In a world where the emphasis on digital electronics has reached landslide proportions, there has been a tendency to neglect both linear electronic devices and their application. While there is no doubt that digital electronics has led us into the marvelous computerized world we now enjoy, there also is no doubt that great strides have been made in the development of solid-state linear, or analog, electronic devices as well.
As has been recognized by more than one author, the principles of digital electronics are much simpler than those of linear electronics. For this reason, and because of the glamor of the computer, it becomes more difficult year by year to find engineers and technicians who are properly versed in the use of linear devices in systems. This book is intended primarily to help address this latter concern, inasmuch as there remain control applications where the linear device is a better answer than attempting to travel the purely digital route.
The adjective «linear» is used here in the mathematical sense, implying an output response which is a continuous function of input. In many of the linear devices and circuits, this function is intended to be a direct proportionality between output and input, with any departure from true proportionality being described as «distortion.» In any event, the linear device must accommodate an infinite number of possible operating states, while the digital device needs but two, off and on.
Adjunct to the linear devices are certain other semiconductors, such as diodes, zeners, and thyristors. While not linear in themselves, they perform necessary roles in the system, permitting the overall linear operation, and are therefore included in this book.
The book is divided into five parts. Part 1 deals with discrete solid-state devices. Part II addresses the proper use of electronic instrumentation for the measurement of device characteristics and performance. Part III is devoted to linear integrated circuits and their application. Parts IV and V demonstrate some examples of linear control systems, while at the same time introducing additional solid-state devices in the context of their application.
The book should be of value to engineers, technicians, and anyone else who has a need to understand linear solid-state devices and how they are applied. The level of mathematics is only that necessary to quantify circuit performance, with algebra being the predominant form. An understanding of basic electrical circuit theory is assumed, although an attempt has been made to give verbal explanation of the circuit laws as they are encountered.
While not intended primarily as a textbook, Linear Electronics in Control Systems can still serve as such for students who need a practical explanation of the linear solid-state devices and circuits which are applicable to control systems. In particular, the book is recommended to the student who is receiving predominantly digital exposure in his or her curriculum. There are no drill problems included in this edition, but an imaginative instructor should have no trouble creating some where needed.
The author has some 30 years of teaching experience in electrical technician and electrical engineering programs. In addition, he has spent several years as an electrical contractor. Throughout the teaching years and into the present time, he has been an industrial consultant in the areas of control systems and microelectronics. For the past 11 years he has been a contributing editor of Electrical Apparatus magazine, in which virtually all of the material of this book was previously published.
CONTENTS
PART I: Analog Devices and Circuitry
PART II: Electronic Instrumentation
PART III: Linear Integrated Circuits
PART IV: Control Systems
PART V: Motor Speed Control Systems
