Embedded Linux -- Hardware, Software, and Interfaces

Author: Craig Hollabaugh
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: The era of embedded systems has arrived, despite its temporary decline. Now, embedded systems are everywhere in our daily lives: GPS-enabled cars, smart phones, digital cameras, DVD players, PDAs, and more. Their industrial applications are even more widespread. In this rising industry, the latecomer Linux has increasingly demonstrated its irreplaceable advantages due to its open-source nature and powerful functionality. Although industry applications have become deeply integrated, information and resources on embedded Linux are far less comprehensive and centralized compared to other aspects of Linux. This is especially true in China, where open resources on this topic are even rarer. Dr. Craig Hollabaugh's "Embedded Linux: Hardware, Software, and Interfacing" is exactly what is needed, and we are fortunate to be able to translate this rare practical guide in time for Chinese readers.
This book does not stop at explaining principles but takes an actual project developed using embedded Linux as its backdrop. By covering various embedded Linux technology topics involved in the project, it provides readers with a relatively comprehensive view of the process of developing an embedded Linux project. The explanations are easy to follow, with thorough analysis of problems, strong practicality, and summaries of solutions to common issues as well as some tips. It also provides online resources for common technologies encountered in embedded Linux development. The book includes many simple yet extensible source codes, such as C programs for device drivers and bash scripts. Readers only need basic knowledge of digital logic circuits, C language, and Linux system management. By reading this book, readers can step by step gain a real understanding of the specific process of embedded Linux development.
Through an example of an automated management system for a winter tourist resort, this book introduces embedded Linux from the perspectives of software, hardware, and interfaces. After introducing the project requirements, the author explains how to set up the development environment. Then, using a series of hardware/software interface examples, it demonstrates how to use asynchronous serial communication, PC parallel ports, USB, memory I/O, synchronous serial communication, interrupts, and more. Finally, it introduces the system integration process that organically combines all the work done earlier.
This book is application-oriented, with the entire project implementation process and hardware/software interface examples offering strong practical guidance. It is practical and easy to read, making it suitable for hardware engineers, software developers, system integration personnel, product managers, or anyone else interested in embedded Linux applications.