What are the best electronics textbooks for physics undergrads?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the best electronics textbooks suitable for physics undergraduates, focusing on foundational knowledge in electronics. Participants explore various books, their suitability for self-learning, and their practical applications in physics experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the best electronics books for physics undergraduates, specifically mentioning "The Art of Electronics" and questioning its role as a reference versus a textbook.
  • Another participant recommends "Horowitz and Hill," noting its strengths but also pointing out that it is outdated regarding microprocessors and high-frequency technologies, and lacks explanations for poor design choices.
  • A similar recommendation for "Horowitz and Hill" is reiterated, with a concern raised about its classification as a reference book rather than a self-learning resource.
  • One participant argues that "Horowitz and Hill" serves as a practical guide for building electronics for physics experiments, distinguishing it from traditional electronic engineering textbooks.
  • A link to "The Art of Electronics" is shared, suggesting it as a resource for further exploration.
  • Another participant suggests "Thomas Floyd, Electronic Devices" for practical work and "Adel Sedra, Microelectronic Circuits" for a more advanced reference, indicating a range of options based on different levels of expertise.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the classification of "The Art of Electronics" and "Horowitz and Hill" as textbooks versus reference materials. There is no clear consensus on the best choice for self-learning or the most suitable book for physics undergraduates.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight limitations in the coverage of modern technologies in recommended texts, such as high-frequency applications and microprocessors. The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the appropriateness of certain books for self-learning versus practical application.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for physics undergraduates seeking guidance on electronics textbooks, educators looking for resources for teaching, and anyone interested in practical electronics applications in physics experiments.

noblegas
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What is considered the best electronics books for physics undergrads who want to learn the basics of electronics? I would go and buy the art of electronics but many say that is more of a reference book than a textbook.
 
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Horowitz and Hill

150px-The_Art_of_Electronics.jpg

The microprocessor bit is out of date, it doesn't cover high frequency (wifi/bluetooth) and it's annoying that it doesn't tell you why some of the bad designs are bad - but it's still the best.

edit - it seems there is a new edition due next year, but they have been saying that for the last 10years !
 
mgb_phys said:
Horowitz and Hill

150px-The_Art_of_Electronics.jpg

The microprocessor bit is out of date, it doesn't cover high frequency (wifi/bluetooth) and it's annoying that it doesn't tell you why some of the bad designs are bad - but it's still the best.

edit - it seems there is a new edition due next year, but they have been saying that for the last 10years !

isn't that a reference book though and not really the appropriate book for self-learning?
 
No, it's a 'how to' of everything you need to build practical electronics for physics experiments - it's not a textbook of electronic engineering design or theory.

You can probably pick up a used copy - every experimental physicist (and every lab) has a copy
 
I tink this will be good for electronics, especially that this book emphasizes on practical work.

Thomas Floyd, Electronic devices

If you want a more advanced book I recommand

Adel Sedra, Microelectronic circuits ( this is a universal reference book)
 

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