Publisher's Synopsis
Once considered a critical skill, assembly language coding is rarely taught or studied today. With the availability of languages such as C and Java, engineers and programmers believe that they only need to address problems at the highest levels of a program's operation. Yet, even modern coding methods, when done well, require an understanding of basic assembly. To fully maximize next-generation microprocessors and microcontrollers, designers would be advised to understand the most basic levels of operation. Certain features, such as coprocessors or saturated math operations, can be accessed only through the hardware's native instructions. For that matter, any programmer wishing to achieve results as exact as his or her intentions must possess a mastery of machine code basics. The ultimate insider's guide, ARM Assembly Language gives programmers an edge, regardless of their preferred coding language. With a focus on contemporary application, it examines those aspects of assembly code relevant to the hardware and peripherals found on today's microcontrollers. Of the 13 billion microprocessor-based chips shipped in the last year, nearly 3 billion were ARM-based, making operational knowledge of ARM an essential component of any programmer's tool kit. Written for professionals as well as new programmers and students with some background in digital logic and high-level programming, this work details real assembly uses, exploring situations that programmers will ultimately encounter. It provides readily transferrable examples and pointed explanations that will enable the invested programmer to optimize routines and make coding significantly more efficient-especially in the embedded space. Each volume provides access to a fully functional evaluation version of the RealView Microcontroller Development Kit from Keil. William Hohl started with ARM 12 years ago. As a principal design engineer, he was responsible for designing parts of the ARM1020 microprocessor. Presently, he is University Relations Manager for ARM, directing its worldwide academic program.
