With recent powerful developments in processor and sensor
technology, robotics and the closely related field of process
control systems are experiencing rapid growth and attracting many
new hardware and software engineers. There is particular interest
in using open source tools for these applications, with many
companies, universities and laboratories desiring to build
sophisticated systems without having to purchase an expensive
real-time operating system (RTOS). Practical, authoritative
information on this subject is scattered and difficult to find. In
this comprehensive guide, experienced embedded engineer and author
Lewin Edwards demonstrates efficient and low-costopen source design
techniques, covering end-to-end robotic/process control systems
using Linux as the development platform (and also as the embedded
operating system), with extensive information on free compilers and
other tools. Specifically the book targets development of real-time
physical system controls using Atmel AVR microcontrollers
communicating with Linux-based PCs for overmonitoring. It also
covers open-source tools for other controllers, including MSP430,
PIC and
8051. Code examples are given to provide concrete illustrations of tasks described in the text.
8051. Code examples are given to provide concrete illustrations of tasks described in the text.