Electronics may be defined as the science and technology of electronic devices and systems. Electronic devices are primarily non-linear devices such as diodes and transistors and in general integrated circuits (ICs) in which small signals (voltages and currents) are applied to them. Of course, electronic systems may include resistors, capacitors and inductors as well. Because resistors, capacitors and inductors existed long ago before the advent of semiconductor diodes and transistors, these devices are thought of as electrical devices and the systems that consist of these devices are generally said to be electrical rather than electronic systems. As we know, with today s technology, ICs are becoming smaller and smaller and thus the modern IC technology is referred to as microelectronics.

1.1 Signals and Signal Classifications

A signal is any waveform that serves as a means of communication. It represents a fluctuating electric quantity, such as voltage, current, electric or magnetic field strength, sound, image, or any message transmitted or received in telegraphy, telephony, radio, television, or radar. Figure 1.1 shows a typical signal f(t) that varies with time where f(t) can be any physical quantity such as voltage, current, temperature, pressure, and so on.

Figure 1.1: Typical waveform of a signal

We will now define the average value of a waveform.

Consider the waveform shown in Figure 1.2. The average value of f(t) in the interval a ?t ?b is

Figure 1.2: Defining the average value of a typical waveform

A periodic time function satisfies the...