Product DescriptionTim Williams' Circuit Designer's Companion provides a unique masterclass in practical electronic design that draws on his considerable experience as a consultant and design engineer. As well as introducing key areas of design with insider's knowledge, Tim focuses on the art of designing circuits so that every production model will perform its specified function - and no other unwanted function - reliably over its lifetime.
The combination of design alchemy and awareness of commercial and manufacturing factors makes this an essential companion for the professional electronics designer. Topics covered include analog and digital circuits, component types, power supplies and printed circuit board design.
The second edition includes new material on microcontrollers, surface mount processes, power semiconductors and interfaces, bringing this classic work up to date for a new generation of designers.
· A unique masterclass in the design of optimized, reliable electronic circuits · Beyond the lab - a guide to electronic design for production, where cost-effective design is imperative · Tips and know-how provide a whole education for the novice, with something to offer the most seasoned professional
What Others Say
Best Practical Handbook
Excellent book. Well-written and full of practical examples and advice -- not just what to do, but what not to do, as well.
Everything from avoiding ground-loops and calculating transmission-line effects on a PCB, to transistor characteristics and how to build a proper biasing two-transistor buffer. I found the transmission-line rules of thumb especially insightful.
The clever use of a length of wire to turn a rising edge into a short pulse is representative of the little tidbits that convey not just theoretical, but practical understanding.
Easy to read with plenty of diagrams, but no fluff here -- everything is concise and to the point. Introductory descriptions of components and their uses are followed ... Read More
A great and practical guide
The Circuit Designer's Companion, Second Edition (EDN Series for Design Engineers) are a great help in theory and practice for circuit designs.
Covering all aspects of the field, with a strong enphasys in solving the real circuit
problems and nuissances.
Practical Circuit Info
Haven't finished reading it, but so far appears to have practical info that you likely won't learn in school untill you get some experience in the field.
Great source of practical knowledge and rules of thumb
As other reviewers have already pointed out The Circuit Designer's Companion, Second Edition (EDN Series for Design Engineers) is a great source of practical design information that is not covered in engineering theory courses. One can read and re-read chapters highlighting great rules of thumb that apply to every-day design challenges. The book is really a must-have reference for any circuit/PCB/product designer.
That said, I have to suggestions to improve the book:
1. Analog domain is covered very well in The Circuit Designer's Companion, Second Edition (EDN Series for Design Engineers), but the chapter on digital circuits is lacking in several important areas in my opinion.
a. I2C and SPI interfaces should be included alongside RS232, CAN and USB interface descriptions. Trade-offs of using I2C and SPI should be highlighted.
Solid & Diverse PCB layout information - Info is a bit scattered
If you are like most of us and don't have a really seasoned high frequency PCB layout guy, The Circuit Designer's Companion, Second Edition (EDN Series for Design Engineers) will likely pay for itself with your first new PCB design. Tim has done a great job jotting down a lifetime of experience and knowledge in designing PWB's, but the information could use some organization. Still, it provides a ready reference to get you away from some fairly common pitfalls in RF design and gives you enough info. to understand why - which is the real value of The Circuit Designer's Companion, Second Edition (EDN Series for Design Engineers) to me and my colleagues.
For those wanting more design level info on RF electronics see Chris Bowick's "RF Circuit Design". If you need more basic, but more diverse info see Jon Hagen's "Radio Frequency Electronics", and if you are in need of some testing ... Read More
