Architecting High-Performance Embedded Systems: Design and build high-performance real-time digital systems based on FPGAs and custom circuits

by Jim Ledin

Explore the complete process of developing systems based on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), including the design of electronic circuits and the construction and debugging of prototype embedded devices

Key FeaturesLearn the basics of embedded systems and real-time operating systemsUnderstand how FPGAs implement processing algorithms in hardwareDesign, construct, and debug custom digital systems from scratch using KiCadBook DescriptionModern digital devices used in homes, cars, and wearables contain highly sophisticated computing capabilities composed of embedded systems that generate, receive, and process digital data streams at rates up to multiple gigabits per second. This book will show you how to use Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and high-speed digital circuit design to create your own cutting-edge digital systems.

Architecting High-Performance Embedded Systems takes you through the fundamental concepts of embedded systems, including real-time operation and the Internet of Things (IoT), and the architecture and capabilities of the latest generation of FPGAs. Using powerful free tools for FPGA design and electronic circuit design, you'll learn how to design, build, test, and debug high-performance FPGA-based IoT devices. The book will also help you get up to speed with embedded system design, circuit design, hardware construction, firmware development, and debugging to produce a high-performance embedded device – a network-based digital oscilloscope. You'll explore techniques such as designing four-layer printed circuit boards with high-speed differential signal pairs and assembling the board using surface-mount components.

By the end of the book, you'll have a solid understanding of the concepts underlying embedded systems and FPGAs and will be able to design and construct your own sophisticated digital devices.

What you will learnUnderstand the fundamentals of real-time embedded systems and sensorsDiscover the capabilities of FPGAs and how to use FPGA development toolsLearn the principles of digital circuit design and PCB layout with KiCadConstruct high-speed circuit board prototypes at low costDesign and develop high-performance algorithms for FPGAsDevelop robust, reliable, and efficient firmware in CThoroughly test and debug embedded device hardware and firmwareWho this book is forThis book is for software developers, IoT engineers, and anyone who wants to understand the process of developing high-performance embedded systems. You'll also find this book useful if you want to learn about the fundamentals of FPGA development and all aspects of firmware development in C and C++. Familiarity with the C language, digital circuits, and electronic soldering is necessary to get started.

Table of ContentsArchitecting high-performance embedded systemsSensing the worldOperating in real timeDeveloping your first FPGA programImplementing systems with FPGAs Designing circuits with KiCadBuilding high-performance digital devicesBringing up the board for the first timeThe firmware development processTesting and debugging the embedded system

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2021

Reviews

[Umut Durak]

This is another comprehensive compilation from Jim Ledin. It renders almost all the topics for embedded systems development with state-of-the-art tools, infrastructures and target platforms. What I liked a lot about this book is its structure. These types of books are usually references. You do not read them cover to cover, rather dive into the chapter of your interest. However, Jim Ledin managed to come up with an exciting story line. Reader starts with high performance embedded systems requirements, and key technologies that make it possible to like FPGAs, modern RTOS, network fabrics, then engages in to design and construction section where the real magic starts. Jim Ledin uses tutorials extensively all through the book. That will surely make many reader feel at home, who use tutorials when they would like to learn something new. You start with your first FPGA project, and proceed to circuit design with KiCad and soldering it. Implementation and testing real-time firmware section at the end introduces various important aspects of practicing embedded software engineering profession. The list includes coding guidelines, static code analysis, version control, requirements traceability and code coverage. I would recommend the book for senior and graduate level CS and EE students, as well as embedded systems enthusiastics and professionals. I am sure they will all enjoy the material presented.