5 comments about Interior Lighting, Fourth Edition.

1. While I was studying Interior Design at Parsons a number of years ago, I had Gary Gordon as a Lighting Design Instructor. He was by far one the best teachers that I had. He is very knowledgeable and has the unique ability to easily communicate the many aspects of both design and lighting. I highly recommend any publication he has authored.



2. This is a required book for an introductory lighting class I'm taking. Since we are solely relying on this book and it isn't supplemented with lecture material, I find that, without familiarity with lighting terminology and concepts, it is very difficult to understand -- very cryptic with the seemingly overused language of the field. While the author may be very knowledgeable, I feel the book is not very well written and the target audience is, perhaps, not intended to be, essentially, the layman. I don't find the organization of ideas and concepts to be clearly laid out or communicated well and, as they unfold, and I come to understand what the author is trying to say, wonder why it was made so difficult -- is that all he means, geesh and why didn't he tell me that earlier. It would be easier to understand the general concept of things first, even in plain English perhaps, and then go on to a more technical description to learn the language of the field and get the details. Just seems to make simple things very complicated, especially with the language, flow of ideas, and phrasing.
   
   I also find a lot of the graphic figures and photo examples need some clarification or more details. A picture's supposed to be worth a thousand words, not be cryptic and time-consuming to understand.
   
   Sorry, I would not recommend this for students who are not primed first. Especially the younger ones.



3. This is a great lighting design book, lots of graphical explanations, lots of useful information, a must-buy for any kind of interior designer!



4. This is an excellent reference for any designer. The text is in simple language and makes lighting concepts very easy to comprehend. I actually enjoyed reading it and will be a better lighting designer because of it.



5. I thought this book gave a great overview of both the physics of light and the principles of good lighting design.

5 comments about CMOS VLSI Design: A Circuits and Systems Perspective (3rd Edition).

1. This edition is as useful as the earlier editions. Besides providing insight on almost all the topics of VLSI, the third edition also addresses several issues related to the sub-micron technology.



2. I recently taught a senior undergraduate/first year graduate introductory course with VLSI with this book as the text. I found this book to be confusing and frustrating to the students. In order to lecture on VLSI topics in what I thought was a logical order, I had to jump around in the text book. My main complaint is that the book is organized more like an encylopedia and not like a textbook. As such I think it makes a very good reference for those with previous training or experience in the VLSI field, but confusing and unhelpful for those learning the field for the first time.
   
   Oddly, the second edition of Weste (Weste and Eshragian) is far better organized and much more coherent in its development of topics within VLSI. I found myself often going back to the second edition when I was preparing lectures.
   
   A second complaint is that the book introduces logical effort as a primary topic early on in the discussion of switching delays, in my opinion at the expense of discussion of the fundamental circuit mechanisms in switching delay (which again are discussed in detail in Weste 2nd Ed). The emphasis on logical effort continues throughout the text. Again, a choice that is reasonable if your audience is experienced engineers but not for an introductory course.
   
   I will probably change texts for next year, most likely to the text by Rabaey et al, which appears to be much better organized for an introduction to VLSI. In sum, Weste 3rd edition might make a good text for a second or third course in VLSI, or a good reference for practitioners in the field, but not a good text for a first course in VLSI.



3. Good book covering CMOS VLSI design. Excellent turtorial on Verilog in the appendix.



4. Comprehensive treatment of the subject, very clear and easy to understand. Also has advanced topics.



5. After just going over the first few chapters, have found that book does live up to it's title. It's a good book to have handy when designing basic chips.

1 comments about Bike, Scooter, and Chopper Projects for the Evil Genius.

1. I purchased this book and also the Bicycle Builder's Bonanza by the same author because I wanted ideas on how to build my own recumbent bike or trike. The plans and details are awesome, and Brad often explains why certain design decisions were made. I think the best thing about the book is that it inspires me to go out and build something. My mind is already cranking on how to modify the designs presented in the book. Now, my only problem is deciding between the Delta Wolf and the Street Fox!

5 comments about Discrete-Time Signal Processing (2nd Edition) (Prentice-Hall Signal Processing Series).

