Embedded Systems Building Blocks: Complete and Ready-to-Use Modules in C
- This second edition features revisions that support the latest version of the author's popular operating system and book, MicroC/OS-II - Complete and ready-to-use modules in C Get a clear explanation of functional code modules and microcontroller theory
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you need a hands-on library of proven, ready-to-use C modules and design patterns for building reliable real-time embedded firmware. It gives you pragmatic examples (drivers, buffers, timing, RTOS integration) that help turn DSP algorithms from algorithms-on-paper into working, interrupt-safe code on microcontrollers.
Who Will Benefit
Embedded/firmware engineers or DSP implementers who must integrate algorithms into real-time microcontroller systems and want tested C modules and RTOS integration patterns.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Comfortable C programming, basic microcontroller architecture (I/O, interrupts), and familiarity with embedded development tools; prior exposure to RTOS concepts is helpful but not required.
Key Takeaways
- Integrate modular C code with an RTOS (MicroC/OS-II) and design task-based firmware
- Implement interrupt-safe drivers, circular buffers, and producer/consumer mechanisms
- Manage timing, delays, and watchdogs for deterministic real-time behavior
- Design and use common utility modules (CRC, checksum, simple file/buffer management)
- Structure code for portability across common microcontroller platforms and toolchains
Topics Covered
- Preface and design philosophy
- Getting started: toolchains and basic C module style
- Tasking and RTOS integration (MicroC/OS-II overview and examples)
- Timing, delays, and watchdogs
- Interrupt handling and interrupt-safe code patterns
- Serial communications and UART modules
- I/O, ADC interfaces, and simple device drivers
- Buffer management, FIFOs, and message passing
- Utilities: CRC, checksums, configuration storage
- Boot, initialization, and porting guidelines
- Debugging, testing, and diagnostic modules
- Appendices: code listings and API reference
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Pairs well with Labrosse's own MicroC/OS-II kernel manual — the Building Blocks book provides practical modules and examples, while titles like Elecia White's Making Embedded Systems offer a broader narrative-driven introduction to embedded design.
