Networking and Internetworking with Microcontrollers

Even for those who are directly involved with embedded system design, it is difficult to find documentation and design information regarding standards and implementation for network functionality via microcontrollers/microprocessors. That is where this book comes in. Networking and Internetworking with Microcontrollers, by Fred Eady, is designed to combine a working knowledge of necessary design information with the expansive capabilities of current microcontrollers for powerful networking applications, such as LANs, WANs, and embedded internet.

Eady guides the reader from beginning to end on creating a microprocessor-based network that is constructed using Atmel’s AVR and Microchip’s PIC microcontrollers. The different capabilities and the pros-and-cons of the two microcontroller families are compared and contrasted throughout the book, and fully-functional designs for implementing embedded internet and Ethernet connectivity are illustrated. Along with the addition of thoroughly explained source code examples, the included CD-ROM also contains code examples for all applications, with an e-book version of the text to reference along the way.

Each of the chapters are full of screen shots, tables, and diagrams that aide in the explanation of the topic up for discussion. Aside from the aforementioned broad subjects, there are many minor issues that are also addressed. Each smaller, although no less important, area of focus is written about in great and lengthy detail. Some of the additional topics include:

• RS-232 implementation
• Microcontroller routines
• I²C serial protocol
• Wireless connections
• Firmware navigation
• TCP & UDP
• Microcontroller coding
• Hardware & software integration
• Troubleshooting
• Memory & storage solutions

While this book is aimed at a fairly specific audience, the 350+ pages contain a vast amount of useful information for embedded systems engineers and programmers, electronics technicians, electrical and software engineers, and electronics hobbyists. The collection of related material within these pages will serve as an invaluable tool for those individuals interested in microprocessor/microcontroller networking.

About the author: As an engineering consultant, Fred Easy has implemented communications networks for the space program and designed hardware and firmware for the medical, retail, and public utility industries. He writes a regular magazine column on embedded design and his hardware expertise spans the spectrum including 8748, 8051, PIC, and Atmel microcontrollers. He currently designs and markets microcontroller-based hardware through his online store.