Becoming Familiar with Microprocessors and Embedded Electronics

摘要

Despite their ubiquitous usage, microprocessors remain largely unseen. At the same time, their availability has expanded to include educational kits and even elementary school competitions. Within the library, microprocessors are likely to be found in such diverse locations including digital clocks, patron counters, barcode readers, printers, any automated equipment including automated check-in and checkout devices, and even the climate control devices for buildings. Commonly, the computational workload will be divided between the microprocessor (or network of microprocessors) performing simpler and repetitive tasks and an associated computer performing both the more complex tasks and providing a user interface. Due to their wide usage, including within library automation, knowledge of these devices and basic, hands-on experimentation is useful to the librarian. This article describes some of the introductory concepts and urges the librarian to acquire knowledge of these devices.