by
A. Michael Noll
(published 2001)
This book is a broad introduction to the basic technological principles of communication technologies and systems. Human physiology and factors, key inventors and business people, and basic principles are integrated together to explain the key concepts and development of modern communication systems and technologies.
The audience is business people and students who need to have a firm grasp of the basic technological and scientific principles. The book is written so that it is self teaching, explaining the links between human factors and technology, along with the excitement of the discoveries by the key inventors.
Communication programs and business schools are becoming increasing interested in communication technologies and systems. This introductory text covers the basic principles of communication technology and could be used as the major text for technology-related courses.
The book uses modern communication systems–such as the compact disc, television, the telephone, and the computer–as the motivation to study their basic principles. Some basic principles covered in the book are analog-to-digital conversion, spectrum and bandwidth, packet and circuit switching, modulation and multiplexing, and electricity and electronics. In all cases, the material is presented in a thorough and phased approach and described in a matter understandable to liberal arts students and other non-technologists.
The material is presented in a modular form, covering (1) audio technology, (2) video systems, (3) speech communication systems, and (4) written communication systems. Each module begins with a description of the human physiology and history of the specific form of communication. For example, the module on video systems begins with a description of the workings of the human eye, including physiology and psychological perception of color. Each module includes material about the various inventors and business people responsible for the innovation of the technology and the development of the communication business.
Basic principles of signals and their representation in the time and frequency domains are covered, along with basic electricity concepts, radio and modulation, switching and transmission, and computer processing. The material is all covered in a well organized fashion that slowly builds upon basic concepts, while applying the concepts to real communication systems. The text is written for the non-engineer.
Principles of Modern Communications Technology
is available from
(800) 225-9977
ISBN 1-58053-284-5