In this interview, we talk to Inder and Ramesh, author of the book Microstrip Lines and Slotlines, Fourth 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.
Inder J. Bahl received his Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India, in 1975. Dr. Bahl has more than 40 years of experience working in the microwave field. Dr. Bahl researched and managed products including microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits, printed antennas, phased array antennas, millimeter wave antennas, and medical and industrial applications of microwaves.
Ramesh Garg Ramesh Garg is a professor in the Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering Department at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India. He earned his Ph.D. in physics at the Indian Institute of Technology.
1. What was your main motivation behind writing your book?
The motivation for the 4th edition of this popular title was to update the reader about rapid changes and progress made in planar transmission line technologies.
2.Who is the main target audience for your book and what will they appreciate the most about the book?
The target audience for the book are senior undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, researchers, as well as professionals working in the design of RF, microwave and millimeter wave components and circuits for various applications including wireless communication. They can learn in a simplified manner about various concepts in transmission lines.
3.What do you see your book being most useful for?
The book is intended to cover essential background to understand the fundamentals of various transmission media for current and emerging applications. The book should be useful for gaining physical insight into the complex processes/ topics of the emerging technology of RF and Microwaves.
tools provided in the book to develop their own leading and learning plan, and to write their own story.
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?
We have been writing books since 1979, and this has been possible because we enjoy writing. We are methodical and look for the latest advances in microwave technology, and try to present it in a tutorial and lucid manner so that students and professional are able to understand the complex topics/ processes. We have authored several books for Artech House.
5.What challenges did you face when writing the book and how did you overcome them?
The major challenge was the access to the open literature. For this, we have used our membership of various professional societies such as APS, and MTTS.
6.What advice would you give to other engineers who are considering writing a book?
Consider writing a technical book only if you enjoy teaching and writing. Figure out the audience, and write down the outline and possibly the detailed table of contents to start with.
7.What are you working on next?
Still figuring out! But something soon.
Learn more about the book on our websites
ARTECH HOUSE USA : Microstrip Lines and Slotlines, Fourth Edition
ARTECH HOUSE U.K.: MicroLED Devices and Systems
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