Practical Electronics

John M. Hughes is an embedded systems engineer with over 30 years of experience in electronics, embedded systems and software, aerospace systems, and scientific applications programming. He was responsible for the surface imaging software on the Phoenix Mars Lander, and has worked on digital engine control systems for commercial and military aircraft, automated test systems, radio telescope data acquisition, and realtime adaptive optics controls for astronomy.

Chapter 1Electrons in Motion
Atoms and Electrons
Electric Charge and Current
Current Flow in a Basic Circuit
Ohm’s Law
Power
Resistance
Example: Building a Voltage Divider
Summary
Chapter 2Fasteners and Adhesives
Screws and Bolts
Rivets
Adhesives and Bonding
Summary
Chapter 3Tools
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Wire Cutters
Wire Strippers
Crimping Tools
Socket and Hex Drivers
Clamps
Vises
Rotary Tools
Grinders
Drills
Drill Bits
Taps and Dies
Small Hand Saws
Miniature Power Saws
Specialty Metalworking Tools
Tweezers
Soldering Tools
Magnifiers and Microscopes
Workspaces
Summary
Chapter 4Tool Techniques
Working with Fasteners
Soldering and Desoldering
Cutting
Drilling
Modification Cutting
Summary
Chapter 5Power Sources
Batteries
Power Supply Technology
Photovoltaic Power Sources
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Summary
Chapter 6Switches
One Switch, Multiple Circuits
Switch Types
Slide and Rotary Switch Circuits
Switch Selection Criteria
Switch Caveats
Summary
Chapter 7Connectors and Wiring
Wire and Cable
Connectors
Assembling Connectors
Summary
Chapter 8Passive Components
Tolerance
Voltage, Power, and Temperature
Packages
Resistors
Capacitors
Chokes, Coils, and Transformers
Summary
Chapter 9Active Components
How to Read a Datasheet
Electrostatic Discharge
Packaging Overview
Diodes and Rectifiers
Transistors
SCR and TRIAC Devices
Heatsinks
Integrated Circuits
Summary
Chapter 10Relays
Relay Background
Relay Packages
Selecting a Relay
Relay Reliability Issues
Relay Applications
Summary
Chapter 11Logic
Logic Basics
Origin of Logic ICs
Logic Families
Logic Building Blocks: 4000 and 7400 ICs
Programmable Logic Devices
Microprocessors and Microcontrollers
Working with Logic Components
Summary
Chapter 12Discrete Control Interfaces
The Discrete Interface
Discrete Inputs
Discrete Outputs
Logic-Level Translation
Components
Summary
Chapter 13Analog Interfaces
Interfacing with an Analog World
Hacking Analog Signals
Summary
Chapter 14Data Communication Interfaces
Basic Digital Communications Concepts
SPI and I2C
RS-232
RS-485
RS-232 vs. RS-485
USB
Ethernet Network Communications
Wireless Communications
Other Data Communications Methods
Summary
Chapter 15Printed Circuit Boards
PCB History
PCB Basics
PCB Layout
Fabricating a PCB
PCB Guidelines
Summary
Chapter 16Packaging
The Importance of Packaging
Types of Packaging
Stock Enclosures
Building or Recycling Enclosures
Designing Packaging for Electronics
Sources
Summary
Chapter 17Test Equipment
Basic Test Equipment
Advanced Test Equipment
Buying Used and Surplus Equipment
Summary
Appendix Essential Electronics and AC Circuits
Units of Measurement
Voltage, Current, and Power
Resistance
Equivalent Circuits
AC Concepts
Capacitance, Inductance, Reactance, and Impedance
Solid-State Concepts
Operational Amplifiers
Noise
Recommended Reading and Further Exploration
Appendix Schematics
Wires and Current Paths
Common Schematic Symbols
Schematic Capture and EDA Tools
Appendix Bibliography
Electronics Theory
Engineering and Design Topics
Interfaces
Construction Techniques and Projects
Hands-On Learning
Instrumentation
Microcontrollers
Printed Circuit Boards
Appendix Resources
Software
Hardware, Components, and Tools
Printed Circuit Board Supplies and Fabricators
eBay
Other Sources
Datasheets, Application Notes, and Manuals
Appendix Components Lists
Controllers
Memory
Logic
Interface Components
Translation
Data Communications Components