Electronics: Principles and Applications 9th Edition

Book Preface

Electronics: Principles and Applications, 9e, introduces analog devices, circuits, and systems. It also presents various digital techniques that are now commonly used in what was once considered the sole domain of analog electronics. It is intended for students who have a basic understanding of Ohm’s law; Kirchhoff’s laws; power; schematic diagrams; and basic components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. The digital material is self-contained and will not pose a problem for those students who have not completed a course in digital electronics. The only mathematics prerequisite is a command of basic algebra.

The major objective of this text is to provide entry-level knowledge and skills for a wide range of occupations in electricity and electronics. Its purpose is to assist in the education and preparation of technicians who can effectively diagnose, repair, verify, install, and upgrade electronic circuits and systems. It also provides a solid and practical foundation in analog electronic concepts, device theory, and modern digital solutions for those who may need or want to go on to more advanced study.

The ninth edition, like the earlier ones, combines theory and applications in a logical, evenly paced sequence. It is important that a student’s first exposure to electronic devices and circuits be based on a smooth integration of theory and practice. This approach helps the student develop an understanding of how devices such as diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits function and how they are used in practice. Then the understanding of these functions can be applied to the solution of practical problems such as performance analysis and troubleshooting. This is an extremely practical text. The devices, circuits, and applications are typical of those used in all phases of electronics. Reference is made to common aids such as parts catalogs, component identification systems, and substitution guides, and real-world troubleshooting techniques are applied whenever appropriate. The information, theory, and calculations presented are the same as those used by practicing technicians. The formulas presented are immediately applied in examples that make sense and relate to the kinds of calculations actually made by technical workers.

The 16 chapters progress from an introduction to the broad field of electronics through solid-state theory, transistors, and the concepts of gain, amplifiers, oscillators, electronic communications and data transfer, integrated circuits, control circuitry, regulated power supplies, and digital signal processing. As an example of the practicality of the text, an entire chapter is devoted to troubleshooting circuits and systems. In other chapters, entire sections are devoted to this vital topic. Since the last edition, the electronics industry has continued its march toward more digital and mixed-signal applications to replace what used to be purely analog functions. The distinction between analog and digital continues to blur. This is the only text of its kind that addresses this issue.

New to this Edition

This edition updates devices and equipment. For example, more emphasis is placed on digital meter readings and less on analog displays. It also portrays up-to-date test equipment. Lastly, devices that are no longer available have been eliminated. Perhaps the most significant change is the emphasis on thermal issues and power devices. As technicians ply their craft, they will likely deal with devices such as power transistors. This is because power devices have a higher failure rate and the replacement of power devices is often more cost-effective
than the replacement of other parts. One entirely new section is devoted to power transistors and another to troubleshooting thermal issues.

More information about topics such as total harmonic distortion has been included. Along with that, spectral analysis to measure total harmonic distortion is presented. Measurements that once required very expensive test equipment can now be made using affordable personal computers and software. That is also true with certain radio-frequency measurements that can be made with a PC. This edition covers wireless network troubleshooting and presents more information about digital modulation methods.

Last but not least, there is now more troubleshooting information. In addition to using software and PCs, methods of using basic calculations to predict circuit performance are discussed. For example, a regulated power supply circuit is analyzed to determine normal voltage readings. This is becoming more important as fewer voltage readings and fewer waveforms are supplied with schematics. Technicians are forced to become more self-reliant and better educated about the circuit principles and theory that are covered here. The practicality of this book has always been very strong and has continued to evolve over time.