In this interview, we talk to Terry Edwards, author of the book, Gigahertz and Terahertz Technologies for Broadband Communications, Second Edition. We discuss the motivation behind writing the book, the target audience, the most useful aspects of the book, the challenges of writing the book, and advice for other engineers who are considering writing a book.
Terry Edwards was the executive director of Engalco, a consultancy firm based in the United Kingdom mainly specializing in signal transmission technologies and the global industry. He holds an M.Phil. postgraduate degree in microwave research, has led seminars on fiber optics, and has written several articles and books including Fiber Optic Systems—Network Applications (John Wiley and Sons, 1989), Foundations for Microstrip Circuit Design (John Wiley and Sons, 1st edition, 1981; 2nd edition, 1991), and Microwave Electronics (Edward Arnold, 1984). He has been involved with and managed many consultancy programs. Studies completed and published by Engalco include several on the microwave industry in both Europe and North America and, under sponsorship with a North American corporation, microwave-based systems in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Terry travels considerably to conferences and trade exhibitions including Atlanta, Denver, Geneva, Paris, Philadelphia, San Jose, and Santa Rosa in recent years. He is on the editorial advisory board for the International Journal of Communication Systems. Terry Edwards has also acted as an expert witness at a Philadelphia court hearing involving a fiber-optics product technology dispute. A Fellow of the IEE and member of the IEEE, Terry regularly consults for both national and overseas companies and is on the prestigious IEE (London) President’s List of Consultants.
1.What was your main motivation behind writing your book?
My main motivation for writing the book was to offer a thorough, up-to-date, and engaging revision of my 1999 first edition.
2. Who is the main target audience for your book and what will they appreciate the most about the book?
The primary audience for my book comprises engineering managers, researchers, and marketing executives in various communication technology fields such as RF, microwave, millimetre-wave, fibre-optics, free-space optics, SATCOM, terrestrial, and high altitude. They will particularly appreciate the book’s comprehensive coverage and its relevance to their specific areas of interest and expertise.
3. What do you see your book being most useful for?
My book is most useful for professionals seeking cutting-edge communications technology insights, including prospects and advancements.
4. How did you find the writing of the book? Do you have a specific process or are you quite methodical in your writing approach? How did you find the writing of the book?
Writing the book was incredibly stressful for me. I quickly realized the unique challenges of producing a second edition, especially with a time gap of nearly 25 years. It demanded meticulous attention to updating content while maintaining coherence with the original edition.
5. What challenges did you face when writing the book and how did you overcome them?
When writing the book, I faced significant challenges, to the point where I nearly gave up in Spring 2023. I felt demotivated, but thanks to the encouragement from Keri Dickens and Geoff Varrall, I found the motivation to restart and overcome those hurdles.
6. What advice would you give to other engineers who are considering writing a book?
When writing the book, I faced significant challenges, to the point where I nearly gave up in Spring 2023. I felt demotivated, but thanks to the encouragement from Keri Dickens and Geoff Varrall, I found the motivation to restart and overcome those hurdles.
7. What are you working on next?
Currently, I’m focusing on compiling a market research report on RF power amplifiers, specifically for defense applications. Beyond this project, I’ve been encouraged by friends to consider writing my autobiography, though that’s still in the realm of future endeavor’s.
Learn more about the book on our websites
ARTECH HOUSE USA : Gigahertz and Terahertz Technologies for Broadband Communications, Second Edition
ARTECH HOUSE U.K.: Gigahertz and Terahertz Technologies for Broadband Communications: Second Edition
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