Accompanying DVD-ROM includes over 20 video tutorials

Designed for both the student and hobbyist, this updated revision is an introduction to the theory and practice of electronics including advances in microcontrollers, sensors, and wireless communication. Each chapter contains a brief lab to demonstrate the topic under discussion, then moves on to use all of the knowledge mastered to build a programmable robot (Arduino and Netduino). New material on using Raspberry Pi and Python has been included. The companion disc includes videos of the labs, soldering skills, and code samples for programming of the robot. Covering both the theory and also its practical applications, this text leads the reader through the basic science concepts underlying electronics, building basic circuits, learning the roles of the components, the application of digital theory, and the possibilities for innovation by combining sensors, motors, and microcontrollers. It includes appendices on mathematics for electronics, a timeline of electronics innovation, careers in electronics, and a glossary

Illustrations include graphs, tables, charts and plans

Includes index

FEATURES: Includes a companion disc with over twenty video tutorials on currents, soldering, power supply, resistors, decoder circuits, Raspberry Pi and more (files also available from the publisher for downloading) ; New chapter on using Raspberry Pi and Python in electronic projects ; Leads the reader though an introductory understanding of electronics with simple labs and then progressing to the construction of a microcontroller-driven robot using open source software and hardware (Netduino and Arduino versions) ; Presents theoretical concepts in a conversational tone, followed by hands-on labs to engage readers by presenting practical applications

PART 1: THE FUNDAMENTALS -- Chapter 1: The theory behind electricity -- Chapter 2: How electricity works -- Chapter 3: Currents and circuits -- PART 2: YOUR WORKSPACE AND TOOLS -- Chapter 4: Tools of the trade -- Chapter 5: Shop setup and safety -- PART 3: ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS -- Chapter 6: Switches -- Chapter 7: Resistors -- Chapter 8: Capacitors -- Chapter 9: Diodes -- Chapter 10: Transistors -- Chapter 11: Power sources and power supplies -- PART 4: GETTING TO WORK -- Chapter 12: Soldering -- Chapter 13: Constructing a power supply -- PART 5: GOING DIGITAL -- Chapter 14: Digital theory -- Chapter 15: Integrated circuits -- Chapter 16: Memory -- Chapter 17: Microcontrollers -- PART 6: ELECTRONICS IN PRACTICE -- Chapter 18: Motors and controllers -- Chapter 19: Sensors -- Chapter 20: Electronic communication -- PART 7: CONSTRUCTING A ROBOT AND USING RASPBERRY Pi -- Chapter 21A: Arduino : building your robot -- Chapter 21B: Netduino : building your robot -- Chapter 22A: Arduino : getting your robot moving -- Chapter 22B: Netduino : getting your robot moving -- Chapter 23A: Arduino : adding sensors to your robot -- Chapter 23B: Netduino : adding sensors to your robot -- Chapter 24: Using Raspberery Pi in your electronics projects -- APPENDIX A: Glossary -- Appendix B: Timeline of electronics -- APPENDIX C: Mathematics for electronics -- APPENDIX D: Careers in electronics -- APPENDIX E: Resources -- APPENDIX F: Answers for odd-numbered questions -- APPENDIX G: Lab video directory -- INDEX