I am currently having a B.S Electronic Engineering Technology degree from Cal State Long Beach. However, I thought I still need to learn much about electronic because the material what i had learned in school is not enough to step up in my career. I have very narrow knowledge about electronic technology. I was thinking about coming back to school to work on Electrical Engineering degree, but it will take me at least another 4 years and i am about 30 already. It is late for me to come back to school because i need to work to support for my family. Anybody up here can suggest or advice me any program or any way that i can gain my knowledge again maybe from very beginning. There are so many stuff that really makes me wondering around with no guidance.
Hello {XtremeDry} Unusual handle
Your dilemma is a common one with many aspects.
For the purpose of explanation I am assuming that you have no knowledge of electronics but obviously, from what you say, you should have quite an amount of knowledge/experience already. All the same, it would be best to start from touch and ensure you fully understand the basics before moving into the more complex aspects.
My view, for what it is worth, is to divide electronics into three areas:
(1) Theory
(2) Design
(3) Practical
These areas have there own sub divisions, each with their particular aspects.
Like everything in life it is best to divide and conquer and take a rational and progressive approach. By this way, instead of being overwhelmed by the subject, you will be able to see progress and you may even enjoy the learning process- I did.
The other thing is that if you start on a subject you will never stop learning about it.
The above is pretty general so here are a few specifics about where to start (you, no doubt know all this but it is the principle that counts):
Theory
(1) How electricity flows. Conduction
(2) Ohm's law
(3) Kirchoffs two laws
Design
(1) Design some simple circuits, incorporating the above.
Practical
(1) Build some simple circuits
You will need some basic tools:
(1) Small wire cutters
(2) Small pliers
(3) Soldering iron
(4) Solder
(5) Digital multimeter
You will need some test equipment
(1) Power supply
(2) Multimeter
Analog, Digital, Computer
The above are the broad areas in electronics and you need to decide your area of specialization, but get the basics of analog and digital electronics under your belt at least.
A good book on electronics is essential- there are many choices; Horowitz and Hill is very popular. It has a nice balance between theory and practice and covers electronics from the very elementary and builds on that. **broken link removed** would need a more elementary book on electronics too.
And you need to decide if you are going to learn solo or if you are going to attend a course, by mail or out of working hours, or join an electronics group. Much of this depends on your motivation.
If you can find someone knowledgeable in electrons, who is prepared to advise, that can be an enormous help, an electronics hobbyist for example.
And, of course, you can always ask questions on ETO.
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