A good book for beginner/intermediate, and maybe even expert alike... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 11:48:49 am
content: OK first off this book is not cheap (£40) I decided to go ahead and order it of the cuff as I need as much information as possibleI already have the AoE but as I just love books I ordered this one too. The book is called'Electronics Fundamentals: Circuit, Devices and Applications'.After recieving this book I was amazed firstly at it's size.. It's big (about 11" long x 9" wide) So it would be quite hard to handle for quick read on the bus or train etc, unless there's a table as this book is pretty heavy.On opening the book it looks great, and it's layout and illustration are beautiful. It's done in a sort of Powerpoint slide type layout which makes it very easy on the eyes as the slides are done in a sort of soft colour shading, another thing I like is that as well as all the 'must know' electronics information it also has many corner sections containing a snippet of history.. these giving info on the likes of proffessors, inventors etc.The book can also quite easily be read OR used as a referance manual which is nice, plus there are also some small 'related problems' (excercises) in each chapter releating to the things you'll have just read about. I give it a thumbs up for my EEVblog friendshttp://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780135096833/Electronics-Fundamentals

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 12:22:30 pm
content: sounds very interesting to one being spun round and round in circles at the moment by the AoE. How far into electronics does it go ? do it cover all but MCU's ? or is it a complete book on analogue ?

