Electronics
Subfields in Electronics
The field of electronics is divided into three distinct subfields, depending on the type of signals and processing required by the electronic systems.
- Analog electronics deals primarily with the operation and applications of transistors as amplifying devices. The input and output signals take on a continuous range of amplitude values over time. The function of analog electronics is to transport and process the information contained in an analog input signal with a minimum amount of distortion.
- Digital electronics deals primarily with the operation and applications of transistors as “on” and “off” switching devices. Both input and output signals are discontinuous pulse signals that occur at uniformly spaced points in time. The function of digital electronics is to transport and process the information contained in a digital input signal with a minimum amount of error at the fastest speed.
- Power electronics deals with the operation and applications of power semiconductor devices, including power transistors, as “on” and “off ” switches for the control and conversion of electric power. Analog and/or digital electronics are used to generate control signals for the switching power devices in order to obtain the desired conversion strategies (AC/DC, AC/AC, DC/AC, or DC/DC) with the maximum conversion efficiency and the minimum amount of waveform distortion. The input to a power electronic system is a DC or an AC power supply voltage (or current). Power electronics is primarily concerned with power content and quality rather than the information contained in a signal. For example, a power electronic circuit can provide a stable DC power supply, say 12 V to an analog system and 5 V to a dig- ital system, from an AC supply of 120 V at 60 Hz.
Software for Electronics
Spice/NGSpice: an Analog Text-only Simulator*
KiCad: A Cross Platform and Open Source PCB Design Suite*
- Schematic Capture
- KiCad's Schematic Editor supports everything from the most basic schematic to a complex hierarchical design with hundreds of sheets. Create your own custom symbols or use some of the thousands found in the official KiCad library. Verify your design with integrated SPICE simulator and electrical rules checker.
- PCB Layout
- KiCad's PCB Editor is approachable enough to make your first PCB design easy, and powerful enough for complex modern designs. A powerful interactive router and improved visualization and selection tools make layout tasks easier than ever.
- 3D Viewer
- KiCad's 3D Viewer allows easy inspection of your PCB to check mechanical fit and to preview your finished product. A built-in raytracer with customizable lighting can create realistic images to show off your work.