Customer Reviews

Signals: The Science of Telecommunications (Scientific American Library)

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This book covers physical, information theoretic, and electronic issues in data communication. While the book is a bit dated, the classic material really hasn't changed that much. Pierce and Nolls give a masterful treatment of this material at an introductory to intermediate level. If you are looking for a book packed with equations and proofs or a book devoid of such things you will be disappointed. Rather, the book is heavy on qualitative understanding, with some analysis and equations following from the qualitative understanding.

When I got this book, I picked it up in a bargain bin, and thought that it was worth a ...gamble that it might have some content (it looked a little too accessible, not deep). After reading this book and Pierce's (same author) Introduction to Information Theory: Signals Systems and Noise, I have a new appreciation. Pierce is the kind of guy who can get a point across, and give an understanding of some deep concepts. This book is great, and I'm really glad I have it.

Given that electronic signals are central to both artificial computers and biological nervous systems, this easy-to-read reference on electronic signals may prove useful to readers of many backgrounds.

This book has become a little dated, but has some very interesting historical signifigance and a unique perspective on the electronic communications that has invaded our society, and forever changed the way we relate to one another.

I work in data communications and until I read this book I found the folks at the phone company baffling.

This book captures well the technical culture of the phone company right before the Internet took off.

A lot of really great explanation of how things like analog modems work- with a lot of great pictures.