An Introduction to Real-Time Computing for Mechanical Engineers

Book excerpt: A comprehensive introduction to real-time computing for mechanical engineers and engineering students that integrates theory and application. There are many textbooks that cover real-time computing, but none designed specifically for mechanical engineering curricula. Filling this gap, Rico Picone, Joseph Garbini, and Cameron Devine provide mechanical engineers and engineering students with a comprehensive introduction to real-time computing that integrates theory and application. The book presents the key ideas required to realize mechatronic systems that include real-time computers as functional components. Learning is organized around a sequence of nine hands-on laboratory exercises. Topics include scheduling, interrupts, timing, real-time operating systems, computer hardware, C programming, device drivers, algorithms, digital electronics, communication, amplifiers, encoders, finite state machines, discrete dynamic systems, and digital feedback control. Leading readers through the process of designing and implementing real-time systems while applying the architecture and resources of a modern real-time development environment, this text provides an essential foundation that can be implemented and extended throughout an engineering career. The first real-time computing textbook designed for mechanical engineers Offers hands-on instruction in the design and programming of real-time mechatronic systems Introduces fundamental computing and programing topics Includes detailed coverage of user interaction, real-time program organization, timing control, and interface hardware Ideal for advanced undergraduate and first-year graduate students as well as for self-study