ELECTRONICS - A Systems Approach (2nd. Edition) by Neil Storey 672 pages. Softback. February 1998. I like this book a lot! The physics of semiconductors is initially avoided and instead a practical systems approach is adopted early on, to introduce the reader gently to the functions of components and processing circuits. This helps to develop the reader's confidence without overburdening him/ her with complex physical theory. The 2nd. Edition has been updated to introduce EMC, PLDs and computer simulation software (notably PSpice). Also new, the demo. files are available from the web (using a URL buried in the preface). Some understanding of basic algebra will be useful. The book starts with basic systems, sensors and actuators before turning to amplification, gain and frequency response curves. The op.amp is outlined in some depth then semiconductors, including the basic physics of the p-n junction. The diode and the MOSFET are explored, also the basic physics behind the MOSFET and its characteristics, before moving to the BJT. Single-transistor amplifier stages are analysed in complete detail. Analogue signal processing is next - passive and active filters are described, then noise and s/n ratios, new material on EMC then basic logic gates, K-Maps and number systems. Sequential logic, with flip-flops and counters and state diagrams follow. More advanced K-Map analyses, then CMOS and TTL family logic operation are detailed. PALs, GALs and EPLDs are discussed. Microcomputers follow with a thorough description of CPUs and related terminology (I/O, IRQs, DMA and so on) though there is little mention of the microcontroller. A-D and D-A conversion are outlined at the end. Each chapter has a Design Study with further reading suggestions, exercises and selected answers. Students, engineers, technicians and hobbyists will find this updated British-written book indispensable, and once again ELECTRONICS - A SYSTEMS APPROACH forms the best all-round introduction to electronics that I have seen. I can strongly recommend it. Click here to order Electronics - A Systems Approach from amazon.co.uk [ Back to Book Choices page ]