1. It is my pleasure to comment on this book which I recently purchased. I have two of Dr. Oppenheim's previous books. This book is a core integration of a topic with too many diverse starting points (mine was digital filters derived from Prony's method, not in the book by name). Dr. Bose was my first EE Professor. Alan Oppenheim was my second EE instructor. Alan (just finished MSEE at the time) had not published a book yet, but his focus was always on your questions. His product was your understanding. If this book is for your shelf, it will not harm it. If this topic is for your mind, this book was meticulously written for you. Lance Webb, PhDEE



2. The electrical engineering approach to teaching a subject can often be quite rugged in comparison with the other hard sciences. I believe that for many students, an honest and unbiased appreciation of this text takes quite a bit more time than other hard science texts. Treating this book with respect and his or her instructor with reverence, the talented student who dedicates herself or himself to be a disciple of DSP will profit from Discrete-Time Signal Processing.



3. I've used D.T.S.P. for a course and found it very satisfying. I've also read the Schaum's Outline by Monson Hayes and "Understanding Digital Signal Processing" by Richard Lyons, but I wouldn't recommend them to anyone really interested in the subject.
   
   This book can appear more intimidating at a first glance, but chances are that is just the fear of a mind not accustomed to precise, throughout exposition. Actually, such preciseness is the only way to really understand a subject and it is much harder to learn something without it (although, it's easier to delude oneself into thinking that one is learning).
   
   While studying on the Hayes' book I often found myself trying to reconstruct the steps taken to build and use a mathematical representation of a problem, and realizing that there were some informations I was missing; that the exposition made sense only as long as I didn't put it under a magnifying glass to see the holes. As my interest for DSP and my hunger for thoroughness grew I had to turn more and more to the Oppenheim-Schafer in order to find the missing steps, until I decided that it would have been easier to use it as my primary book.
   
   As for the requirements, there isn't really much: some basic calculus and, for some chapters, a knowledge of analog systems - something that you have probably already studied if you are doing this for university, and something that you should study if you are a diy enthusiast.
   
   If this isn't your biggest interest and you only need to pass an exam, the Schaum's outline should be enough. If you want to build a solid foundation in DSP design, acquire new mathematical models and the skill to use them (in my opinion this is a central part in increasing one's intelligence) use this book.



4. This is a comprehensive book on DSP. It is perhaps too much for a student approaching DSP for the first time but it is a very useful text for advanced students. It is also a good reference on the subject. Beginners would do well to go through the elementary book Signal Processing First by one of the authors Schafer before tackling this book.



5. This book is widely accepted as the standard graduate level text for Discrete Time Signal Processing. Personally I think it could use a bit of elaboration and the figures and graphs should be improved upon.
   
   I must say that for the most part it is comprehensive and thorough in dealing with this subject matter. Some of the trickier nuances are lost in this treatment of the subject.
   
   I would highly advise this book to anyone who has a firm and solid foundation in subjects such as DSP, communications and possibly transform mathmatics. I would not under any circumstance advise this book as a starting point!
   
   Additionally, due to the nature and level of this material... I would suggest a study guide to accompany. Having been out of school for only four years I entered an online masters program... I am expected to teach myself from the book, I have found the study guide to be necessary.

1 comments about Next Generation Wireless LANs: Throughput, Robustness, and Reliability in 802.11n.

1. For people who working on 802.11n, they can not afford to miss this book. This is a book written by engineers who are actually working on the real product. The book helps reader to navigate through the complex 802.11n standard, and provides valuable design techniques.
   
   Even for people not working on 802.11n, this book still serves as a nice reference book for MIMO and OFDM technology. I am not working on 802.11n, I am working on WiMAX. but the MIMO technology described in this book is far more better than any WiMAX book.

5 comments about Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits.

1. The book is too theory-oriented; not suitable for engineers. I felt disappointed.
   
   And the chapters on PLL and switched-cap. are too common-sense! No use at all for practising engineers...I don't want to recommend this book -



2. I have used this book in a graduate class. It is good and very rigorous. It has good amount of examples and plenty of end of chapter problems. It is a good treatment of the subject. However, it might be hard as introductory.



