The vast majority of existing computers are embedded in the myriad of intelligent devices and applications-not in desktop machines. We are witnessing the emergence of a new discipline with its own principles, constraints, and design processes.

Computers as Components is the first book to teach this new discipline. It unravels the complexity of these systems and the tools and methods necessary for designing them. Researchers, students, and savvy professionals, schooled in hardware or software, will value the integrated engineering design approach to this fast emerging field.

* Demonstrates concepts and techniques using two powerful real-world processors as case studies throughout the book: the ARM processor and the SHARC DSP (digital signal processor).

* Illustrates the major concepts of each chapter with real-world design examples such as software modems, telephone answering machines, and video accelerators.

* Teaches the basics of UML (Unified Modeling Language) and applies it throughout the text to help you visualize stages in the design process.

* Illustrates real-time operating systems using the POSIX real-time extensions and Linux.

* Describes performance analysis and optimization of embedded software, including the effects of caches.