are several self-contained JTAG/SWD adapters on the market that can be controlled through USB from the host, while some development boards are equipped with an extra chip controlling the JTAG channel, that connects to the host through USB.

A powerful generic open source tool to access JTAG/SWD functionalities on the target is the Open On-Chip Debugger (OpenOCD). Once properly configured, it creates local sockets that can be used as a command console and for the interaction with the debugger frontend. Some development boards are distributed with additional interfaces to communicate with the core...

Validation

Debugging alone, or even simple output analysis, is often not enough when verifying system behavior and identifying issues and unwanted effects in the code. Different approaches may be taken to validate the implementation of the single components, as well as the behavior of the entire system under different conditions. While, in some cases, the results can be directly measurable from the host machine, in more specific contexts, it is often difficult to reproduce the exact scenario, or to acquire the necessary information from the system output.

External tools may come in handy, especially in the analysis of communication interfaces and network devices in a more complex, distributed system. In other cases, single modules can be tested off-target using simulated or emulated environments to run smaller portions of the code base.

Different tests, validation strategies,...

Summary

This chapter introduced the tools for working on the development of embedded systems. A hands-on approach has been proposed, to get the reader up and running with the toolchain and the utilities required to communicate with the hardware platform. Using appropriate tools can make embedded development easier and shorten the workflow iterations.

In the next chapter, we provide indications on the organization of the workflow when working with larger teams. Based on real-life experiences, we propose solutions for splitting and organizing tasks, executing tests, iterating throughout the phases of design, and the definition and implementation of an embedded project.

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon
Download code icon Download Code

Key benefits

  • • Identify and overcome challenges in embedded environments
  • • Understand the steps required to increase the security of IoT solutions
  • • Build safety-critical and memory-safe parallel and distributed embedded systems

Description

Embedded systems are self-contained devices with a dedicated purpose. We come across a variety of fields of applications for embedded systems in industries such as automotive, telecommunications, healthcare and consumer electronics, just to name a few. Embedded Systems Architecture begins with a bird's eye view of embedded development and how it differs from the other systems that you may be familiar with. You will first be guided to set up an optimal development environment, then move on to software tools and methodologies to improve the work flow. You will explore the boot-up mechanisms and the memory management strategies typical of a real-time embedded system. Through the analysis of the programming interface of the reference microcontroller, you'll look at the implementation of the features and the device drivers. Next, you'll learn about the techniques used to reduce power consumption. Then you will be introduced to the technologies, protocols and security aspects related to integrating the system into IoT solutions. By the end of the book, you will have explored various aspects of embedded architecture, including task synchronization in a multi-threading environment, and the safety models adopted by modern real-time operating systems.

Who is this book for?

If you’re a software developer or designer wanting to learn about embedded programming, this is the book for you. You’ll also find this book useful if you’re a less experienced embedded programmer willing to expand your knowledge.

What you will learn

  • • Participate in the design and definition phase of an embedded product
  • • Get to grips with writing code for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers
  • • Build an embedded development lab and optimize the workflow
  • • Write memory-safe code
  • • Understand the architecture behind the communication interfaces
  • • Understand the design and development patterns for connected and distributed devices in the IoT
  • • Master multitask parallel execution patterns and real-time operating systems

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : May 30, 2018
Length: 324 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781788830287
Category :
Languages :

What do you get with eBook?

Product feature icon Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
Product feature icon AI Assistant (beta) to help accelerate your learning
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Billing Address

Product Details

Publication date : May 30, 2018
Length: 324 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781788830287
Category :
Languages :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
€18.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
€189.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just €5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
€264.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just €5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total 120.97
Architectural Patterns
€41.99
Software Architect’s Handbook
€41.99
Embedded Systems Architecture
€36.99
Total 120.97 Stars icon
Banner background image

Table of Contents

12 Chapters
Embedded Systems – A Pragmatic Approach Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Work Environment and Workflow Optimization Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Architectural Patterns Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The Boot-Up Procedure Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Memory Management Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
General-Purpose Peripherals Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Local Bus Interfaces Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Low-Power Optimizations Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Distributed Systems and IoT Architecture Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Parallel Tasks and Scheduling Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Embedded Operating Systems Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Top Reviews
Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.9
(8 Ratings)
5 star 50%
4 star 12.5%
3 star 25%
2 star 0%
1 star 12.5%
Filter icon Filter
Top Reviews

