Though FireWire, better termed IEEE 1394, is far from nearing the wide spreading influence of say, modern religion, to say that the technology has finally found its bible may not be too far of a stretch. What qualifies a publication as universally useful when concerning a topic as complex and technically demanding as FireWire can be, concerning its most complicated parameters? The ability to relate to people less familiar with the technology while staying relevant and informative to even savvy FireWire users. Boasting a unique blend of readability and informative nature, if there is one book to buy on the topic of IEEE 1394, FireWire System Architecture: IEEE1394 may indeed be the most must-have purchase on shelves today.While these pages should not completely supplant the official specifications, it does provide valuable insights in specific aspects of FireWire capability that the specifications fall short on, all while providing a basic rundown of the technologies usability across a variety of pertinent situations. Furthermore, the 554 pages housed from cover to cover, expand far beyond the mere Apple coined classification of “FireWire.” FireWire is just one of many similar IEEE 1394 brand names all of which get a solid, comprehensive look throughout the guide, including Apple’s cross market competition companies such as Texas Instruments, Sony, Fujitsu, etc., perhaps the most otherwise famous being “I-Link,” a term coined by Sony which can be used more or less interchangeably with the title term.In addition to a thorough description of the multiple layers of software and hardware that make IEEE 1394 a practical tool, the book also effectively sheds light on topics such as cables and connectors, serial bus configuration, serial bus management, the communications model, electrical interface, packets (including asychronus, isochronus and PHY), registers, configuration ROM, and an introductive overview of IEEE 1394 and its place in the wide world of wired technology. If you have a serious interest in IEEE 1394, particularly if your jargon proficiency may not be up to the savvy of a professional in the field, this is a must own publication to further your skill and knowledge on the subject.
Firewire World | What can fire do for you?
