Bob Pease

Bob Pease (1940-2011) was an analog integrated circuit design engineer widely recognized for his contributions to linear integrated circuits and power supply design. His career included 33 years at National Semiconductor, where he designed numerous successful analog ICs and published extensively on electronic design. Pease wrote the long-running column "Pease Porridge" in Electronic Design magazine and authored several influential books, including "Troubleshooting Analog Circuits" which became a standard reference in the field. He held over 21 patents and was particularly known for his work on bandgap voltage reference and temperature sensor circuits. His unconventional teaching style and direct communication approach made complex electronic concepts accessible to both students and working engineers. Pease was especially respected for his practical, real-world approach to circuit design and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom when it contradicted empirical evidence. Beyond his technical contributions, Pease was known for driving his 1969 Volkswagen Beetle to work at National Semiconductor and for his distinctive personal style, including his preference for wearing sandals in all weather conditions. He died in a car accident in 2011 shortly after attending a memorial service for his colleague Jim Williams.

Readers praise Bob Pease's practical engineering knowledge and entertaining writing style in books like "Troubleshooting Analog Circuits." Many cite his ability to explain complex concepts through real-world examples and humor. Engineers appreciate his "What's All This ___ Stuff?" column series from Electronic Design magazine for its problem-solving insights. Readers value: - Clear explanations of technical concepts - Stories from his decades of hands-on experience - Practical troubleshooting techniques - Informal, conversational tone Common criticisms: - Some find his writing style too casual - Occasional tangents and rambling - Some examples become dated Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.6/5 (Troubleshooting Analog Circuits) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (average across titles) "His writing reads like having a conversation with a brilliant but eccentric mentor" - Amazon reviewer "The engineering wisdom in these pages is invaluable" - Goodreads review "Sometimes gets off track, but the core content is excellent" - Engineering forum comment

Troubleshooting Analog Circuits - A guide covering techniques for finding and fixing problems in analog electronic circuits, including detailed case studies and diagnostic methods.

How to Drive Into Accidents - And How Not To - An analysis of driving safety based on the author's experiences and observations of common accident scenarios and prevention strategies.

Analog Circuits: World Class Designs - A collection of practical analog circuit designs with detailed explanations of their operation and implementation.

How To Choose A Great TV And Set It Up Right - Technical instructions for television selection, installation, and optimization of picture quality.

Complete Guide to Reading Schematic Diagrams - A systematic approach to understanding and interpreting electronic circuit diagrams and symbols.

Understand Electronic Filters - An explanation of various types of electronic filters, their functions, and applications in circuit design.