Page 10 - The Art and Science of Analog Circuit Design

Preface

This book continues the approach originated in an earlier effort, "Analog
Circuit Design—Art, Science, and Personalities." In that book twenty-six
authors presented tutorial, historical, and editorial viewpoints on subjects
related to analog circuit design. The book encouraged readers to develop
their own approach to design. It attempted this by presenting the diver-
gent methods and views of people who had achieved some measure of
success in the field. A complete statement of this approach was contained
in the first book's preface, which is reprinted here (immediately follow-
ing) for convenience.
The surprisingly enthusiastic response to the first book has resulted in
this second effort. This book is similar in spirit, but some changes have
occurred. The most obvious difference is that almost all contributors are
new recruits. This seems a reasonable choice: new authors with new
things to say, hopefully augmenting the first book's message.
Although accomplished, some of this book's writers are significantly
younger and have less experience at analog design than the previous
book's authors. This is deliberate, and an attempt to maintain a balanced
and divergent forum unencumbered by an aging priesthood.
A final difference is the heavy capitalistic and marketeering influence
in many of the chapters. This unplanned emphasis is at center stage in
sections by Grant, Williams, Brown, and others, and appears in most
chapters. The influence of economics was present in parts of the earlier
book, but is much more pronounced here. The pristine pursuit of circuit
design is tempered by economic realities, and the role of money as de-
sign motivator and modulator is undeniable.
We hope this book is as well received as the earlier effort, even as it
broadens the scope of topics and utilizes new authors. As before, it was
fun to put together. If we have done our job, it should be rewarding for
the reader.

Preface to "Analog Circuit Design—Art, Science, and
Personalities"

This is a weird book. When I was asked to write it I refused, because I
didn't believe anybody could, or should, try to explain how to do analog
design. Later, I decided the book might be possible, but only if it was
written by many authors, all with their own styles, topics, and opinions.

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