3. The more my knowledge grew, the more I have appreciated returning to this book as a reference compared to any of the others. Razavi's explanations are lucid and directly to the point allowing me to quickly recall/re-understand concepts that I either once grasped and forgot or never really understood in the first place.



4. This is by far the best book for analog designer. The only thing I wish to see is to include some simulation examples such as: AC analysis, noise analysis...
   
   Also, as the technology moves to sub-micron, long channel approximation is no longer accurate. I wonder if author can comment on how to size the transistors for fewer spice iterations.
   
   Maybe we will see them in the 2nd edition.



5. Bought the the book on a Friday and was delivered by the following Tuesday. Book was in perfect condition.

5 comments about Digital Integrated Circuits (2nd Edition) (Printice Hall Electronics and Vlsi Series).

1. 
   Has some good information at the transistor level. However, the book falls apart after the first time you open it. I returned my first copy and got a brand new one, but same thing happened. The back of the book cracks and pages fall out as soon as you start flipping through the thing. Highly overpriced, as most books of this type are!



2. Great book as it is very clear, methodical, and gives great examples in which you can actually follow unlike some others. I would also recommend going through the problem sets from the authors website online as it really helps solidify the concepts taught in this book. This book is highly recommended for budding VLSI designers or engineers who just want to learn a little bit about VLSI design!



3. I had this book for both my Undergraduate and graduate level VLSI Design classes. I cant think of other book that would make a perfect course textbook to learn 'Digital' Integrated Circuit (DIC) design. The book starts with device concepts to give you a good understanding the physics behind CMOS technology. Then it introduces the basics of CMOS circuits (inverter analysis) and covers the aspects of digital integrated design such as parastic analysis, logic families, memories, timing and complex architectures etc... The real world design, challenges and technologies are also given in the book through articles, discussions, problems and examples. It gives a good background and teaches the concepts so a designer would be able to choose a correct design paramaters, logic/arch. family and targets such as power/performance/noise/area.
   
   The book does not go deep in to each subject since its intention is intro/intermediate. Also this book is not for serious circuit designers but its a start book to make one. Its the book to learn and broaden your knowledge on designing custom and high performace circuits.. The cons of this book would be that its not a user friendly at the beginning for a fresh starter but it will welcome and get you going pretty quick once you get the style of the author. I would recommend the Uyemura's book (CMOS Logic Design) for uncovered and extra examples to complete this book. And if you are looking more to designing complex high performance circuits, Chandrakasan's book (Design of High-Performance Microprocessor Circuits) would be the one.



4. I used the first edition of this book in my graduate class. I found the book well-written with good examples and explanations. It also covers a diverse range of subjects and I still find myself referring to it when I have doubts. If you are having problems with understanding fundamentals, I highly recommend this book as a reference.



5. It's a great book,I studied with it during the semester, and it covered all the topics i needed.

5 comments about SystemVerilog for Verification, Second Edition: A Guide to Learning the Testbench Language Features.

1. This book provides guidelines on how to use System Verilog verification features to create testbench through numerous examples in addition to very good explanation. This book is very easy to understand provided one has basic background.
   
   The author indicates common mistakes by placing "bug" icon next to the topic, so that readers become aware of the pitfall right a way. I found it extremely useful.
   
   This book helped me to write test bench using System Verilog in very short time. The author has met and exceeded the objective of the book.
   
   I highly recommend this book for students/engineers who have basic knowledge in Verilog and want to achieve or enhance their skills on verification area.
   
   I rate this book as 5 out of 5.



2. This book explains the basics of how to write advanced testbenches using SystemVerilog's Object Oriented programming capabilities. The book does a great job of helping to understand the basics of OO programming, and how OO can be applied to hardware verification. The book is full of tips on the right way to use SystemVerilog. This book should be required reading before picking up books on advanced verification methodologies, such as Janick Bergeron's book on SystemVerilog Verificaiton Methodology Manual.
   
