Many books on embedded systems and microcontrollers are available, but to my knowledge this is the most practical and up-to-date book on the topic.

The book can be thematically divided into four parts. Part 1 comprises chapter 1 and appendices A, B, and C; it provides a basic overview of microcontrollers, embedded systems, C programming, and the specific development tools used in the book. It provides a good orientation to readers without previous background.

Part 2 (chapters 2 to 6) teaches embedded system fundamentals. The software development process for embedded systems is only marginally different from the software development for general-purpose systems; hence, the authors keep these chapters short and use simple state charts instead of a complex modeling language. They pay more attention to real-time operating systems and their peculiarities. They describe the 8051 microcontroller in great detail--both its hardware and the software to program it. Communication via a serial interface is explained in a separate chapter. The book places great importance on practical issues throughout, enabling readers to implement their own programs on a specific 8051-controlled system.

The third part of the book starts with chapter 7. It moves away from low-level microcontroller details and puts the 8051 in perspective with other popular models. It is important to understand the choices available in the marketplace, but the authors are also aware that there is more to hardware selection than features; they provide a well-balanced overview. Chapter 8 presents a case study of a Web server implemented on an 8051 microcontroller.

Part 4 (chapter 9 and appendices D and E) is dedicated to laboratory projects. There are eight labs with step-by-step instructions, circuit diagrams, source code, and finished lab photos. Appendix E is not included in the book; it is only available online. The labs use a specific microcontroller development kit that has been out of stock at the manufacturer’s Web site throughout the four weeks I had to review the book. Hopefully, the kit will become available again.

Due to its many complete examples and practical exercises, I particularly recommend this book to students and designers of embedded systems.