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 01:40:17 pm
content: Below is the full Table of Contents for you Simon.I guess If I were to compare it to the the AoE I would have to say that it does'nt seem to go quite as far into depth on the real technical stuff (As a beginner though that's a good thing from my perspective) also as you mention it does seem to cover all but MCU's. The topics covered are excellent though and the book is aimed at the following... Professionals with a career in electronics, engineering, technical sales, field service, industrial manufacturing, service shop repair, and/or technical writing. Oh and noobs like me.Part I DC CircuitsChapter 1 Quantities and Units1-1 Scientific and Engineering Notation1-2 Units and Metric Prefixes1-3 Metric Unit Conversions1-4 Measured Numbers1-5 Electrical SafetyChapter 2 Voltage, Current, and Resistance2-1 Atoms2-2 Electrical Charge2-3 Voltage2-4 Current2-5 Resistance2-6 The Electric Circuit2-7 Basic Circuit MeasurementsApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 3 Ohm’s Law, Energy, and Power3-1 Ohm’s Law3-2 Application of Ohm’s Law3-3 Energy and Power3-4 Power in an Electric Circuit3-5 The Power Rating of Resistors3-6 Energy Conversion and Voltage Drop in a Resistance3-7 Power Supplies3-8 Introduction to TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 4 Series Circuits4-1 Resistors in Series4-2 Total Series Resistance4-3 Current in a Series Circuit4-4 Application of Ohm’s Law4-5 Voltage Sources in Series4-6 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law4-7 Voltage Dividers4-8 Power in Series Circuits4-9 Voltage Measurements4-10 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 5 Parallel Circuits5-1 Resistors in Parallel5-2 Total Parallel Resistance5-3 Voltage in a Parallel Circuit5-4 Application of Ohm’s Law5-5 Kirchhoff’s Current Law5-6 Current Dividers5-7 Power in Parallel Circuits5-8 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 6 Series-Parallel Circuits6-1 Identifying Series-Parallel Relationships6-2 Analysis of Series-Parallel Resistive Circuits6-3 Voltage Dividers with Resistive Loads6-4 Loading Effect of a Voltmeter6-5 The Wheatstone Bridge6-6 Thevenin’s Theorem6-7 The Maximum Power Transfer Theorem6-8 The Superposition Theorem6-9 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 7 Magnetism and Electromagnetism7-1 The Magnetic Field7-2 Electromagnetism7-3 Electromagnetic Devices7-4 Magnetic Hysteresis7-5 Electromagnetic Induction7-6 Applications of Electromagnetic InductionApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkPart II AC CircuitsChapter 8 Introduction to Alternating Current and Voltage8-1 The Sinusoidal Waveform8-2 Sinusoidal Voltage Sources8-3 Voltage and Current Values of Sine Waves8-4 Angular Measurement of a Sine Wave8-5 The Sine Wave Formula8-6 Analysis of AC Circuits8-7 Superimposed DC and AC Voltages8-8 Nonsinusoidal Waveforms8-9 The OscilloscopeApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 9 Capacitors9-1 The Basic Capacitor9-2 Types of Capacitors9-3 Series Capacitors9-4 Parallel Capacitors9-5 Capacitors in DC Circuits9-6 Capacitors in AC Circuits9-7 Capacitor ApplicationsApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 10 RC Circuits10-1 Sinusoidal Response of RC Circuits10-2 Impedance and Phase Angle of Series RC Circuits10-3 Analysis of Series RC Circuits10-4 Impedance and Phase Angle of Parallel RC Circuits10-5 Analysis of Parallel RC Circuits10-6 Analysis of Series-Parallel RC Circuits10-7 Power in RC Circuits10-8 Basic Applications10-9 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 11 Inductors11-1 The Basic Inductor11-2 Types of Inductors11-3 Series and Parallel Inductors11-4 Inductors in DC Circuits11-5 Inductors in AC Circuits11-6 Inductor ApplicationsApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 12 RL Circuits12-1 Sinusoidal Response of RL Circuits12-2 Impedance and Phase Angle of Series RL Circuits12-3 Analysis of Series RL Circuits12-4 Impedance and Phase Angle of Parallel RL Circuits12-5 Analysis of Parallel RL Circuits12-6 Analysis of Series-Parallel RL Circuits12-7 Power in RL Circuits12-8 Basic Applications12-9 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 13 RLC Circuits and Resonance13-1 Impedance and Phase Angle of Series RLC Circuits13-2 Analysis of Series RLC Circuits13-3 Series Resonance13-4 Series Resonant Filters13-5 Parallel RLC Circuits13-6 Parallel Resonance13-7 Parallel Resonant Filters13-8 ApplicationsApplication Assignment Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 14 Time Response of Reactive Circuits14-1 The RC Integrator14-2 Response of RC Integrators to a Single Pulse14-3 Response of RC Integrators to Repetitive Pulses14-4 Response of RC Differentiators to a Single Pulse14-5 Response of RC Differentiators to Repetitive Pulses14-6 Response of RL Integrators to Pulse Inputs14-7 Response of RL Differentiators to Pulse Inputs14-8 Applications14-9 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 15 Transformers15-1 Mutual Inductance15-2 The Basic Transformer15-3 Step-Up and Step-Down Transformers15-4 Loading the Secondary15-5 Reflected Load15-6 Impedance Matching15-7 Nonideal Transformer Characteristics15-8 Tapped and Multiple-Winding Transformers15-9 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkPart III DevicesChapter 16 Diodes and Applications16-1 Introduction to Semiconductors16-2 The PN Junction Diode16-3 Diode Characteristics16-4 Diode Rectifiers16-5 Power Supplies16-6 Special-Purpose Diodes16-7 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 17 Transistors and Applications17-1 DC Operation of Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)17-2 BJT Class A Amplifiers17-3 BJT Class B Amplifiers17-4 The BJT as a Switch17-5 DC Operations of Field-Effect Transistors (FETs)17-6 FET Amplifiers17-7 Feedback Oscillators17-8 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 18 The Operational Amplifier18-1 Introduction to the Operational Amplifier18-2 The Differential Amplifier18-3 Op-Amp Parameters18-4 Negative Feedback18-5 Op-Amp Configurations with Negative Feedback18-6 Op-Amp Impedances18-7 TroubleshootingApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 19 Basic Op-Amp Circuits19-1 Comparators19-2 Summing Amplifiers19-3 Integrators and Differentiators19-4 Oscillators19-5 Active Filters19-6 Voltage RegulatorsApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 20 Special-Purpose Op-Amp Circuits20-1 Instrumentation Amplifiers20-2 Isolation Amplifiers20-3 Operational Transconductance Amplifiers (OTAs)20-4 Active Diode Circuits20-5 Other Op-Amp CircuitsApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkChapter 21 Measurement, Conversion, and Control21-1 Temperature Measurement21-2 Strain, Pressure, and Flow-Rate Measurements21-3 Motion Measurement21-4 Sample-and-Hold Circuits21-5 Analog-to-Digital Conversion21-6 Power-Control CircuitsApplication Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to WorkAppendicesA Table of Standard Resistor ValuesB Capacitor Color Coding and MarkingC The Current Source, Norton’s Theorem, and Millman’s TheoremD Devices Data SheetsE Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs)

