This book introduces the state-of-the-art in research in parallel and distributed embedded systems, which have been enabled by developments in silicon technology, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), wireless communications, computer networking, and digital electronics. These systems have diverse applications in domains including military and defense, medical, automotive, and unmanned autonomous vehicles. The emphasis of the book is on the modeling and optimization of emerging parallel and distributed embedded systems in relation to the three key design metrics of performance, power and dependability. Key features: Includes an embedded wireless sensor networks case study to help illustrate the modeling and optimization of distributed embedded systems. Provides an analysis of multi-core/many-core based embedded systems to explain the modeling and optimization of parallel embedded systems. Features an application metrics estimation model; Markov modeling for fault tolerance and analysis; and queueing theoretic modeling for performance evaluation. Discusses optimization approaches for distributed wireless sensor networks; high-performance and energy-efficient techniques at the architecture, middleware and software levels for parallel multicore-based embedded systems; and dynamic optimization methodologies. Highlights research challenges and future research directions. The book is primarily aimed at researchers in embedded systems; however, it will also serve as an invaluable reference to senior undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in embedded systems research.