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First-Order Circuits

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First-Order Circuits

We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time in heart-throbs. He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.

—P. J. Bailey

Enhancing Your Career

Careers in Computer Engineering

Electrical engineering education has gone through drastic changes in recent decades. Most departments have come to be known as Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, emphasizing the rapid changes due to computers. Computers occup y a prominent place in modern so ciety and education. They have become commonplace and are helping to change the f ace of research, de velopment, production, business, and entertainment. The scientist, engineer , doctor, attorney, teacher, airline pilot, businessperson—almost anyone benefits from a computer’s abilities to store large amounts of information and to process that information in very short periods of time. The internet, a computer communication network, is essential in b usiness, education, and library science. Com puter usage continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

An education in computer engineering should provide breadth in software, hardware design, and basic modeling techniques. It should include courses in data structures, digital systems, computer architecture, micro processors, interfacing, software engineering, and operating systems.

Electrical engineers who specialize in computer engineering find jobs in computer industries and in numerous fields where computers are being used. Companies that produce software are growing rapidly in number and size and providing employment for those who are skilled in programming. An excellent way to advance one’s knowledge of computers is to join the IEEE Computer Society, which sponsors diverse magazines, journals, and conferences.

Computer design of very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. Courtesy Brian Fast, Cleveland State University

Learning Objectives

By using the information and exercises in this chapter you will be able to:

    1. Understand solutions to unforced, first-order linear differential equations.
    1. Comprehend singularity equations and know their importance in solving linear differential equations.
    1. Understand the effect of unit step sources on first-order linear differential equations.
    1. Explain how dependent sources and op amps influence simple first-order linear differential equations.
    1. Use PSpice to solve simple transient circuits with an inductor or a capacitor.