Michael J. Pont wrote:This is a book about the rapid development of software for embedded systems in which reliability is a central design consideration.

Michael J. Pont wrote:I. Which processor is used in this book?

The techniques described in this book are not specific to any particular type of hardware or processor family. However, in order to avoid the discussions becoming unduly general, devices based on an ARM processor core will be used in all of the examples.

In the first part of the book, devices based on an ARM7 core will be employed*. The ARM7 is used in a wide range of embedded applications, including numerous mobile ’phones, computer game consoles, personal audio players (MP3, WMA, etc), pagers, printers, and digital cameras. The particular focus will be on microcontrollers from the popular Philips LPC2000 family (see Figure A). The ARM core, low cost, wide range and easy availability of the LPC2000 family makes this an excellent platform for developing a wide range of embedded systems: the same factors also make it an ideal platform for learning about the development of software for reliable embedded systems.

Michael J. Pont wrote:II. What programming language is used?

The examples in this book are based almost entirely on the C programming language.

Michael J. Pont wrote:III. What compiler is used?

The popular “GNU Compiler Collection” (GCC) C compiler is used throughout this book.

Michael J. Pont wrote:IV. What programming background is assumed?

This book is not intended to provide an introduction to programming, and it is assumed that readers will have previously developed “desktop” software applications, using C, C++ or a similar high-level language.

Some previous experience with embedded software and / or some familiarity with assembly language will also be useful. Readers without any previous experience in these areas may find that “Embedded C” (Pont, 2002) provides a useful introduction to some of the topics presented here.