Fast and Effective Embedded Systems Design: Applying the ARM mbed

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Elsevier Science, Oct 31, 2016 - Computers - 510 pages

Fast and Effective Embedded Systems Design is a fast-moving introduction to embedded systems design, applying the innovative ARM mbed and its web-based development environment. Each chapter introduces a major topic in embedded systems, and proceeds as a series of practical experiments, adopting a "learning through doing" strategy. Minimal background knowledge is needed to start. C/C++ programming is applied, with a step-by-step approach which allows you to get coding quickly. Once the basics are covered, the book progresses to some "hot" embedded issues - intelligent instrumentation, wireless and networked systems, digital audio and digital signal processing. In this new edition all examples and peripheral devices are updated to use the most recent libraries and peripheral devices, with increased technical depth, and introduction of the "mbed enabled" concept.

Written by two experts in the field, this book reflects on the experimental results, develops and matches theory to practice, evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the technology and techniques introduced, and considers applications in a wider context.

New Chapters on:

  • Bluetooth and ZigBee communication
  • Internet communication and control, setting the scene for the 'Internet of Things'
  • Digital Audio, with high-fidelity applications and use of the I2S bus
  • Power supply, and very low power applications
  • The development process of moving from prototyping to small-scale or mass manufacture, with a commercial case study.


  • Updates all examples and peripheral devices to use the most recent libraries and peripheral products
  • Includes examples with touch screen displays and includes high definition audio input/output with the I2S interface
  • Covers the development process of moving from prototyping to small-scale or mass manufacture with commercial case studies
  • Covers hot embedded issues such as intelligent instrumentation, networked systems, closed loop control, and digital signal processing

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About the author (2016)

Rob Toulson is Professor of Creative Industries at the University of Westminster. He holds a PhD in the field of digital signal processing (awarded by Anglia Ruskin University in 2004) and a first degree in Mechanical Engineering from Loughborough University (1999). Rob has a number of year's industrial experience in digital signal analysis, control systems design, rapid prototyping, and model based design, as well as commercial experience in sound engineering and music production. His main focus is now in developing collaborative research between the technical and creative industries.

Tim Wilmshurst is the author of Designing Embedded Systems with PIC Microcontrollers. He has been designing embedded systems since the early days of microcontrollers. For many years this was for Cambridge University, where he led a development team building original systems for research applications - for example in measurement of bullet speed, wind tunnel control, simulated earthquakes, or seeking a cure to snoring. Now he is Head of Electronic Systems at the University of Derby, where he aims to share his love of engineering design with his students.

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