notes

4-10-00

Oscilloscope: Make the point that for repetitive signals, the oscilloscope can have a low sampling rate (since the trace can be built up progressively) and can also have only a single channel (since other traces can be measured at different times, all signals being repetitive. On the other hand, for single-shot events, the scope must have have a fast sampling rate and multiple channels, and deep memories - i.e. complete space and time sampling.

"Update rate" measure of dead time - scope's overhead time after taking a burst of data - time needed to store, sort, format, display, read control knob settings, etc.

Peak detect - needed to see brief glitches while using the scope at low sample rates. This is a "fix" to an undersampling situation.

follow general scope section with description of logic analyzers.

then mention "mixed signal scopes" part logic analyzer part analog scope

3-20-00

FPGAs - the truly universal logic element, especially the reprogrammable ones. Can be used to build a machine or computer that is re-configurable in order to optimize it for the task at hand.

(let alone fix bugs!). Classic computer is programable - i.e. can execute a changing sequence of instructions. But these FPGAs allow one to have a computer where the basic instructions, even the whole architechture - change. Xilinx - as of 1998 0 Virtex-E family. eleven devices witih densities ranging up to 3.2 million system gates. Internal block RAM - up to 250 MHz. Data transfer rates up to 250_ Gbps. 1 Mbits of distributed ram. Dual-port rRAM.. www.xilinx.com

3-16-00

When introducing transistor as a three-terminal device, present it from several viewpoints. An important viewpoint is that of a voltage-controlled resistor, i.e. applied voltage results in current flow. But the transistor has three terminals. So plot contours of Ic on a graph with x=Vc and y = Vb. Plot a second contour map of Ib vs Vc and Vb. Show that the Ib countours are quite independent of Vc, i.e. like a diode. Do the same contour maps for a FET. Ease into it this way.

11-23-99 "charging" a capacitor is a somewhat misleading term in that it suggests an inequality of current at some time in the two leads of the capacitor, leading to an accumulation of charge within the capacitor. Not true: ............

Whole Chaper on "Electrical Measurements"

Voltmeters, Ammeters, Ohmmeters, L meters, C meters. Power meters.

----or distribute this within the chapters: subjects for applications, examples

Transient chapter - include a couple of pages of tabulated examples like those on p 5-3 of Henney. Include the example of plugging a transformer (or just an inductor) into a wall socket. No transient if plugged in at the top of the ac cycle. Worst case: plug in when the voltage goes through zero!

Totem pole section from +Vcc (top) to -Vcc(bottom doing all 4 variations:

top	bottom	name	comments

1NPN	PNP	double source follower	linear, can't reach rails w/o drive boost

23PNP	NPN	logic driver	rail to rail

3NPN	NPN	quasi complement

or PNP	PNP

Circuit above from Joseph White's book: NPN/NPN dc coupled, no overlap, but top transistor can't saturate.

Figure Filosphy

Add human element - pointing finger icon, test probe in 3-d,

Figures should? be self-standing: Tell a complete story in themselves.

should be hooks, motivators, anchors, bookmarks, decorations,

In discussion of Thevenin's Theorem, be sure to state that this theorem follows directly from Kirchoff's laws and Ohm's law.