The Firmware Handbook (+code) free download online
Title: The Firmware Handbook (+code) Author(s): Jack Ganssle Pages: 365 Publisher: Newnes Publication date: 2004 Language: English Format: PDF ISBN-10: 075067606X ISBN-13: Description: This handbook provides a comprehensive reference for firmware developers looking to increase their skills and productivity. It addresses each critical step of the development process in detail, including how to optimize hardware design for better firmware. Topics covered include real-time issues, interrupts and ISRs, memory management (including Flash memory), handling both digital and analog peripherals, communications interfacing, math subroutines, error handling, design tools, and troubleshooting and debugging. The companion CD-ROM includes all the code used in the design examples and a searchable ebook version of the text.
This book is not for the beginner, but rather is an in-depth, comprehensive one-volume reference that addresses all the major issues in firmware design and development, including the pertinent hardware issues.
Reviewer:
It's true this book is NOT a comprehensive guide to developing firmware from conception to delivery. It is, however, a practical guide to several aspects of the firmware development process--especially if you work on a large team or for a big company. Unlike most books covering this topic (I have at least half a dozen recent examples) it's fairly easy to read. Ganssle drops in just enough humor and "real life" anecdotes to keep the reader engaged in what would otherwise be pretty dry material.
Sadly, I've yet to find the "one complete book" that someone should read above all others. Some are aimed at hobbyists, some are aimed at those working within the structure of a large company. Some focus more on specific target environments, some focus more on high level concepts with few real-world examples.
Jack's books are mostly written from the perspective of working with large firmware development groups at large companies. If you're a one or two person show, his books may not be the best match. A lot of what's diccussed relates to things like coding standards, interfacing with management, teamwork, version control, project schedules, etc. The material is largely written from the perspective of different groups performing hardware development, firmware development, product testing and product maintenance.
The most benefit from Jack's books would likely come from having senior management read them. Unfortunately, senior managers are among the least likely to read such books. So it's up to those further down the hierarchy to "sell" his concepts to others within the company.
The Firmware Handbook (+code) free download links:
Title: The Firmware Handbook (+code)