Electronics for the Cognoscenti

For those seriously interested in electronics there's a new book out called the X-Chapters. It's a companion volume to the Art of Electronics (edition 3), which is the best book bar none on real world electronics, and is by the same authors.

The book goes into much greater detail on passive components, transistors and opamps. It even discusses the capacitance voltage coefficient for ceramic capacitors versus dielectric type. There's more detail on opamp internal design and characteristics than even the professional is likely to need. It also covers switchmode supplies and some power electronics, although for me at least, those sections are a bit low level compared to the other areas.

There is also a wonderful comparison of a genuine Apple wallwart and a fake import. That should serve as a dire warning to those who buy grey imports to 'save' money.

The book is not cheap, and you really need AoE3 to get the most out of it. It's mostly at the professional level but for the keen amateur it's a most interesting, and challenging, book.

One caveat, it's printed on tissue paper so thin you can see what's printed on the other side of the page. That's a real disappointment, CUP must be going down the pan.

Andrew

CUP = Cambridge University Press

Thanks for the heads up. The art of electronics has always been my bible.

Andrew.

At £35 even on Amazon that can go on the Xmas present list

It could prove an excellent investment should we experience another wave of Covid and renewed panic buying ( given the specification of the paper used - hopefully many sheets)

Thanks for the heads up.

I must admit, my Ed. 3 of H&H has never engaged me quite as well as Ed. 2.

Neil

Andrew,

On a similar basis is there a good book for idiots who know enough to be dangerous

Martin P

There are reports of poor quality counterfeit versions of the main book.