basic concepts and circuits for all ma- jor types of RF applications above. 1kW are covered, with the majority of the applications being for radio and television ...
basic concepts and circuits for all major types of RF applications above 1kW are covered, with the majority of the applications being for radio and television hardware. First, the fundamental principles for various RF technology areas, such as RF amplifiers, radio, TV, satellite communications, radar, and induction heating are clearly explained. After covering the fundamental concepts, specific areas of RF technology are covered, including solid-state power devices, power vacuum tubes, microwave power tubes, transmission lines, and antenna systems. A sampling of the specific devices explained include diodes, klystrons, TWT, cross-field tubes, BJTs, FETs, solid state amplifiers, coaxial lines, waveguides, combiners, and phased array antennas. There is a chapter on preventing RF systems failures on klystrons, power grid tubes, T-lines and antennas, and HV power supplies. There are also chapters on troubleshooting, measurement techniques, and safety issues. This well-written book covers a wide range of topics and includes many illustrations clearly explaining complex concepts. While not getting into detailed device construction design, this book would be very useful for anyone wanting to learn the general concepts for state-of-the-art RF power components and systems. Just the description of the various RF applications concepts is worth buying the book.
Fundamentals and Applications of Microfluidics N-T Nguyen and S.T. Wereley Artech House Publishers 685 Canton Street Norwood, MA 02062 Phone +1 800 225 9977 Fax +1 781 769 6334 http://www.artechhouse.com ISBN 1-58053-343-4 471 pp. - $95.00 (Hardcover), 2002 For a change from what is usually reviewed here, this text pertains to September/October 2003 — Vol. 19, No. 5
the new and emerging field of microfluidics. While many people may not presently be working in the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), it is definitely a growing field, with the need for material scientists, electrical and mechanical engineers, and polymer chemists. This text, developed for graduate studies in MEMS with a focus on microfluidics, introduces the current state-of-the-art in MEMS fabrication and fluid control in MEMS devices. The book is broken down into two sections: Fundamentals, and Applications. The Fundamentals section covers topics that include an introduction to microfluidics, changes in fluid behavior on a microscopic scale, technology fundamentals for device fabrication, and experimental characterization techniques. The Applications section covers the design of microdevices for controlling and sensing macroscopic flow, designs for microvalves, micropumps, and microflow sensors. Polymer-based micro-machining techniques are also reviewed. This fast-growing area of research for MEMS technology embraces various types of polymeric photoresists and lithography techniques, including thick resist, polymeric surface micromachining, soft lithography (micro molding), and microstereo lithography. Some of the polymers used in these techniques included PMMA, UV curable epoxies, polyimides, parylene, and conductive polymers. Many of our readers may find the section on micromolding and the various applications of polymers to MEMS quite interesting, especially for anyone who wants to learn more about MEMS technology in general. The fabrication techniques are clearly explained and include practical engineering information. The applications also include many design equations and practical information. Teachers may be interested in using this as a textbook for a MEMS technology class. The text offers many current practical engineering and de-
sign guidelines for anyone already working in this field.
Hacking Exposed—Network Security Secrets & Solutions, 4th Ed. S. McClure, J. Scambray, and G. Kurtz McGraw-Hill/Osborne 2600 Tenth Street Berkley, CA 94710 Phone +1 510 549 6600 http://www.osborne.com ISBN 0-07-222742-7 759 pp. - $49.99 (Paperback with DVD), 2003 IT (information technologist) professionals in charge of network security must be fully aware of all potential threats against their system’s security. This book provides upto-date information on the latest methodologies, techniques, and actual code used by computer hackers. By knowing what hackers actually do to try and break into computer networks, the IT security manager will be better prepared to prevent such attacks. Therefore, this book contains up-to-date, in-depth information on how to hack into various types of computer systems. Since the computer world rapidly changes, this is already the fourth edition. Some of the new material covers attacks on 802.11 wireless networks, the latest network and web hacking methods, new distributed denial of service tools and tricks, Windows 9x/Me/XP NT/2000/2003 and other platforms. Along with these new areas, the book contains five parts that reveal the steps followed for hacking. The parts contain methods used to gain information about networks, system, network, and software hacking techniques, and an appendix containing the top 14 security vulnerabilities. There are very specific methods, along with actual computer code laid out to easily perform the desired hacking, along with protective countermeasures. The authors have identified an overall risk rating for each type of hacking threat exposed, to convey the impact, pop73
ularity, and degree of difficulty necessary to execute the attack. While this book is intended to provide IT managers with information to better secure their systems and not to promote hacking, there are just so many neat little tricks that the average computer user would never know about. For example, learning to reveal windows passwords, various web sites for obtaining information and the actual source code for recent viruses like “The I Love You” and Nimda worms. While this book is intended for IT professionals who are seasoned programmers, a good portion of the book could be useful to the average computer user just for knowing more about computer security.
