Best way to improve knowledge of electronics/circuit theory?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around improving knowledge of electronics and circuit theory, particularly for someone transitioning from a physics background to a job requiring practical electronics skills. Participants explore resources such as books and online courses, as well as hands-on learning methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for books or online courses to enhance their understanding of electronics and circuit design.
  • Another participant questions the original poster's current level of knowledge in electronics, asking about familiarity with resistor networks, capacitors, inductors, Fourier analysis, and circuit simulation software.
  • A suggestion is made to engage in hands-on learning by purchasing old electronics to disassemble and study.
  • The original poster indicates familiarity with basic resistor networks and Fourier transforms but lacks experience with larger circuits and circuit simulation software.
  • One participant recommends "The Art of Electronics" as a valuable resource for learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best resources for learning electronics, with no consensus on a single approach or material. Some emphasize hands-on experience, while others focus on structured learning through books or courses.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the specific applications for the circuits they will be working with, which may influence the choice of learning resources.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals transitioning from physics to electronics, those seeking to enhance their practical skills in circuit design, and learners interested in various educational resources for electronics.

royco
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Hi guys,
I recently finished my Physics undergraduate degree, and will be starting my first job in September. My employers have asked me to improve my knowledge of electronics before I begin work. I would like to improve my ability to analyse and understand circuits, and also learn more about circuit design in general.

I have some basic electronics knowledge, am fairly handy with a soldering iron, and have access to materials to play around with to help learn more. Is there a book or two that it would be worth getting, to try and learn from, or would an online course be better? I've seen varying opinions on "The Art of Electronics", and am not sure if it is at the right level for me either.

Thanks
 
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What's your current level in electronics? Are you comfortable with resistor networks? Capacitors and inductors thrown into the mix? Fourier analysis? What about circuit simulation software?

What kinds of applications will the circuits be used in?
 
royco said:
Hi guys,
I recently finished my Physics undergraduate degree, and will be starting my first job in September. My employers have asked me to improve my knowledge of electronics before I begin work. I would like to improve my ability to analyse and understand circuits, and also learn more about circuit design in general.

I have some basic electronics knowledge, am fairly handy with a soldering iron, and have access to materials to play around with to help learn more. Is there a book or two that it would be worth getting, to try and learn from, or would an online course be better? I've seen varying opinions on "The Art of Electronics", and am not sure if it is at the right level for me either.

Thanks

Nothing beats touching. Go to the local thrift store, buy some old electronics (not old TV sets) and take them apart while studying.
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/
 
I am familiar with resistor networks (basic parallel/series stuff); capacitors and inductors I am somewhat familiar with individually but not as a part of larger circuits really. I am familiar with Fourier transforms, but not applied to electronics. Never used circuit simulation software.

As for applications, the interview that focussed on electronics revolved around the operation of a switched mode power supply. The work that the job involves will be varied, so I am not sure on specifics unfortunately.
 
Congrats on the job! I would recommend buying The Art of Electronics by Horowitz/Hill.
 

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