A good book for beginner/intermediate, and maybe even expert alike...

[orbiter]

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 possible I 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 friends



http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780135096833/Electronics-Fundamentals

[Simon]

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 ?

[orbiter]

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 Circuits


Chapter 1  Quantities and Units

1-1   Scientific and Engineering Notation

1-2   Units and Metric Prefixes

1-3   Metric Unit Conversions

1-4   Measured Numbers

1-5   Electrical Safety

 

Chapter 2  Voltage, Current, and Resistance

 2-1 Atoms

 2-2 Electrical Charge

 2-3 Voltage

 2-4 Current

 2-5 Resistance

 2-6 The Electric Circuit

 2-7 Basic Circuit Measurements

        Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 3  Ohm’s Law, Energy, and Power

3-1   Ohm’s Law

3-2   Application of Ohm’s Law

3-3   Energy and Power

3-4   Power in an Electric Circuit

3-5   The Power Rating of Resistors

3-6   Energy Conversion and Voltage Drop in a Resistance

3-7   Power Supplies

3-8   Introduction to Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

 

Chapter 4  Series Circuits

4-1   Resistors in Series

4-2   Total Series Resistance

4-3   Current in a Series Circuit

4-4   Application of Ohm’s Law

4-5   Voltage Sources in Series

4-6   Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law

4-7   Voltage Dividers

4-8   Power in Series Circuits

4-9   Voltage Measurements

4-10  Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 5  Parallel Circuits

5-1   Resistors in Parallel

5-2   Total Parallel Resistance

5-3   Voltage in a Parallel Circuit

5-4   Application of Ohm’s Law

5-5   Kirchhoff’s Current Law

5-6   Current Dividers

5-7   Power in Parallel Circuits

5-8   Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 6 Series-Parallel Circuits

6-1   Identifying Series-Parallel Relationships

6-2   Analysis of Series-Parallel Resistive Circuits

6-3   Voltage Dividers with Resistive Loads

6-4   Loading Effect of a Voltmeter

6-5   The Wheatstone Bridge

6-6   Thevenin’s Theorem

6-7   The Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

6-8   The Superposition Theorem

6-9   Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 7  Magnetism and Electromagnetism

7-1   The Magnetic Field

7-2   Electromagnetism

7-3   Electromagnetic Devices

7-4   Magnetic Hysteresis

7-5   Electromagnetic Induction

7-6   Applications of Electromagnetic Induction

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

 

Part II  AC Circuits

 

Chapter 8 Introduction to Alternating Current and Voltage

8-1   The Sinusoidal Waveform

8-2   Sinusoidal Voltage Sources

8-3   Voltage and Current Values of Sine Waves

8-4   Angular Measurement of a Sine Wave

8-5   The Sine Wave Formula

8-6   Analysis of AC Circuits

8-7   Superimposed DC and AC Voltages

8-8   Nonsinusoidal Waveforms

8-9   The Oscilloscope

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

Chapter 9 Capacitors

9-1   The Basic Capacitor

9-2   Types of Capacitors

9-3   Series Capacitors

9-4   Parallel Capacitors

9-5   Capacitors in DC Circuits

9-6   Capacitors in AC Circuits

9-7   Capacitor Applications

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

 

Chapter 10 RC Circuits

10-1  Sinusoidal Response of RC Circuits

10-2  Impedance and Phase Angle of Series RC Circuits

10-3  Analysis of Series RC Circuits

10-4  Impedance and Phase Angle of Parallel RC Circuits

10-5  Analysis of Parallel RC Circuits

10-6  Analysis of Series-Parallel RC Circuits

10-7  Power in RC Circuits

10-8  Basic Applications

10-9  Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

 

Chapter 11 Inductors

11-1  The Basic Inductor

11-2  Types of Inductors

11-3  Series and Parallel Inductors

11-4  Inductors in DC Circuits

11-5  Inductors in AC Circuits

11-6  Inductor Applications

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

 

Chapter 12 RL Circuits

12-1  Sinusoidal Response of RL Circuits

12-2  Impedance and Phase Angle of Series RL Circuits

12-3  Analysis of Series RL Circuits

12-4  Impedance and Phase Angle of Parallel RL Circuits

12-5  Analysis of Parallel RL Circuits

12-6  Analysis of Series-Parallel RL Circuits

12-7  Power in RL Circuits

12-8  Basic Applications

12-9  Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 13  RLC Circuits and Resonance