   I am the principle author of the companion to this book, "SystemVerilog for Design: A Guide to Using SystemVerilog for Hardware Design and Modeling", ISBN: 0387333991. My book covers the synthesis aspects of SystemVerilog, and Chris Spear's book covers the testbench side. Our two books are designed to go hand-in-hand. I strongly recommend Chris Spear's SystemVerilog for Verification book be added to your library! -- Stu Sutherland



3. Helpful for those migrating from verilog because
   it compares the new concepts in relation to known concepts of verilog.
   I liked the "bug" symbol that cautions against possible coding problems.
   All systemverilog concepts are covered in the book with examples.
   What is lacking is a practical usable example to build a complete simulation environment.



4. Book is a good introduction to system verilog for verification - though some typographical mistakes and some coding mistakes, make it bit flaky.
   
   I would definately recommend this book - as it is the fastest way to get going around system verilog. One thing I like is that it is tied to any vendor specific methodology like RVM or AVM or VMM.



5. a few non-compliant code examples that do not follow the IEEE LRM. With that said, overall the book contains a number of good examples and covers the SV language. It doesn't spend much time discussing methodology (which can be good or bad depending on what you're looking for).
   
   In summary, decent reading and a good language reference. Definitely a lot better than the VMM book.

5 comments about Sonar 7 Power!: The Comprehensive Guide.

1. I find Scott's writing style very easy to follow. Starting with the basics he works through Sonar step at a time, being sure to cover any little extras that may help achieve your tasks. This book has accelerated my understanding of not just the specifics of Sonar but how I would approach a recording project overall.
   
   For me, this book is an investment and a time saver. It is a tremendous learning tool and reference manual. When I'm at the computer working on a project this book is always within arms reach. Great work Scott.



2. I don't need the author to tell me about all the changes from previous versions.I would like to know how to use ver. 7. How about at least a little information on how to actually record a sound!!!!!for someone who is not familiar with ver.1,2,3,4,5,6,.This book completely lacks a simple get started chapter and it appears the author assumes the reader is familiar with the previous software versions and that this book might I repeat might help the reader tweak ver. 7.But for a first timer using sonar 7 save your money



3. To T.Oneill "kiss" - This is Scott R. Garrigus, author of Sonar 7 Power. Your review of my book is totally wrong and devoid of any factual information. Sonar 7 Power is written for both new users and people who are upgrading from previous versions. Not only does the book take the reader from start to finish in learning the software, it provides information on what the new features are and (more importantly), how to use them. There definitely IS a getting started chapter right at the beginning of the book. Read the book from beginning to end and you'll learn all you need to know about how to use SONAR. In addition, there is an entire chapter (Chapter 6) on how to use the recording and playback features. You need to take the time to read through the entire book, rather than trying to jump right into a specific topic without first understanding the basics. Read the entire book first, and then you'll be qualified to do a proper review. Thank you.



4. Though the Sonar 7 manual will certainly walk you through the application - Sonar 7 Power will help to bring it to life. There are so many aspects and nuances within the application, this book is a necessary companion to fully understanding the ins and outs of Sonar 7. I highly recommend this book.



5. A wonderful book that breaks down Sonar 7 by providing examples and projects to try to help you better understand the power of Sonar 7.

2 comments about F# for Scientists.

1. I wish more books were written at this level of quality. While this book can be used by anybody that wants to get up to speed with F#, it's also well suited for use as a text book for an undergraduate course in applied math or computer science (or reference for a graduate course). It's well organized, well written, and draws from classic examples in mathematical computing.
   
   It's not easy material, and deserves to be read slowly and perhaps a couple times - much like any sophisticated treatise on a difficult but powerful subject. Don't loose patience if you don't get it at first glance. If you enjoy this type of stuff, it's an absolutely pleasure to read - logical in flow and well articulated.
   
   Anyway, this is a must-have book if you're doing anything with F# - or just considering it.



2. I found this book to be very useful. Before reading this text I had already read portions of Expert F#, and have an extensive background with the older SML language that F# and Ocaml are related to. As someone who works in scientific computing, I have always wished for a reference that would explain how to use this family of languages in scientific contexts. This book provides an excellent discussion of this topic. The examples are familiar if you come from a scientific computing background, and it is useful to see examples framed in a mathematical or scientific context instead of the more abstract or simple examples found in texts aimed at more general audiences. I would highly recommend this book - it's a pleasure to read, and has proven to be a useful reference for me so far.