10 best electronics books for beginners

#10 - The AVR Microcontroller and Embedded Systems Using Assembly and C: Using Arduino Uno and Atmel Studio

The AVR microcontroller from Atmel (now Microchip) is one of the most widely used 8-bit microcontrollers. Arduino Uno is based on AVR microcontroller. It is inexpensive and widely available around the world. This book combines the two. In this book, the authors use a step-by-step and systematic approach to show the programming of the AVR chip. Examples in both Assembly language and C show how to program many of the AVR features, such as timers, serial communication, ADC, SPI, I2C, and PWM. The text is organized into two parts: 1) The first 6 chapters use Assembly language programming to examine the internal architecture of the AVR. 2) Chapters 7-18 uses both Assembly and C to show the AVR peripherals and I/O interfacing to real-world devices such as LCD, motor, and sensor. The first edition of this book published by Pearson used ATmega32. It is still available for purchase from Amazon. This new edition is based on Atmega328 and the Arduino Uno board. The appendices, source codes, tutorials and support materials for both books are available on the following websites: http://www.NicerLand.com/ and http://www.MicroDigitalEd.com/AVR/AVR_books.htm

                                         

#9 - Electrical and Electronic Principles and Technology

This practical resource introduces electrical and electronic principles and technology covering theory through detailed examples, enabling students to develop a sound understanding of the knowledge required by technicians in fields such as electrical engineering, electronics and telecommunications. No previous background in engineering is assumed, making this an ideal text for vocational courses at Levels 2 and 3, foundation degrees and introductory courses for undergraduates.

                                         

#8 - Electronics For Dummies

Build your electronics workbench―and begin creating fun electronics projects right away

Packed with hundreds of colorful diagrams and photographs, this book provides step-by-step instructions for experiments that show you how electronic components work, advice on choosing and using essential tools, and exciting projects you can build in 30 minutes or less. You'll get charged up as you transform theory into action in chapter after chapter!

• Circuit basics ― learn what voltage is, where current flows (and doesn't flow), and how power is used in a circuit
• Critical components ― discover how resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors control and shape electric current
• Versatile chips ― find out how to use analog and digital integrated circuits to build complex projects with just a few parts
• Analyze circuits ― understand the rules that govern current and voltage and learn how to apply them
• Safety tips ― get a thorough grounding in how to protect yourself―and your electronics―from harm

Electronics For Dummies (9781119675594) was previously published as Electronics For Dummies (9781119117971). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.

                                         

#7 - Electrical Engineering 101: Everything You Should Have Learned in School...but Probably Didn't 

Electrical Engineering 101 covers the basic theory and practice of electronics, starting by answering the question "What is electricity?" It goes on to explain the fundamental principles and components, relating them constantly to real-world examples. Sections on tools and troubleshooting give engineers deeper understanding and the know-how to create and maintain their own electronic design projects. Unlike other books that simply describe electronics and provide step-by-step build instructions, EE101 delves into how and why electricity and electronics work, giving the reader the tools to take their electronics education to the next level. It is written in a down-to-earth style and explains jargon, technical terms and schematics as they arise. The author builds a genuine understanding of the fundamentals and shows how they can be applied to a range of engineering problems.

This third edition includes more real-world examples and a glossary of formulae. It contains new coverage of:

• Microcontrollers
• FPGAs
• Classes of components
• Memory (RAM, ROM, etc.)
• Surface mount
• High speed design
• Board layout
• Advanced digital electronics (e.g. processors)
• Transistor circuits and circuit design
• Op-amp and logic circuits
• Use of test equipment

                                         

#6 -Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 1: Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Switches, Encoders, Relays, Transistors

Want to know how to use an electronic component? This first book of a three-volume set includes key information on electronics parts for your projects—complete with photographs, schematics, and diagrams. You’ll learn what each one does, how it works, why it’s useful, and what variants exist. No matter how much you know about electronics, you’ll find fascinating details you’ve never come across before.

Convenient, concise, well-organized, and precise

Perfect for teachers, hobbyists, engineers, and students of all ages, this reference puts reliable, fact-checked information right at your fingertips—whether you’re refreshing your memory or exploring a component for the first time. Beginners will quickly grasp important concepts, and more experienced users will find the specific details their projects require.

• Unique: the first and only encyclopedia set on electronic components, distilled into three separate volumes
• Incredibly detailed: includes information distilled from hundreds of sources
• Easy to browse: parts are clearly organized by component type
• Authoritative: fact-checked by expert advisors to ensure that the information is both current and accurate
• Reliable: a more consistent source of information than online sources, product datasheets, and manufacturer’s tutorials
• Instructive: each component description provides details about substitutions, common problems, and workarounds
• Comprehensive: Volume 1 covers power, electromagnetism, and discrete semi-conductors; Volume 2 includes integrated circuits, and light and sound sources; Volume 3 covers a range of sensing devices.