13-1  Impedance and Phase Angle of Series RLC Circuits

13-2  Analysis of Series RLC Circuits

13-3  Series Resonance

13-4  Series Resonant Filters

13-5  Parallel RLC Circuits

13-6  Parallel Resonance

13-7  Parallel Resonant Filters

13-8  Applications

Application Assignment Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 14  Time Response of Reactive Circuits

14-1  The RC Integrator

14-2  Response of RC Integrators to a Single Pulse

14-3  Response of RC Integrators to Repetitive Pulses

14-4  Response of RC Differentiators to a Single Pulse

14-5  Response of RC Differentiators to Repetitive Pulses

14-6  Response of RL Integrators to Pulse Inputs

14-7  Response of RL Differentiators to Pulse Inputs

14-8  Applications

14-9  Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 15 Transformers

15-1  Mutual Inductance

15-2  The Basic Transformer

15-3  Step-Up and Step-Down Transformers

15-4  Loading the Secondary

15-5  Reflected Load

15-6  Impedance Matching

15-7  Nonideal Transformer Characteristics

15-8  Tapped and Multiple-Winding Transformers

15-9  Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Part III  Devices

 

Chapter 16 Diodes and Applications

16-1  Introduction to Semiconductors

16-2  The PN Junction Diode

16-3  Diode Characteristics

16-4  Diode Rectifiers

16-5  Power Supplies

16-6  Special-Purpose Diodes

16-7  Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

Chapter 17  Transistors and Applications

17-1  DC Operation of Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)

17-2  BJT Class A Amplifiers

17-3  BJT Class B Amplifiers

17-4  The BJT as a Switch

17-5  DC Operations of Field-Effect Transistors (FETs)

17-6  FET Amplifiers

17-7  Feedback Oscillators

17-8  Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 18  The Operational Amplifier

18-1  Introduction to the Operational Amplifier

18-2  The Differential Amplifier

18-3  Op-Amp Parameters

18-4  Negative Feedback

18-5  Op-Amp Configurations with Negative Feedback

18-6  Op-Amp Impedances

18-7  Troubleshooting

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

 

Chapter 19 Basic Op-Amp Circuits

19-1  Comparators

19-2  Summing Amplifiers

19-3  Integrators and Differentiators

19-4  Oscillators

19-5  Active Filters

19-6  Voltage Regulators

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 20 Special-Purpose Op-Amp Circuits

20-1  Instrumentation Amplifiers

20-2  Isolation Amplifiers

20-3  Operational Transconductance Amplifiers (OTAs)

20-4  Active Diode Circuits

20-5  Other Op-Amp Circuits

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Chapter 21 Measurement, Conversion, and Control

21-1  Temperature Measurement

21-2  Strain, Pressure, and Flow-Rate Measurements

21-3  Motion Measurement

21-4  Sample-and-Hold Circuits

21-5  Analog-to-Digital Conversion

21-6  Power-Control Circuits

Application Assignment: Putting Your Knowledge to Work

 

Appendices

A     Table of Standard Resistor Values

B      Capacitor Color Coding and Marking

C      The Current Source, Norton’s Theorem, and Millman’s Theorem

D      Devices Data Sheets

E       Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs)

 

[Simon]

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.

[orbiter]

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 Contents

1. 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

[Mechatrommer]

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 have i 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".

[MrPlacid]

'Digital Fundamentals'

I got that book too. It's a friend's old book she left behind from her days in college. It's really good.

[Neilm]

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.

I 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

[TheWelly888]

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

[orbiter]

You'll love it Welly I'm sure.

I'd never seen that Book Depository tracker thingy before, very interesting   I 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.

[updatelee]

just ordered it as well, got it on ebay books for $65usd free shipping.

[SuperMiguel]

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".

The AoE is not an easy read either

[Feanor]

"The Art of Electronics" - Horowitz and Hill has to recommended as a good book to get. But not the only book to get.

[Mechatrommer]

The AoE is not an easy read either

thats 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.

[orbiter]

thats 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.

I 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 me

John

[Neilm]

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 know that since you were born, but hey.. This was an achievement for me

I 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

[orbiter]

I 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

At 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

[Neilm]

At 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

When 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 at http://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

[orbiter]

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

[DJPhil]

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.

[MrPlacid]

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 me

We 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 anymore  we pay someone else to do that for us too. Just joking on the last part.

[Mechatrommer]

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.

[orbiter]

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

[Time]

The standard was probably adopted by the industry before it was cost effective and its just been that way ever since.

[DJPhil]

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.