This section reviews the basic components in their discrete form that make up electronic circuits and systems. The first two chapters cover fundamental passive and active discrete components, respectively. Another chapter is devoted to batteries and fuel cells. While batteries convert chemical energy into electric energy via an oxidation-reduction electrochemical reaction, the reactants are contained within the cell, whereas in a fuel cell, one or both of the reactants are not embedded, but fed from an external supply when power is needed. A chapter on relays and switches compares the characteristics of solid-state and electromechanical versions. Another on connectors describes various types of connectors along with design, application, and reliability issues. Finally, a completely new chapter explores the characteristics and applications of optical fiber components, ranging from the optical fiber itself to connectors, couplers, fiber gratings, circulators, switches, and amplifiers.

Since the selection of materials to fabricate electronic components is fundamental to their operational characteristics and expected lifetimes, valuable background information covering a broad range of electronic materials is provided on the accompanying CD-ROM.

The treatment of specialized components is covered in separate sections of the handbook: Section 6, Integrated Circuits and Microprocessors; Section 7, UHF and Microwave Devices; Section 8, Transducers and Sensors; and Section 9, Radiant Energy Sources and Sensors. D.C.

In This Section:

On the CD-ROM:

Blech, I.