In the warm glow of the MicroBasement, Book 2 of the 8080/8085 Software Design series takes the foundation from Book 1 and elevates it to professional-level programming and system integration. Published in 1980 by Howard W. Sams & Co., this 352-page paperback explores advanced assembly-language techniques, modular software design, interrupt-driven systems, and complete application examples for the Intel 8080 and 8085 microprocessors. Co-authored by the same four experts, it was the natural next step for readers who had mastered the basics and were ready to build robust, production-quality firmware. In the MicroBasement collection, this sequel sits proudly beside Book 1, the 8085A Cookbook, and early 8080/8085 hardware completing the software story for one of the most influential microprocessor families of the era.
Published in 1980 by Howard W. Sams & Co. (part of the Blacksburg Continuing Education Series), Book 2 was a collaborative effort by the same four authors who wrote Book 1:
The Titus brothers, Larsen, and Rony all deeply involved in Virginia Techs microprocessor education programs built on the success of Book 1 to cover more complex topics. The book was aimed at intermediate-to-advanced users, students in upper-level courses, and engineers developing embedded systems around the 8080/8085.
Book 2 assumes familiarity with Book 1 and jumps straight into advanced concepts. It covers structured programming in assembly, macro techniques, relocatable code, modular design with overlays, multi-tasking basics, and detailed interrupt handling (vectored interrupts, priority schemes, and nested interrupts). Chapters explore data structures (queues, stacks, linked lists), table-driven programming, floating-point emulation, code optimization for speed and size, and real-time systems design. The latter sections present complete application projects: a full-featured monitor program, serial communication handlers, data acquisition routines, motor control algorithms, and process-control examples. The book includes extensive code listings, flowcharts, memory maps, timing analysis, and appendices with expanded instruction tables, opcode summaries, and debugging aids.
The authors focused on writing reliable, maintainable code: they demonstrated how to use conditional assembly, parameter passing in subroutines, error handling, and self-documenting techniques. Projects were designed for real hardware (SDK-85, homebrew boards, or commercial systems like the IMSAI), with emphasis on interrupt-driven I/O, timing-critical loops, and efficient use of limited memory. Troubleshooting sections covered common bugs like race conditions, stack overflows, and interrupt conflicts. The book equipped readers to move from simple utilities to complete firmware packages, making it a trusted resource for hobbyists building sophisticated controllers or learning professional embedded programming practices.
8080/8085 Software Design Book 2 represents one of the critical turning points in microprocessor software education. By advancing from basic coding to structured, interrupt-driven, and application-oriented programming, the four authors Christopher A. Titus, Jonathan A. Titus, David G. Larsen, and Peter R. Rony prepared a generation of engineers and hobbyists for the demands of real embedded systems. It influenced countless projects, from industrial automation to early personal computer expansions, and helped standardize best practices for 8-bit assembly development. Preserving and demonstrating this book is essential because it embodies the foundational efforts of educators and engineers who created the pathways for modern software engineering on microprocessors. In the MicroBasement, its pages rest beside Book 1, 8085 hardware, and the Titus interfacing titles a quiet reminder that great software begins with clear teaching, careful design, and the courage to build something that lasts.