Oh boy, here comes a really broad question. How does a guy who is already through with college and has a CS degree get a broad education in general electronics? There's a lot of stuff I don't understand well, like passives (beyond using resistors to limit current and capacitors to decouple ICs). I can program (or is it "design on"?) a CPLD now and I don't know how to design an RLC circuit. That can't be right, can it? Do I just keep on doing this as a hobby and move Art of Electronics to the top of the reading list or try some community college courses? Or what? Join a maker's guild? Here is what we have at Waubonsee Community College:
Introductory Electronics (ELT101) - This course introduces laboratory instruments, circuit components, basic measuring techniques and basic circuits used as building blocks in any electronic system.
DC-AC Circuit Analysis (ELT110) - This course provides students with the basics of Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) circuits. This is knowledge fundamental to all other electronics courses and is used by those working in the electronics field.
Introduction to Solid State Devices (ELT120) - This course provides an introduction solid state devices. The topics covered are those most essential for modern technicians working in the electronics field.
Digital Fundamentals (ELT 130) - The course presents the fundamental principles of digital electronics that apply to integrated circuits. It prepares students to work on digital electronic devices, which constitute the most dynamic segment of the electronics industry.
Advanced Solid State Devices (ELT220) - This course is a continuation of Introduction to Solid State Devices. It looks into analog electronics in more depth, and uses more advanced methods of analysis. The class concentrates on the integrated electronics used in instrumentation and control, with emphasis on sensors and their applications.
Microprocessors (ELT235) - This course provides students with a practical working knowledge of microprocessors and microcontrollers. This in turn prepares students to work on a wide variety of electronics systems that range from electronic appliances to automobiles and sophisticated robotic systems.
Data Acquisition and Measurement (ELT250) - In this course students learn to use electronic test devices which include multimeters, oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, and more. This prepares students to perform electrical/electronic inspection, troubleshooting and repair functions in a variety of settings, many of which are in various segments of the manufacturing industry.
Introduction to Modern Telecommunication (ELT260) - In this course students learn the fundamental principles underlying modern telecommunication systems. The topics range from antenna systems to Ethernet computer networks and fiber optics.
Anyone know of any other education opportunities in Northern Illinois? NIU seems out of the question. Classes are generally day classes aimed at resident Engineering majors seeking four-year degrees. I can't do day classes and they wouldn't want me anyway. Some other colleges might be worth considering. I have taken masters level classes at DePaul which caters to adult students and I would recommend DePaul, but they have no engineering / electronics technology program (three physics department classes concerning electronics!). They have a HUGE comp-sci department but computers are just magically available as far as they are concerned.