How to get into embedded systems + PLC books?

DaLoverhino wrote:


A machine with a PLC in it is sort of an embedded system, but not what
most embedded software engineers would think of as such.

I see all these questions about "how do I get into embedded systems".
To me, they're kind of like "how do I start using bolts".  Embedded
systems aren't an end, they're a means.  You shouldn't start a project
thinking "how do I embed a processor in here".  You should start a
project thinking "how do I get this job done", and not be too surprised
if the answer is "stick this processor in here and have it do this".

I would suggest that you subscribe to one or all of Circuit Cellar, Nuts
& Volts, and Servo.  These are all aimed at the intersection of serious
hobbyist and small-company engineer.  While none of them are
specifically _embedded_ magazines, all of them have many embedded
projects because that's the way many problems are solved today.  After
reading these for a while, a project will take your fancy, and you can
go from there.

But please, whatever you do, don't try to replace the three control
loops in a flush toilet with an embedded microprocessor.  It is
possible, but it's just not a good idea.

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com

Posting from Google?  See http://cfaj.freeshell.org/google/

*Three* control loops??  I know of one, what are the others?

Cameron:-)

Cameron Dorrough wrote:


I knew I'd get a rise out of that.

Don't you read the IEEE Control Systems Magazine?

The first control loop is the one that regulates the level in the tank,
with the valve and float.

The second control loop is the one that delivers a measured amount of
water then stops -- there's a float on the ball valve that holds it up
until that tanks level drops below a certain amount.

The third control loop is the backup that keeps the tank from
overflowing onto the floor when there's a leak -- there's a standpipe in
there who's top is about 1/2 inch above the 'normal' shutoff; when you
exceed the level of the standpipe the tank overflows into the drain.

The fourth control loop is the one that lets the water in the bowl up to
a certain level but no farther -- there's an 's' bend in the waste pipe
that accomplishes that.

Oops -- I miscounted too.

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com

Posting from Google?  See http://cfaj.freeshell.org/google/

I'll never look at my toilet the same way again... :P

for PLC Book please visit my website www.vijayaundhekar.co.nr and in it
see the PLC STUFF section

I have about 10 years in the SCADA industry and about 6 of that in
various R&D teams developing firmware and higher level software.  If
you want to get into embedded systems programming I would recommend
getting a job and learning there.  The problem is that there are so
many different processors/microcontrollers/operating systems/compilers
that most books written about embedded programming are specific to a
particular set of processors etc.  Embedded programming techniques tend
to be specific to the IDE and platform.  The best way is to get a
development board and development tools (ide, compiler etc) and do
extactly what you are doing now... just ask questions on these or other
groups.  A smart question to one person is a dumb question to another
and vice versa.  So just ask.. everyone knew nothing at some point.