Need a book recommendation [electronics]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on electronics for someone preparing to enroll in an electrical engineering program in Germany. Participants explore various texts and resources suitable for beginners in the field of electronics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the suitability of "The Art of Electronics" by Paul Horowitz as an introduction to circuits and electronics, questioning which version might be more appropriate for beginners.
  • Another participant suggests that the "art" books may not be suitable for complete beginners and references a German book, "Halbleiter-Schaltungstechnik" by U. Tietze and Ch. Schenk, as a potential alternative.
  • A different participant expresses a positive view of "The Art of Electronics," highlighting its practical approach and recommending hands-on experience with electronics kits to enhance learning.
  • One participant clarifies the distinction between "The Art of Electronics" as a textbook and "Learning the Art of Electronics" as a workbook with exercises, suggesting that the choice of book may depend on the specific branch of electrical engineering being pursued.
  • Additional recommendations for other textbooks are provided, including works by Razavi, Sedra Smith, and Pierret, depending on the focus area within electrical engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the appropriateness of "The Art of Electronics" for beginners, with some recommending it and others suggesting it may not be suitable. There is no consensus on a single best resource, as various alternatives are proposed based on different areas of focus within electrical engineering.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the choice of book may depend on the specific branch of electrical engineering being pursued, indicating that different texts may cater to different areas of study.

Donello
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Hello

I have taken a language test few days ago and in case I pass it I will get enrolled in an electrical engineering program in Germany. I have no prior knowledge/experience in electronics at all and am thinking about doing something about this before I enroll.
What do you think about the book The art of electronics by Paul Horowitz. Do you think it's a good introduction to circuits and electronics ? There are two versions of this book, the other one is called Learning the art of electronics. What book do you think best suits my need ?
 
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The "art" books for sure are not for you. Not for complete beginners. If I rememberer correctly in Germany you have a "similar" book to the "art" book the Halbleiter-Schaltungstechnik U. Tietze, Ch. Schenk I have the Polish edition on my shelf.
 
Donello said:
Hello

I have taken a language test few days ago and in case I pass it I will get enrolled in an electrical engineering program in Germany. I have no prior knowledge/experience in electronics at all and am thinking about doing something about this before I enroll.
What do you think about the book The art of electronics by Paul Horowitz. Do you think it's a good introduction to circuits and electronics ? There are two versions of this book, the other one is called Learning the art of electronics. What book do you think best suits my need ?
The Art of Electronics is one of my favorite basic electronics books. I like the practical approach they take, and the sections on Circuit Ideas and Bad Circuits. I wish I had read the book cover-to-cover before starting my EE degree -- it would have been a great head start. :smile:

I's also recommend that you build a few electronics kits early-on in your education. Building real circuits helps you learn better questions to ask in your schoolwork, in my experience.

I'm no help on the different versions of the book, though. Sorry.
 
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The Art of Electronics is the textbook written by Horowitz and Hill.
Learning the Art of Electronics is a workbook / activities collection / addition to the textbook. Think "exercises" with solutions and suggestions.

As for the books, it very much depends what branch of EE are you pursuing. Microelectronics? Razavi; Digital Electronics? Still Razavi, but the other one (you'll see :-) ); general electronics? Sedra Smith. Device electronics? Pierret. Want an old classic? Millman (comes in four flavors: devices, analog mostly, digital mostly, just the circuits). The list is endless... these are the simplest.

Perhaps you should follow the advice above and have a look at Tietze. It's made in Germany, it might be tailored for German EE courses.
 
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Thank you
 

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