Choice Review

Real-time computer systems typically monitor or control their environment continuously and must perform specific time-dependent functions on demand or according to a schedule. Examples of such systems are industrial process controllers, automotive ignition/emission computers, and electrical power distribution systems. The advent of low-cost but very powerful and reliable microcomputers has greatly expanded the practical applicability of real-time computer systems to many new applications. This book teaches the fundamentals of real-time microcomputer system design-both hardware and software concepts are introduced and developed coherently. It is evident that the authors thoroughly understand this subject and can present it clearly. Although the book was designed to be used as a textbook for senior college engineering students, it will interest professionals wishing to enhance their understanding of real-time systems. A similar book that is more focused on process control is Curtis D. Johnson's Microprocessor Based Process Control (CH, Sep '84).-E.M. Aupperle, University of Michigan