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 02:01:48 pm
content: looks like a thorough book to start on analogue, nothing on digital but that's fine as it's analogue that is the lost fine art.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 03:04:51 pm
content: If you were after a book covering Digital alone Simon perhaps'Digital Fundamentals'would be a good choice?.. I think it's going to be my next buy too. It's by the same author and judging by reviews sounds very good indeed.Table of Contents1. Digital Concepts.2. Number Systems, Operations, and Codes.3. Logic Gates.4. Boolean Algebra and Logic Simplification.5. Combinational Logic Analysis.6. Functions of Combinational Logic.7. Latches, Flip-Flops, and Timers.8. Counters.9. Shift Registers.10. Memory and Storage.11. Programmable Logic and Software.12. Introduction to Computers.13. Introduction to Digital Signal Processing.14. Integrated Circuit Technologies.http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780138146467/Digital-Fundamentals

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 05:59:55 pm
content: that book is a mix between 1st and 2nd year in U study. i have the analog and op-amp book separated. u still need to look for 3rd year and 4th year, ie microelectronics and digital. i never completed any of those books that i havei will give the above book thumbs up too since it is a 2 in 1 book compared to mine. and warning, thats not an easy reading book as AoE does, you could spend your entire day for a single page doing exercise, but.... thats the root of "mastery".

author: MrPlacid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 06:17:29 pm
content: Quote from: orbiter on November 01, 2010, 03:04:51 pmI got that book too. It's a friend's old book she left behind from her days in college. It's really good.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 06:46:54 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on November 01, 2010, 02:01:48 pmI work with an engineer who regularly leaves me astounded by what he does with analogue electronics. I'm not only talking about obvious analogue bits like op-amps but he does have the habit of using transistors upside down and relying on an obscure graphs on the 15th page of the datasheet to make it work.Neil

author: TheWelly888
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 09:19:32 pm
content: Thanks for that, Orbiter - I've just gone and ordered a copy!However - if you find yourself at a loose end, you can watch what books other people around the world are buying from Book Depository!http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/live

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2010, 09:44:00 pm
content: You'll love it Welly I'm sure.I'd never seen that Book Depository tracker thingy before, very interestingI actually only found out about The Book Depository myself a few months ago but I'm glad I did, every book I've ordered from there recently (probably around 6 books) has been cheaper than I've seen it at Amazon.

author: updatelee
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2010, 12:32:24 am
content: just ordered it as well, got it on ebay books for $65usd free shipping.

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2010, 01:50:57 am
content: Quote from: shafri on November 01, 2010, 05:59:55 pmThe AoE is not an easy read either

author: Feanor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2010, 04:28:45 am
content: "The Art of Electronics" - Horowitz and Hill has to recommended as a good book to get. But not the only book to get.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2010, 07:14:07 am
content: Quote from: SuperMiguel on November 02, 2010, 01:50:57 amthats not my first word, its quoted from others, and i kinda agree, an easy to read due to no deep math formulation, but not as easy to understand, esp if you dont have strong basics. AoE is the supplementary of all those basic books such as presented by OP. IMHO.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2010, 12:06:15 pm
content: QuoteI agree only partly with you there shafri as I am still a complete noob compared to you guys, and thus I am still trying to grasp the basics, although with this book this are becoming clearer now. I must say though that this book for me has been the most helpful. The layout really helps as it gives me a little time to absorb information between chapters before heading off again.I know I'm getting somewhere (Slowly) as I've just learned to read resistor colour codes off the top of my head. I know.. I know.. You guys have known that since you were born, but hey.. This was an achievement for meJohn

