View source for Simple electronics

[[File:Elenco Electronic Playground 130.jpg|400px|thumb|right|An ''electronics learning lab'', each component is connected to springs, so circuits can be wired without soldering.]]
'''Simple electronics''' aims to be a succinct and easily understood introduction to practical entry-level electronics, as well as being a useful reference. The best way to learn about electronics is by doing practical experiments. 

== List of topics ==
[[File:Simple Electronics, Ladybird book, 1979.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Ladybird childrens book, 1979. Learning electronics by simple breadboard experiments.]]
Although each is self contained, the top level articles listed here are written to be read sequentially, each topic leading to better understanding of ones that follow. 

Note to editors: Changes here should be reflected by changes to [[:Template:Simple electronics navbox]].

=== Units and symbols ===
* [[Current]]
* [[Voltage]] aka potential difference
* [[Units of measurement]] - abbreviations and conventions, SI units, (mm not mil)
* [[Circuit symbols]]
* [[Schematics]] and [[Data sheets]]
* [[Conductors and insulators]]
* [[Power]]
* [[Resistance]]
* [[Decibel]]
* [[Impedance]]
* [[Reactance]]
* [[Resonance]] aka Q

=== Components ===
[[File:Make Electronics, Make book, 2009.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Make book, 2009. Hands-on electronics by simple experiments.]]
* Through hole and [[surface mount technology]]
* [[Passive components]] - [[Resistor|resistors]], [[Capacitor|capacitors]], [[Inductor|inductors]] and [[Transformer|transformers]], [[color codes]]
* [[Meters]]
* [[Semiconductor]]s - [[Diode|diodes]] and rectification, [[bipolar-junction transistor|transistor]], [[Field effect transistor|FET]]s, 
* [[Op-amp]]s
* [[Integrated circuit]] - [[comparator]], [[555 timer]]

=== Circuit theory ===
* [[Ohm's law]]
* [[Alternating current and voltages]]
* [[Waveforms]] - [[frequency]], [[amplitude]] and [[phase]]

=== Analog circuits ===
[[File:Make More Electronics, Maker book, 2014.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Make book, 2014. Continuing the hands-on electronics with less simple experiments.]]
* [[Power supply]]
* [[Amplifier]]
* [[Oscillator]]
* [[Filter]]

=== Digital electronics ===
* [[Logic]] - ladders, gates, digital to analog, 
* [[Microprocessors]]

=== Workshop practice ===
* [[Health and safety]]
* [[Tools]]
* [[Test equipment]]
* [[Component library]]
* [[Electronic design automation]]
* [[PCB prototyping]]
<!-- * [[PCB etching]] -->
* [[Soldering]] - THT, SMT and SMT reflow
* [[Carpentry]]
* [[Metal-work]] - drilling, bending, [[anodisng]] and [[screen printing]]
* [[Fault finding]]

===  Simple projects ===
* [[Simple synth DIY]]

=== Resources ===
* [[Electronics software]] 
* [[Electronics books]]
* [[Magazines]]
* [[Schematics and manuals]]
* [[Videos#Electronics|Videos]]
* [[Online resources for electronics]]

== Further reading ==
{{Main|Electronics books}}
The most recommended are:
* ''Make: Electronics'' by Charles Platt, Maker Media Inc., 2009, {{ISBN|1-4493-4522-0}}. Recommended to understand basic electronic principles, for those with no electronics knowledge or training.
* ''Make: More Electronics'' by Charles Platt, Maker Media Inc., 2014, {{ISBN|1449344046}}. Includes topics omitted from Make: Electronics because of lack of space. 
* ''Getting Started in Electronics'' by Forrest M. Mims III, Radio Shack, 1983, {{ASIN|B0006YIR1Y}} 
* ''Practical Electronics for Inventors'' by  Paul Scherz  and Simon Monk, McGraw-Hill Education TAB, 2016, {{ISBN|1259587541}}. More advanced than Make: Electronics. Ideal for students of electronics looking for something a little more in depth.

== External links ==
* [https://electronicsclub.info/ Electronics Club], a website for beginners to learn about electronics.
* All About Circuits [https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/ Electronics & Electrical Engineering Forum]
* ''[https://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/index.htm Lessons in Electric Circuits]'' by Tony R. Kuphaldt
* [https://www.circuitlab.com/ CircuitLab], online circuit simulator.
* Paul Falstad's [http://www.falstad.com/circuit/e-index.html electronics demonstrations] using a java applet to simulates electronic circuits.
* ''[https://archive.org/details/Forrest_Mims-Engineers_Mini-Notebook_Formulas_Tables_And_Basic_Circuits_Radio_S Engineer's Mini Notebook:Formulas Tables And Basic Circuits]'' by Forrest Mims, Radio Shack Electronics
* [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2DjFE7Xf11URZqWBigcVOQ EEVblog]

{{Simple electronics navbox}}
[[Category:Simple electronics]]