Molecular Imprinting—From Fundamentals to Applications M. Komiyama, T. Takeuchi, T. Mukawa, and H. Asanuma John Wiley & Sons 605 3rd Ave 4th Floor New York, NY 10158 Phone +1 877 762 2974 Fax: +1 800 597 3299 http://www.wiley-vch.de ISBN 3-527-30569-6 147 pp. - $145.00 (Hardcover), 2003 Molecular imprinting, the polymerization on monomers in the presence of a template molecule which copies structural information into the resulting polymer, is a new and rapidly emerging field with applications in biotechnology and related sensor technology. It is used to produce molecular assemblies with desired structures and properties. Currently, molecular assemblies are being used for chemical or optical sensors, separation membranes, and chromatography. This book, although not very clear on the uses for these materials, contains numerous examples of reagents and experimental procedures for reproducing molecular imprints. It is understandable that the actual uses are still limited, since this is a new and emerging field. 74
The book explains why molecular imprinting is so promising, along with a description of the fundamentals of molecular imprinting. Experiments are presented in sufficient detail for the reader to produce various types of molecular imprints, along with analyzing the compounds formed, and various applications. While the authors have written a clear and detailed description of many experiments, the book is lacking sufficient information regarding applications and benefits of these materials. This book would be of interest to graduate students and researchers who work with these new methods for producing polymers with unique properties.
One of the very best chapters is on installation tips and tricks. Here, the authors provide proven methods for installing junction boxes, running conduit and wire, especially in difficult but common situations, such as in existing construction. They give practical and easy to understand tips for installing wiring behind existing drywall, without destroying the wall. There is also a very informative chapter on lighting, showing the differences between lighting types, installation methods, placement, and layout. The authors’ quick, clear, and very useful advise, which does not read like codes and standards, makes this book a must have reference.
Electrician’s Instant Answers
Management Stripped Bare—Understanding Business As It Really Is
G. Tuck and D. Tuck McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 11 West 19th St New York, NY 10011 Phone +1 877 833 5524 Fax +1 614 759 3749 http://www.books.mcgraw-hill.com ISBN 0-07-140203-9 365 pp. - $49.95 (Paperback), 2003 If you ever plan to do any electrical wiring in your home, this would be the book to buy. Electricians, electrical contractors, and DIY enthusiasts will find this book a very practical guide for answers on primarily residential electrical installation. The unassuming text, written by master electricians with many years of hands-on experience, provides clear, practical knowledge on electrical wiring, installation, and maintenance. The book is loaded with practical tips, charts, calculations, tables, and photographs to help you get the job done right. Topics include codes and standards, wiring methods, new construction, terminations, underground wiring, services, feeders, and branch circuits. There are also chapters on troubleshooting, communications, tools and techniques, and first aid. Also, it contains suggestions for electricians and contractors interested in bidding for and getting jobs.
J. Owen AMACOM 1601 Broadway, New York 10019 Phone +1 800 714 6395 Fax +1 212 903 8083 http://www.amacombooks.org ISBN 0-8144-0776-5 244 pp. - $17.95 (Paperback), 2003 Managers face many challenges: unhelpful staff, difficult bosses, unreasonable goals, inadequate resources, personnel problems, and political infighting. The list goes on. However, managers are expected to deal with these challenges and lead a group or business to achieve a desired goal or outcome. Many managers, not only beginning managers, have never really had any formal training in management. They are just expected to know how to manage and learn on the job. Some managers do a good job at acquiring good skills along the way, while others never learn good management philosophy and techniques for building a great organization. This book draws on the author’s 20 years’ experience across different industries to illustrate what does and does not work in various situations that managers face everyday. It is a practical guide to management. IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine
