In addition to the properties and usage of basic discrete components (still
very important) and the appreciation of fundamental principles (from an
introductory mathematical perspective) of electronics, there is an
increasing interest in the use of integrated circuits, especially at low and
intermediate signal levels. It is seldom necessary to be an expert at the
inner workings of these ICs, but the ability to understand their data sheets
and how to employ and interconnect them is a skill that is very useful.

We probably could be tested a little regarding the basic usage of certain
kinds of ICs such as opamp, multiplier and DSP types.

Bill W0IYH

"nntp.aioe.org" wrote in message
...
I suggest that it still lies in the areas of LC filters, resistor
networks and individual transistor (or valve) operation.

Because, although the bulk of our circuit complexity
will soon lie in a single DSP chip, the interfaces to that chip,
to us at the baseband end and then to the antenna at the RF end,
still depend upon traditional electronic (pre-IC) practice.

How, then, can it be possible to issue Ham Radio licences
to those who cannot tell one end of a resistor from the other?

How, then, can it ever be possible to issue Ham Radio
licences to those of 6 years of age who lack the mathematical
capability to understand the evaluation of resistances in parallel?

The answer is, that it cannot be possible, and that licences
issued to such people are CB licences, no more, no less.

Syllabi for Ham Radio exams should resort to the traditional
subjects of familiarity with elemental electrical and electronic
components together with a modernised examination of the
ability to write software and understanding of DSP theory.