Status Updates From Practical Electronics for I...

Small parameter based learning, statistics algorithms can be trained on personal machine, and then ported to embedded targets in ONNX or C using emlearn and TFlite. LLMs (AI) come to rescue for generating other C programs (such as spiders or finding correct plaintext for a hashcode from a large list), which are noticeably quicker in low clock rate microcontrollers (compared to C++). VHDL is more familiar (to me).

Although I have tried KiCAD for gerber, LibrePCB, which I have been using for hobby projects, is not mentioned. I have used free version of Quartus Prime for Max10.

There may be more ways to achieve the same task, for instance, I prefer reed relays over BJTs to compartmentalise actuator circuit from controller circuit, especially for one-time events such as unconventional shutdown, ballast blow, spoilers.

One of the problems (for which my solution is not optimal):

Given a rectangular planar surface, divided into grid-space with each grid square side a common factor of side lengths of all the rectangular parts (or group of parts) that are supposed to be placed on that surface, determine the placement connected by wires of one grid square thickness:

- Minimise wire length
- Maximise distance between heat dissipators

Friendly. References to QM, Modern and Thermal Physics makes it more so. Polynomials (quadratic) and complex numbers become important. It is possible to use ICs with OpAmps instead of a signal generator for input. On large circuits, I prioritize checking the outputs (using DMM on breadboard) only around those components that are scarce. I used to write my own programs but the circuit simulators mentioned are good.

The practice questions throughout the book are great. Really help get you thinking about the material instead of reading passively

Chalk full of great information

wonderful for both AC and DC (I am a DC only man however)

Only 64ish pages in and already a lot of very useful circuit design info like the 10 percent rule for voltage dividers. Very nice; I am excited to apply it.