E
Eric Marlow
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
Here are a few points on the above subject I have been wondering
about, from a novice's "idealistic" perspective. No disrespect
intended.
1. Why are there so many different parts that essentially perform the
same function? Basic transistors, IC's switches, capacitors, etc. Mil
spec aside, seems true in too many cases, and appears to compound
every year.
Fewer more versatile/robust parts should cost less by reducing
diversity of production. Saves on landfill too. Everyone would
benefit. Why does the economics of parts supply resemble a a pumped-up
consumer marketplace?
2. Why not adopt more logical and uniform color and numerical coding
systems? Four differnet ways of specifying cap values, etc., etc. And
who decided to make 1% resistor markings less readable by printing
them on blue.
3. The IC revolution changed electronics. How about a next generation
of ready-made customizable modules for limited production ANALOG
projects? Similar to what is being done for micros.
4. How about a comprehensive electronics website? Design walkthroughs,
value calculators, recommendations for replacement of older parts with
newer, and so on. A good wiki project for the pros. Corporate
sponsorship?
Yes, I have already heard a few reasons regarding the above.
-Technology is changing too fast.
- Little attention given to update or discard of old standards and
knowledge bases.
- Electroincs and its applications are inherently diverse and complex.
- Everyone is used to it the way it is. Time and money invested. Alot
of this already exists, if you can find it. Don't be lazy.
Why am I not happy with these answers? They often don't apply in the
practical work I have encountered, at least so far. I suspect many
others of low to moderate ability feel the same.
Why undergo a process that could take far less time if better
presented in terms of uniformity, design rationalization, resources,
and skills targeting. Instead. it seems like the Rubik's Cube of
modern science. Everyone "rediscovers" the same thing over and over
again..
If these more user-friendly conditions were actively promoted, alot
more young people would be drawn to electronics, as a profession or
hobby. No, I'm not giving up though. Once you've got the bug, it is
fatal.
Eric Marlow
about, from a novice's "idealistic" perspective. No disrespect
intended.
1. Why are there so many different parts that essentially perform the
same function? Basic transistors, IC's switches, capacitors, etc. Mil
spec aside, seems true in too many cases, and appears to compound
every year.
Fewer more versatile/robust parts should cost less by reducing
diversity of production. Saves on landfill too. Everyone would
benefit. Why does the economics of parts supply resemble a a pumped-up
consumer marketplace?
2. Why not adopt more logical and uniform color and numerical coding
systems? Four differnet ways of specifying cap values, etc., etc. And
who decided to make 1% resistor markings less readable by printing
them on blue.
3. The IC revolution changed electronics. How about a next generation
of ready-made customizable modules for limited production ANALOG
projects? Similar to what is being done for micros.
4. How about a comprehensive electronics website? Design walkthroughs,
value calculators, recommendations for replacement of older parts with
newer, and so on. A good wiki project for the pros. Corporate
sponsorship?
Yes, I have already heard a few reasons regarding the above.
-Technology is changing too fast.
- Little attention given to update or discard of old standards and
knowledge bases.
- Electroincs and its applications are inherently diverse and complex.
- Everyone is used to it the way it is. Time and money invested. Alot
of this already exists, if you can find it. Don't be lazy.
Why am I not happy with these answers? They often don't apply in the
practical work I have encountered, at least so far. I suspect many
others of low to moderate ability feel the same.
Why undergo a process that could take far less time if better
presented in terms of uniformity, design rationalization, resources,
and skills targeting. Instead. it seems like the Rubik's Cube of
modern science. Everyone "rediscovers" the same thing over and over
again..
If these more user-friendly conditions were actively promoted, alot
more young people would be drawn to electronics, as a profession or
hobby. No, I'm not giving up though. Once you've got the bug, it is
fatal.
Eric Marlow