Choosing a microcontroller or designing an algorithm for an application is an intensive, tim-critical task frequently involving a 'gut feeling.' This book takes the decision from your gut to your brain! Lewin Edwards, author of three other blockbuster embedded titles, including So You Want to Be an Embedded Engineer, guides the reader through the decision-making process using two widely accessable microcontrollers. He has chosen Texas Instruments' MSP430 for the 8-bit microcontroller and for the higher-end controller the ever-present ARM9.

When finished reading this book, the engineer will be able to make more accurate estimates of what hardware will work for each application. Better than that he/she will be able to generate written analyses of CPU loading in various real-time embedded systems WITHOUT actually having to build the system. This book is a must-own for any embedded software engineer or designer developing code for real-time applications.

• Get the solutions you need but don't receive from manufacturers with suggestions on how to decide if a hardware platform is great for a particluar application
• Become completely competent with Rowley crossworks development tools that make working with ARM, TI, Atmel, and Dallas Semiconductor products a breeze
• Fully-worked, real-world examples using MSP430 and ARM9