Book review: Microprocessors: Fundamentals and Applications

References

BELL, C.G., and NEWELL, A.: 'Possibilities for computerstructures 1971' AFIPS conference proceedings, 1971, 39,(Fall), pp. 387-394GRIMSDALE, R.L.: 'The architecture of a reconfigurable multi-microcomputer system - POLYPROC. Presented at IERE Con-ference on Computer Systems and Technology, University ofSussex, Falmer, Brighton, March 1977. IERE Conference pro-ceedings 36, pp. 113-116JOHNSON, M.C.A.: 'Fault handling in a multiprocessor terminalsystem'. Presented at IERE Conference on Computer Systemsand Technology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, March1977. IERE Conference Proceedings 36, pp. 223-233BHANDARKAR, D.P.: 'Analysis of memory interference inmultiprocessors',/£•££ Trans. 1975, C-24, pp. 897-908

WULF, W.A., and BELL, C.G.: 'C.mmp - a multi-miniprocessor',AFIPS conference proceedings, 1972,41, pp. 765-777DAVID, F.N., and BARTON, D.E.: 'Combinational chance'(Charles Griffin, 1962), pp. 242-286BASKETT, F., and SMITH, A.J.: 'Interference in multiprocessorcomputer systems with interleaved memory', Commun. ACM,1976,19, pp. 327-334BURNETT, G.J., and COFFMAN, E.G.: 'Analysis of interleavedmemory systems using blockage buffers', ibid., 1975, 18, pp.91-95HOOGENDOORN, C.H.: 'Redaction of memory interference inmultiprocessor systems', IEEE Conference Proceedings of theFourth Annual Symposium on Computer Architecture March1977, pp. 179-183

Book reviewMicroprocessors: fundamentals and applicationsWen C. Lin (Ed.)IEEE Press/John Wiley, 1977,335pp., £14-50 (paperback £6-50)

Two consequences of the speed with which the technologyand applications of microprocessors have developed overthe past five years are, first, that engineers and technologistsfind great difficulty in keeping up to date, and secondlythat very few books have been written on the subject. Upto date information can only be obtained from paperspublished in journals and from literature produced by themanufacturers. However the proliferation of papers onmicroprocessors makes the task of sifting through thesedifficult.

Wen C. Iin has collected together in this book a usefulselection of papers published between 1974 and 1976. Thepapers are arranged in a logical sequence under the headingsof: introduction, microprocessors, applications, andmiscellaneous. Each of these sections is prefaced by aneditorial note giving an overview of the topics covered bythe papers within the section. The section entitled micro-processors is subdivided into architecture, software, inter-face, development aids, and testing.

The aim of the book is stated to be that of 'aiding thosereaders who are weak in computer fundamentals to gainan understanding of how microprocessors work and howthey are being applied'. No collection of reprinted paperscan truly achieve this aim. Whilst this particular selection isa good one and provides comprehensive coverage of thesubject there are inevitable discontinuities in the treatment

of the subject. Readers who are Sveak in computerfundamentals' will have great difficulty working throughthe book and at certain points find themselves suddenlyplunged into advanced aspects without sufficientpreliminary explanation. All readers will find the repetitionof some topics at times tedious.

The quality of the individual papers varies from good toexcellent. Unfortunately the first paper, an introduction tothe principles of microprocessors written by Lin himself(not for this book but for a handbook of engineering inmedicine and biology) is one of the weaker papers. It coversthe subject in a broad manner but in an uneasy style whichis sometimes confusing.

In summary the book is a useful selection of good paperswhich collectively provide comprehensive coverage ofmicroprocessor technology and applications. The weaknessof the book is its lack of additional specially preparedmaterial to provide an introduction, to interlink the papersand to give back up explanation. A glossary of technicalterms is included but even this is merely a reprint from'Microprocessor buzz words': whilst this glossary wasuseful for its original purpose it is inadequate in relation tothe selection of papers presented in this book.

W.H. SIMMONDS

98 COMPUTERS AND DIGITAL TECHNIQUES, AUGUST 1978, Vol. I, No. 3