Embedded systems are ROM-based microcomputer systems that are embedded within other systems. They make "smart bombs" smart, help operate consumer goods from cars to microwave ovens, and control many types of manufacturing machinery. This is a professional guide to programming embedded systems in C. It includes: programming consideration peculiar to embedded systems/theory and design of embedded systems; specific application examples from simple to sophisticated, with source code included on a 3.5" disk extensive procedural commentary embedded concepts directly applicable to C++. This reference includes a study of applied programming in the 1553 Aircraft BUS, a military standard missile-to-aircraft interface. It also provides software examples for interrupt-intensive RS232 communications environments.