Basic Electronics [OP]: 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 for programming the robot. It leads the reader through an introductory understanding of electronics with both simple labs and progressing to the construction of a microcontroller-driven robot using open source software and hardware. It presents theoretical concepts in a conversational tone, followed by hands-on labs to engage readers by presenting practical applications. Companion disc contains videos of all labs, tutorials on soldering/ de-soldering, code for the microcontroller robot project, and figures from the text. Designed for both the student and hobbyist, this updated revision is an introduction to the theory and practice of electronics including advances in microcontrollers, sensors, and wireless communication. Each chapter contains a brief lab to demonstrate the topic under discussion, then moves on to use all of the knowledge mastered to build a programmable robot (Arduino and Netduino). New material on using Raspberry Pi and Python has been included. The companion disc includes videos of the labs, soldering skills, and code samples for programming of the robot. Covering both the theory and also its practical applications, this text leads the reader through the basic science concepts 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. It includes appendices on mathematics for electronics, a timeline of electronics innovation, careers in electronics, and a glossary