Provides an introduction to microprocessor systems, their operation and design. The text covers topics needed by engineers and computer scientists who are interested in applying microprocessors in practical situations, such as computer hardware, software, and the design and testing of systems.

Microprocessor System Design: A Practical Introduction describes the concepts and techniques incorporated into the design of electronic circuits, particularly microprocessor boards and their peripherals. The book reviews the basic building blocks of the electronic systems composed of digital (logic levels, gate output circuitry) and analog components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors). The text also describes operational amplifiers (op-amp) that use a negative feedback technique to improve the parameters of the op-amp. The design engineer can use programmable array logic (PAL) to replace standard discrete TTL and CMOS gates in circuits. The PAL is programmable and configurable to match the requirement of a given circuit. Using PAL can save space, a very important factor in the miniaturization process. Examples of PAL applications include the BCD counter, the LS 138 emulator, and a priority interrupt encoder. The book also explains the operation and function of a microprocessor, the bus-based systems, analog-to-digital conversion, and vice-versa. The text is suitable for programmers, computer engineers, computer technicians, and computer instructors dealing with many aspects of computers such as programming, networking, engineering or design.

This textbook for courses in Embedded Systems introduces students to necessary concepts, through a hands-on approach. It gives a great introduction to FPGA-based microprocessor system design using state-of-the-art boards, tools, and microprocessors from Altera/Intel® and Xilinx®. HDL-based designs (soft-core), parameterized cores (Nios II and MicroBlaze), and ARM Cortex-A9 design are discussed, compared and explored using many hand-on designs projects. Custom IP for HDMI coder, Floating-point operations, and FFT bit-swap are developed, implemented, tested and speed-up is measured. Downloadable files include all design examples such as basic processor synthesizable code for Xilinx and Altera tools for PicoBlaze, MicroBlaze, Nios II and ARMv7 architectures in VHDL and Verilog code, as well as the custom IP projects. Each Chapter has a substantial number of short quiz questions, exercises, and challenging projects. Explains soft, parameterized, and hard core systems design tradeoffs; Demonstrates design of popular KCPSM6 8 Bit microprocessor step-by-step; Discusses the 32 Bit ARM Cortex-A9 and a basic processor is synthesized; Covers design flows for both FPGA Market leaders Nios II Altera/Intel and MicroBlaze Xilinx system; Describes Compiler-Compiler Tool development; Includes a substantial number of Homework’s and FPGA exercises and design projects in each chapter.

The Engineering of Microprocessor Systems: Guidelines on System Development provides economical and technical guidance for use when incorporating microprocessors in products or production processes and assesses the alternatives that are available. This volume is part of Project 0251 undertaken by The Electrical Research Association, which aims to give managers and development engineers advice and comment on the development process and the hardware and software needed to support the engineering of microprocessor systems. The results of Phase 1 of the five-phase project are contained in this first volume. It presents an overview of the technology of microprocessors themselves, of the development process, and of the range of development aids which will be covered in greater depth in later volumes. Also included are specific recommendations, facts, or guidelines on the choices to be made or procedures to be adopted. This volume is aimed primarily at the manager or other users responsible for microprocessor system developments, but who may lack direct experience in this field. It is intended to provide a decision framework and background material for management considering such developments for the first time, so that the special problems and key aspects of a microprocessor based development can be identified from the start.

The less-experienced engineer will be able to apply Ball's advice to everyday projects and challenges immediately with amazing results. In this new edition, the author has expanded the section on debug to include avoiding common hardware, software and interrupt problems. Other new features include an expanded section on system integration and debug to address the capabilities of more recent emulators and debuggers, a section about combination microcontroller/PLD devices, and expanded information on industry standard embedded platforms. - Covers all 'species' of embedded system chips rather than specific hardware - Learn how to cope with 'real world' problems - Design embedded systems products that are reliable and work in real applications