This book introduces the C programming language and is filled with samples of typical microcontroller application programs. Examples are keyed to a low-cost Silicon Image target board (purchased separately), but you may use any development board; the development processes may differ slightly from those in the book, but the software examples should run the same on any 8051-family processor.

The concepts of real-time operating systems are covered and two RTOS are developed. Several chapters provide algorithms for number conversion, display interface, and use of tables. Extensive coverage of serial communication and small-area networks is included. Several chapters cover interface electronics commonly used in embedded products.

Author Thomas W. Schultz presents this book in a non-technical, easy-to-follow style. However, it is intended not only for students and hobbyists, but professional engineers as well.

This book is a good starting place if you are developing embedded microcontroller applications of any sort. In it you can:

• Learn how to program for embedded applications
• Learn the hardware of the 8051 family of microcontrollers
• Develop the mindset of multitasking
• Develop an appreciation for efficiency

Program examples illustrate the use of the common internal peripherals of the 8051 family of microcontrollers. While the examples are set to run on a specific microcontroller — the "target" board — most will work with any 8051 processor.

The focus is on embedded applications; the attached hardware is likely to be switches and solenoids rather than disk drives and keyboards. The examples encompass multitasking (based on a real-time interrupt) where a microcontroller can handle almost any number of inputs and outputs at the "same" time.

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Paperback; 464 pages.