Intro to electronics for a physics student

[barnflakes]

I just started work in the lab and I'm finding myself having to build lots of circuits. Only problem is I have never studied these before ever, and don't even know the basics really. Can anyone recommend a concise intro to electronics which covers all the things I should know but not the things that aren't fundamental (I can always read into those later)?

 

[berkeman]

I just started work in the lab and I'm finding myself having to build lots of circuits. Only problem is I have never studied these before ever, and don't even know the basics really. Can anyone recommend a concise intro to electronics which covers all the things I should know but not the things that aren't fundamental (I can always read into those later)?

Hmm, it's not concise, but The Art of Electronics by Horowitz and Hill is a good intro book. It's a pretty easy read, and you can skip around to pick up the topics that you are using at work the most. If you're near a university or technical library, take a look at the book to see if it could fit your needs. They may have used copies available on Amaxon.com.

 

[barnflakes]

Yes that was recommended to me too, like you say it's not concise, I had a look at it and it goes too in depth. I just want something to bring me up to speed really quickly on the basics.

 

[berkeman]

Maybe some of the Schaum's Outline series might help?

Circuit Analysis https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070478244/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You can do a google search on Schaum's Outlines of <whatever> to see if others exist for subjects that you specifically want to learn...

 

[waht]

Consider books like Electronics demystified, or Electronics for dummies.

or All New Electronics Self-Teaching Guide:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470289619/?tag=pfamazon01-20

They lightly touch on a variety of subjects in electronics.

But other than that, the real stepping stone to EE is a calculus based "Circuit Analysis" like the one in Berkeman's link. I love that particular book, it's cheap, comprehensive, and has emphasis on spice.

 

[Studiot]

Electronics Circuits Handbook : Design Testing Construction

By Michael Tooley

is what you need.

 

[berkeman]

Electronics Circuits Handbook : Design Testing Construction

By Michael Tooley

is what you need.

That looks like a good book. I like how it starts with "A word about safety" section.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0750669233/?tag=pfamazon01-20

.

 

[Studiot]

Thank you, Berkeman, for bringing my reference up to date.

Tooley has a particularly clear style for those who want to 'do or 'use' electronics as opposed to lots of mathematics or physics. He offers a practical man's appreciation and understanding.

 

[rolerbe]

I found https://www.amazon.com/dp/0071452818/?tag=pfamazon01-20 By Scherz to be easy to read and useful as an intro.

The Horowitz is a little dated now, but is really spot on.