This proven, time-tested book, Basic Electricity and Electronics for Control: Fundamentals and Applications, teaches readers about electricity and electronics in industrial measurement and control. It is designed to be student-focused, with an emphasis on practical applications. Even when covering mathematical and algebraic concepts, the explanations are clear and easy to understand without relying on complex operations or math. However, a basic understanding of mathematics is necessary to fully grasp and apply the content.
Safety remains a top priority, and this book offers detailed guidance on measuring electrical quantities safely and effectively. It also thoroughly explains how to use digital and analog meters, bridges, power supplies, solid-state circuitry, oscilloscopes and analog-to-digital converters.
In addition to expanding on the topics in the previous edition, the Fourth Edition now includes a lab workbook that helps students better understand the material through exercises that simulate real-world tasks in vocational, industrial and occupational fields. Together, the textbook and workbook will support student success in any basic technician training course.
Lawrence (Larry) M. Thompson was the owner and general manager of ESdat Co. (Electronic Systems: development and training company), a consulting firm specializing in industrial data communications. Throughout his distinguished career, Thompson served as a technician, technical trainer, and course developer in electronics, measurement/control, and computer networking. A 20-year veteran of the US Air Force, Thompson specialized in maintaining electronic encryption equipment during his service. His post-military industrial experience included positions as a technician, test engineer, and test engineering supervisor for numerous companies.
Thompson held a bachelor's degree in applied arts and science from Tarleton State University and worked on a master's degree in computer science at the University of Texas. He retired from his role as Department Chair for E-Commerce Technology at Texas State Technical College to run his own consulting business full time. He served as an adjunct instructor for the International Society of Automation (ISA) for more than 35 years. He wrote several books, including ISA's Industrial Data Communications and Basic Electrics/Electronics for Control, and was a Certified Automation Professional (CAP).
Dean Ford, CAP, PE, is the Managing Principal Engineer at Luminary Automation and Engineering, LLC, a firm he cofounded. His entire 25-plus year career has involved automation systems engineering and consulting. Initially stumbling into the profession via a co-op opportunity at Anheuser-Busch in 1994, he fell in love with the automation. The ability to see how things are made and learn the science and processes behind automation energize him.
Ford develops and leads a dedicated and passionate staff of automation professionals. He is a licensed Control Systems Engineer in 24 states and a Certified Automation Professional (CAP). Ford is a senior member of the International Society of Automation (ISA), and he participates in many industry standards committees. He is an active member of many industry groups including the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF), and Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN). He serves on the Government Relations and Workforce Development committees for the Automation Federation, educating the public and policy makers about the critical role automation plays in the future. Ford also serves as the chair of the AWWA Water Utility Technology and Automation Committee (WUTAC).
