Basic Electronics Theory and Practice

This book is an introduction appropriate for both the student and hobbyist to the theory and practice of electronics including advances in microcontrollers, sensors, and wireless communication. Covering both the theory and its practical application, this text leads the reader through introductory understanding of the science underlying electronics, building basic circuits, learning the roles of the components, the application of digital theory and the possibilities for innovation by combining sensors, motors, and microcontrollers. Each chapter contains a brief lab to demonstrate the topic covered then moving onto the final part which combines the knowledge mastered by building a programmable robot. The book includes appendices on Mathematics for Electronics, A Timeline of Electronics Innovation, Careers in Electronics, and a Glossary. The companion disc has videos of the labs, soldering skills, and code samples for programming of the robot. Brief Table of Contents 1: The Theory Behind Electricity. 2: How Electricity Works. 3: Currents and Circuits. 4: Tools of the[D1] Trade. 5: Shop Setup and Safety. 6: Switches. 7: Resistors. 8: Capacitors. 9: Diodes. 10: Transistors. 11: Power Sources and Power Supplies. 12: Soldering. 13: Constructing a Power Supply. 14: Digital Theory. 15: Integrated Circuits. 16: Memory. 17: Microcontrollers. 18: Motors and Controllers.19: Sensors. 20: Electronic Communication. 21A: Building Your Robot-Arduino. 21B: Building Your Robot-Netduino. 22A: Getting Your Robot Moving. 22B: Getting Your Robot Moving. 23A: Arduino: Adding Sensors to Your Robot. 23B: Netduino: Adding Sensors to Your Robot. Appendix A: Glossary. Appendix B: Timeline of Electronics. Appendix C: Mathematics for Electronics. Appendix D: Careers in Electronics. Appendix E: Resources. Appendix F: Answers for Odd-Numbered Exercises. Appendix G: Lab Video Directory. Index. About the Authors Sean Westcott works in IT for a construction consulting firm in the DC Metropolitan area. . His online writing can be found at: Basementhackers.com. He is a co-author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Electronic 101 (Alpha/Penguin Books) and Digitally Daunted: The Consumer's Guide to Taking Control of the Electronics in Your Life (Capital Books). Jean Riescher Westcott works as in book publishing and writes about technology topics for several online outlets. Her personal blog is DigitallyDaunted.com. She is a co-author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Electronic 101 (Alpha/Penguin Books) and Digitally Daunted: The Consumer's Guide to Taking Control of the Electronics in Your Life (Capital Books).