Filter reviews by




Tudor Jan 28, 2022
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book does a great job of exploring all the "low-level details" about Arm CortexM processors and its role in an embedded system. It helps answer the question "What really is an embedded system and what do you need to start building one?" It covers lots of topics which is great for guiding further study after finishing the book.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Paul E. Dunn May 14, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Very interesting, informative, and well-written.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Cesar Trejo Jul 14, 2023
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Libros de mucha calidad!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
RamanathanR Oct 25, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book is currently, the best on learning to program Cortex-M MCUs in an "industry" setting. Pair it with "Embedded Systems Fundamentals with ARM Cortex-M based Microcontrollers: A Practical Approach" which is a little more basic and you have everything you need to master the ARM Cortex-M family.Programming the Cortex-M is nothing like programming a 8051/AVR/PIC etc. The MCU has far more complexity which can be used to run a proper RTOS in addition to bare-metal programming. The supporting additional complexity in the hardware is what makes it so difficult to program without a reasonable level of understanding. That is where this book comes in; the author explains each major module of functionality with adequate code walk-through and the intention of showing how everything fits together in an end "System". Highly recommended!Some caveats; the first couple of introductory chapters can be pared down even further. The last couple of chapters on IoT and RTOS are too basic and need to be fleshed out more.Finally, this book can be used as a preliminary to studying "Embedded Linux" (though standard Linux doesn't run on Cortex-M) since it clarifies all the hardware interfacing aspects.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
John Schofield Apr 28, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
I have been working for a while on a project using an STM32 embedded processor but my knowledge of it is patchy. This book gives a helpful overview of embedded systems development, using STM32 devices as an example. I was pleased to see that it covers the full development lifecycle and the types of tools you need.It neatly sidesteps the issue that vexes me most - that of selecting one of the many possible tool chains, by just using a gcc cross compiler toolchain and 'make' to control the build process. As an approach this makes sense, but I would love to see more discussion of the merits of various frameworks (it briefly mentions CMSIS & libopencm3) and of modern IDE based tools like STM32CubeIDE or PlatformIO.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

How do I buy and download an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Where there is an eBook version of a title available, you can buy it from the book details for that title. Add either the standalone eBook or the eBook and print book bundle to your shopping cart. Your eBook will show in your cart as a product on its own. After completing checkout and payment in the normal way, you will receive your receipt on the screen containing a link to a personalised PDF download file. This link will remain active for 30 days. You can download backup copies of the file by logging in to your account at any time.

If you already have Adobe reader installed, then clicking on the link will download and open the PDF file directly. If you don't, then save the PDF file on your machine and download the Reader to view it.

Please Note: Packt eBooks are non-returnable and non-refundable.

Packt eBook and Licensing When you buy an eBook from Packt Publishing, completing your purchase means you accept the terms of our licence agreement. Please read the full text of the agreement. In it we have tried to balance the need for the ebook to be usable for you the reader with our needs to protect the rights of us as Publishers and of our authors. In summary, the agreement says:

  • You may make copies of your eBook for your own use onto any machine
  • You may not pass copies of the eBook on to anyone else
How can I make a purchase on your website? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

If you want to purchase a video course, eBook or Bundle (Print+eBook) please follow below steps:

  1. Register on our website using your email address and the password.
  2. Search for the title by name or ISBN using the search option.
  3. Select the title you want to purchase.
  4. Choose the format you wish to purchase the title in; if you order the Print Book, you get a free eBook copy of the same title. 
  5. Proceed with the checkout process (payment to be made using Credit Card, Debit Cart, or PayPal)
Where can I access support around an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
  • If you experience a problem with using or installing Adobe Reader, the contact Adobe directly.
  • To view the errata for the book, see www.packtpub.com/support and view the pages for the title you have.
  • To view your account details or to download a new copy of the book go to www.packtpub.com/account
  • To contact us directly if a problem is not resolved, use www.packtpub.com/contact-us
What eBook formats do Packt support? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Our eBooks are currently available in a variety of formats such as PDF and ePubs. In the future, this may well change with trends and development in technology, but please note that our PDFs are not Adobe eBook Reader format, which has greater restrictions on security.

You will need to use Adobe Reader v9 or later in order to read Packt's PDF eBooks.

What are the benefits of eBooks? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
  • You can get the information you need immediately
  • You can easily take them with you on a laptop
  • You can download them an unlimited number of times
  • You can print them out
  • They are copy-paste enabled
  • They are searchable
  • There is no password protection
  • They are lower price than print
  • They save resources and space
What is an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Packt eBooks are a complete electronic version of the print edition, available in PDF and ePub formats. Every piece of content down to the page numbering is the same. Because we save the costs of printing and shipping the book to you, we are able to offer eBooks at a lower cost than print editions.

When you have purchased an eBook, simply login to your account and click on the link in Your Download Area. We recommend you saving the file to your hard drive before opening it.

For optimal viewing of our eBooks, we recommend you download and install the free Adobe Reader version 9.