                                         

#5 - How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic

Repair all kinds of electrical products, from modern digital gadgets to analog antiques, with help from this updated book. How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic, Second Edition, offers expert insights, case studies, and step by step instruction from a lifelong electronics guru. Discover how to assemble your workbench, use the latest test equipment, zero in on and replace dead components, and handle reassembly. Instructions for specific devices, including stereos, MP3 players, digital cameras, flat panel TVs, laptops, headsets, and mobile devices are also included in this do it yourself guide.

• Choose the proper tools and set up your workbench
• Ensure personal safety and use proper eye and ear protection
• Understand how electrical components work and why they fail
• Perform preliminary diagnoses based on symptoms
• Use test equipment, including digital multimeters, ESR meters, frequency
  counters, and oscilloscopes
• Interpret block, schematic, and pictorial diagrams
• Disassemble products and identify sections
• Analyze circuits, locate faults, and replace dead parts
• Re establish connections and reassemble devices

                                         

#4 - Electronics All-in-One For Dummies

A comprehensive collection of 8 books in 1 offering electronics guidance that can't be found anywhere else!

If you know a breadboard from a breadbox but want to take your hobby electronics skills to the next level, this is the only reference you need. Electronics All-in-One For Dummies has done the legwork for you ― offering everything you need to enhance your experience as an electronics enthusiast in one convenient place.

Written by electronics guru and veteran For Dummies author Doug Lowe, this down-to-earth guide makes it easy to grasp such important topics as circuits, schematics, voltage, and safety concerns. Plus, it helps you have tons of fun getting your hands dirty working with the Raspberry Pi, creating special effects, making your own entertainment electronics, repairing existing electronics, learning to solder safely, and so much more.

• Create your own schematics and breadboards
• Become a circuit-building expert
• Tackle analog, digital, and car electronics
• Debunk and grasp confusing electronics concepts

If you're obsessed with all things electronics, look no further! This comprehensive guide is packed with all the electronics goodies you need to add that extra spark to your game!

                                         

#3 - Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius 2/E

Fully updated throughout, this wickedly inventive guide introduces electronic circuits and circuit design, both analog and digital, through a series of projects you'll complete one simple lesson at a time. The separate lessons build on each other and add up to projects you can put to practical use. You don't need to know anything about electronics to get started. A pre-assembled kit, which includes all the components and PC boards to complete the book projects, is available separately from ABRA electronics on Amazon.

Using easy-to-find components and equipment, Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius, Second Edition, provides hours of rewarding--and slightly twisted--fun. You'll gain valuable experience in circuit construction and design as you test, modify, and observe your results--skills you can put to work in other exciting circuit-building projects.

Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius:

• Features step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations
• Provides tips for customizing the projects
• Covers the underlying electronics principles behind the projects
• Removes the frustration factor--all required parts are listed, along with sources

Build these and other devious devices:

• Automatic night light
• Light-sensitive switch
• Along-to-digital converter
• Voltage-controlled oscillator
• Op amp-controlled power amplifier
• Burglar alarm
• Logic gate-based toy
• Two-way intercom using transistors and op amps

Each fun, inexpensive Genius project includes a detailed list of materials, sources for parts, schematics, and lots of clear, well-illustrated instructions for easy assembly. The larger workbook-style layout and convenient two-column format make following the step-by-step instructions a breeze.

                                         

#2 - Make: More Electronics: Journey Deep Into the World of Logic Chips, Amplifiers, Sensors, and Randomicity

Want to learn even more about electronics in a fun, hands-on way? If you finished the projects in Make: Electronics, or if you're already familiar with the material in that book, you're ready for Make: More Electronics. Right away, you'll start working on real projects, and you'll explore all the key components and essential principles through the book's collection of experiments. You'll build the circuits first, then learn the theory behind them!

This book picks up where Make: Electronics left off: you'll work with components like comparators, light sensors, higher-level logic chips, multiplexers, shift registers, encoders, decoders, and magnetic sensors. You'll also learn about topics like audio amplification, randomicity, as well as positive and negative feedback. With step-by-step instructions, and hundreds of color photographs and illustrations, this book will help you use -- and understand -- intermediate to advanced electronics concepts and techniques.

                                         

#1 - Practical Electronics for Inventors

Advance your electronics knowledge and gain the skills necessary to develop and construct your own functioning gadgets. Written by a pair of experienced engineers and dedicated hobbyists, Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition, lays out the essentials and provides step by step instructions, schematics, and illustrations. Discover how to select the right components, design and build circuits, use microcontrollers and ICs, work with the latest software tools, and test and tweak your creations. This easy to follow book features new instruction on programmable logic, semiconductors, operational amplifiers, voltage regulators, power supplies, digital electronics, and more.
 
Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition, covers:

• Resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers
• Diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits
• Optoelectronics, solar cells, and phototransistors
• Sensors, GPS modules, and touch screens
• Op amps, regulators, and power supplies
• Digital electronics, LCD displays, and logic gates
• Microcontrollers and prototyping platforms
• Combinational and sequential programmable logic
• DC motors, RC servos, and stepper motors
• Microphones, audio amps, and speakers
• Modular electronics and prototypes