Electronics for Scientists

Electronics for Scientists provides a practical and concise introduction to electrical circuits, signals, and instrumentation for undergraduate students in the physical sciences. It covers DC circuits, AC circuits, impedance, transfer function, noise, semiconductors, op-amps, digital circuits, and quantum computing. Worked examples and problems are provided to reinforce the material.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 153 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Electronics for Scientists is a comprehensive and practical introduction to electrical circuits, signals, and instrumentation for undergraduate students in the physical sciences. It offers a concise yet comprehensive coverage of these essential topics, ensuring a solid foundation in electronics for future scientific endeavors.

The book begins with a foundational exploration of DC circuits, delving into concepts such as voltage, current, resistance, and power. It then moves on to AC circuits, introducing the concept of impedance and its role in analyzing and designing AC circuits. The transfer function is introduced as a powerful tool for analyzing filter circuits, enabling students to understand their behavior and design characteristics.

The conversion between time-domain and frequency-domain signal representations is reviewed, providing students with the skills to analyze and interpret signals in both domains. Transmission lines are introduced as key components in microwave-frequency circuits, motivating a different approach to circuit design compared to lower-frequency circuits. The physics of semiconductors is explored, shedding light on the behavior of diodes and transistors and their applications in various circuits.

The operational amplifier (op-amp) is introduced as a fundamental building block in electronic circuits, and its applications in amplifying, filtering, and switching are analyzed. Techniques for quantifying noise in electrical measurements are described, emphasizing the importance of noise reduction in scientific research. Common sources of noise in electronic systems are discussed, providing students with insights into mitigating noise and improving the accuracy of measurements.

Digital circuits, encompassing analog-to-digital conversion, logic gates, and digital memory circuits, are covered in depth. Students learn about the principles of digital logic design and explore the implementation of digital circuits using logic gates and microprocessors. The book concludes with a brief introduction to quantum computing, highlighting the emerging field's potential applications in scientific research and technology.

Electronics for Scientists is designed for a one-semester course, making it an ideal resource for introductory electronics courses. It combines a range of topics relevant to experimental science, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of electronics principles and applications. Throughout the book, worked examples are provided to illustrate key concepts and facilitate a deeper understanding of the material. Each chapter concludes with a set of problems, designed to reinforce the concepts covered and challenge students' problem-solving skills.

The subject of electronics is fundamental to a wide array of scientific disciplines, including physics, engineering, computer science, and medicine. By mastering the principles and applications of electronics, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue advanced research and innovation in their chosen fields.

In conclusion, Electronics for Scientists is a highly recommended textbook for undergraduate students in the physical sciences who are interested in pursuing careers in experimental science. Its comprehensive coverage of electrical circuits, signals, and instrumentation, coupled with practical examples and problem-solving exercises, ensures a solid foundation in electronics and prepares students for future scientific endeavors.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032528137