Electrical Engineering Beginner's Resources

[Emmo Amaranth]

As the title suggests, I'm hoping some of you have some favorite resources for a self-studying novice. I'm sure there are a LOT of places online (and in print) to learn, but if anyone can help point me in the right direction I'd be very appreciative. Cheers!

 

[DaveE]

Can you give us some idea about your background so we can figure out what level is good for you? What level of math are you familiar with? What about physics or electronics? Do you know V = I⋅R, P = V⋅I, etc.?
Basically, there is electronics without calculus and electronics after you know some calculus. Honestly, the best way to learn about electronics is to know calculus first, so study that if you haven't. However, there is still a lot of electrician level stuff (i.e. no calculus) to learn too.

 

[Emmo Amaranth]

Sure thing:

I just graduated with a B.S. in Physics with a minor in Mathematics. I'm comfortable/familiar with calculus and other selected mathematical methods, as well as undergraduate level physics (including a 400 level year long course on E&M). I do know Ohm's Law and the power relation, but my weak point is the practical application of electronics: I'm familiar with many basic components, but topics such as circuit design are still quite new to me.

 

[berkeman]

Here is an intro circuits book that you may enjoy, and a thread about one of its features...

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/bad-circuits-test-your-knowledge.178516/

 

[Windadct]

It is a very broad topic, what in particular are you interested in or why?

 

[Emmo Amaranth]

General interest and practicality. I want to get into quantum information/computing in the future, but I need to broaden my skill set. As such, I'm striving to learn as much about conventional computers (hardware and software) as possible, so I'm starting from basics.

 

[anorlunda]

Quantum computing has little in common with conventional computers.

If quantum computing is really your goal, then you must study quantum mechanics.

 

[DaveE]

Frankly, any sort of conventional (digital) computing has little to do with classical electronics and circuit design. It is almost entirely about system engineering and/or programming now days. There is still a lot of analog circuit design in the interface between computing and the real world, power supplies, high speed communication, radios, etc. But digital circuit design is mostly done by buying an IC and programming it with VHDL, C, etc. People don't do Karnaugh maps anymore, they leave that up to a compiler.

 

[Emmo Amaranth]

If quantum computing is really your goal, then you must study quantum mechanics.

Appreciated, and I'm aware. QM will be my main focus, but I already have a solid foundation upon which to grow thanks to the excellent instruction I received as an undergrad.

It is almost entirely about system engineering and/or programming now days.

Also appreciated, and I likewise will be spending a good chunk of time learning programming. I'm not looking to become an expert in analog electronics (or conventional computing, for that matter), but I do need at least a basic knowledge of fundamental principles. In addition, as I stated before, I simply have a general interest in the subject.

 

[Emmo Amaranth]

Here is an intro circuits book that you may enjoy, and a thread about one of its features...

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/bad-circuits-test-your-knowledge.178516/

Thank you so much! I found a version of this book to start looking through...lots to digest! :)