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2010, 07:49:07 pm
content: Quote from: orbiter on November 02, 2010, 12:06:15 pmI confess. I have been working as an electronics engineer for over 10 years - I can't be sure I have read the resistor colour codes correctly.Neil

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2010, 08:40:09 pm
content: QuoteAt least your honest Neil, cheers mate. That makes me feel better as now, I know I'm not alone when it comes to trying to remember every single thing I'm reading in my books.John

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2010, 07:37:26 pm
content: Quote from: orbiter on November 02, 2010, 08:40:09 pmWhen I have a question on this a quick look on the internet is usually invaluable. One programe I do find very useful is called MiscEl. Download it athttp://www.miscel.dk/MiscEl/miscel.html. It not only covers componet values and basic circuits but also more esoteric things for example currents on PCB tracks, impedance of PCB tracks, efficiancy of fans in enclosures, the periodic table, designing a capacitor on a PCB and many more.Neil

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2010, 08:09:38 pm
content: I've just downloaded that, thanks. I also use a similar tool called electronics assistant. That's pretty good too, available here..http://www.electronics2000.co.uk/download.php

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:48:23 am
content: I love MiscEl.The guy who built it just keeps adding stuff, and it's all useful. It was the first thing I got running in wine when I switched to linux.

author: MrPlacid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 03:08:51 am
content: Quote from: orbiter on November 02, 2010, 12:06:15 pmWe don't do that anymore, we just pop them into a multimeter and get the readings. We also sort them by values and label the package they come in and put the package in order for easy finding. After all, it's more accurate testing the value on the meter than reading codes. Once you go to surface mount resistor, the color coding is gone anyways.Heck, we don't even solder anymorewe pay someone else to do that for us too. Just joking on the last part.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 03:47:01 am
content: maybe its time for the manufacturer to change the long standing norm of color coding, and instead do the coding as the smd resistor did. some might argue due to its round shape (through hole), the code maybe stuck beneath and difficult to see, i think will be the same thing if you put the smd upsidedown, its just a matter how you assemble it. and sure it can be printed on both side. i want to understand color code, but when i tried, its very difficult for me to distinguish between brown and orange, or red, even the gold can be similar to yellow (cheapo resistor), will be worst for color blind it think.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 03:16:43 pm
content: OT.. But..What's the problem with sticking the actual number value onto through hole resistors. Is it due to their unusual shape/size or just the quantities that would need to be valued?I remember seeing a video once were someones name was printed onto a human hair and the detail was amazing so I guess the problem is not actually doing it.John

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 03:26:31 pm
content: The standard was probably adopted by the industry before it was cost effective and its just been that way ever since.

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 05:12:39 pm
content: Yeah, I chalked it up to old habits and existing machinery being cheaper than something new. At least they went to labels for the SMD parts, mostly.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 05:28:17 pm
content: If those are the only reasons then I guess It would be great if the labeling could move with the times as shafri suggested.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 07:22:59 pm
content: Quote from: orbiter on November 04, 2010, 05:28:17 pmhopes the manufacturers listen and the fellows engineers and scientistsand let it remains in the history section of the textbooks.

author: Feanor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 09:44:59 pm
content: Resistors with numbers and not color coded rings do exist. I have some old Russian ones with the value and the tolerance on them. I have seen these in electronics surplus stores here in Australia as well. I was told that these were "military surplus".I think it comes down to how much it costs to print numbers on as opposed to drawing lines.

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 01:14:51 am
content: Thanks for the heads up, always useful to have more than a couple of books on a subject for that time when one's book explanation just won't sink in and another book describes it slightly different but makes it click.A great site to get books from iswww.abebooks.co.ukif you're in the uk or just .com for elsewhere, saved me quite a bit picking up second hand copies of books for uni.