The use of computer-aided engineering analysis is mandatory in most engineering disciplines
today. In fact, accrediting agencies are now requiring the integration of courses
in computer analysis for engineering disciplines. Whether a student of engineering, a
practicing engineer, or a technician, you will undoubtedly be required to use a program
such as PSpice to perform such analyses.
Another aspect of using this type of program that has not been brought out in any
of the other books that I have read is that it is fun! When you use a program such as
PSpice, you are free to let your mind wander, to try anything that sounds reasonableor
for that matter, unreasonable. If you are curious as to what will happen "if I do
this," go ahead and do it. You cannot burn out any expensive equipment, unless you
have some very special and sensitive form of computer that gets insulted easily. Flights
of fancy are perfectly acceptable when simulating.
It is assumed that the person using this book is a student who is presently taking
at least lOO-level circuits courses and has a math background that includes at least
trigonometry and complex numbers. More advanced math is only a benefit for some of
the problems in the last four chapters of the book-and then, not for all of them.