Electrical Engineering Beginner's Resources

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around resources for beginners in electrical engineering, particularly for someone with a background in physics and mathematics. Participants explore various aspects of learning electronics, including foundational knowledge, practical applications, and connections to quantum computing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for resources suitable for self-study in electrical engineering.
  • Another participant asks about the original poster's background in math and physics to tailor suggestions, noting the distinction between electronics that requires calculus and that which does not.
  • The original poster shares their educational background, indicating familiarity with calculus and undergraduate physics, but expresses a lack of practical experience in electronics.
  • Participants suggest introductory circuits books and provide links to related threads for further exploration.
  • There is a discussion about the relevance of conventional computing to quantum computing, with some participants arguing that they are largely distinct fields.
  • One participant emphasizes that modern digital computing is more about system engineering and programming than classical electronics, suggesting that learning programming is essential.
  • The original poster acknowledges the need for a basic understanding of electronics while focusing on quantum mechanics as their primary interest.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between quantum computing and conventional electronics, with some asserting that they are largely unrelated, while others highlight the importance of foundational knowledge in both areas. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to learning for the original poster's goals.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various levels of electronics knowledge and the importance of calculus, but do not resolve the specifics of how these relate to the original poster's learning path.

Emmo Amaranth
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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!
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
It is a very broad topic, what in particular are you interested in or why?
 
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.
 
Quantum computing has little in common with conventional computers.

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

DaveE said:
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.
 

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