Electronics

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A Theremin on a prototyping block

Electronic circuits and components can be divided into two groups: analog and digital. In practice a device may consist of circuitry that has one or the other or a mix of the two.[1]

Getting started for SDIY

In the 1950s and '60s experimenting with electronics was simpler but limited in what could be produced. These days it very much more sophisticated. However with the components and tools now available, a lot more can be achieved that back then would have taxed a huge research lab.[2] One of the traditional paths to learning electronics is amateur radio.[3]

First gain experience with some simpler audio electronics project(s), and build up the knowledge, skills and equipment.[4] Developing the circuit is finally not that difficult, but then creating the module or synth as a real physical/mechanical thing is. Making pcbs, making front panels, choosing the right parts which fit the mechanical requirements, etc. So start with some kind of kit based or at least fully instructed project, like something from Catgirl Synth or Music From Outer Space especially the Sound Lab Mini-Synth Once you've managed to build one of these, you can start modifying it and adding your own developments. This way you are rehearsing the mechanical side (which definitely needs to be learned mostly by experience), and you will already learn a lot about electronics.[5]

Construction methods

Many different methods of connecting components have been used over the years. Early electronics often used point to point wiring, or terminal strips. Most modern day electronics now use printed circuit boards (PCBs) made of materials such as FR4, or the cheaper (and less hard-wearing) Synthetic Resin Bonded Paper (SRBP, also known as phenolic, Paxoline/Paxolin (trade marks) and FR2). Health and environmental concerns associated with electronics assembly have gained increased attention in recent years, especially for products destined to the European Union, with its Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE).[1]

Enclosure design considerations

Main article: Enclosure

An engineer or designer must balance many objectives and practical considerations when selecting enclosures and protective features of the product itself and its components.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Wikipedia:Electronics
  2. ^ Build Your Own Printed Circuit Board by Al Williams, Tab, 2003, ISBN 978-0-07-142783-8
  3. ^ Embedded, Ham radio today by Jack Ganssle, 2 Apr 2012
  4. ^ StackExchange EE, Building a synthesizer with no prior experience
  5. ^ The Synth-diy Archive, Hello, and some questions, May 2013
  6. ^ Wikipedia:Electronic packaging#Design considerations

Further reading

Main article: Electronics books

External links

Tutorials

Sequence15 series

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