Few reference works match the ambition of Electrical Engineering Dictionary, edited by Phillip A. Laplante and published by CRC Press in 2000. This 700-plus-page, CRCnetBASE CD-ROM (ISBN 0-8493-2170-0) and hardcover set distils definitions across every IEEE interest area—circuits, power systems, control, communications, magnetics, photonics, digital electronics and more—into one authoritative resource .
Table of Contents
Book at a Glance
| Title | Electrical Engineering Dictionary |
| Editor-in-Chief | Phillip A. Laplante, PE, Ph.D. |
| Publisher / Year | CRC Press LLC / 2000 |
| Format | Hardcover & CRCnetBASE CD-ROM |
| Length | ~700 pages (printed) + searchable database |
| ISBN-10 / 13 | 0-8493-2170-0 |
| Typical Price | CD-ROM US $68; Hardcover ≈ US $220 new; used ≈ US $70 |
| Primary Audience | Practicing engineers, scholars, translators, researchers |
Why Electrical Engineering Dictionary Still Matters
- Holistic IEEE coverage. Area editors mapped 15 dictionary sections to IEEE interest areas—power systems; circuits and systems; control; electronics; RF and microwave; photonics; and more—ensuring every term appears in the context where practitioners will look for it .
- Global expert collaboration. Nearly 200 contributors—academics, industry specialists and standards bodies—vet each definition, making this a truly authoritative lexicon .
- Searchable, evolving database. The CD-ROM “CRCnetBASE” delivers instant keyword search across all entries and is updated periodically as new terminologies emerge .
- Uniform, context-rich entries. Definitions include context notes, cross-references, SI units, common equations and mini-figures, reducing the need to chase multiple technical handbooks .
Organizational Highlights
- Preface & Vision. Laplante’s preface describes the “test of will and stamina” to herd an international editorial board and partition the dictionary by IEEE areas .
- Special Symbols Section. A dedicated block defines mathematical and fuzzy-set symbols (e.g., α-level sets) before the main entries begin .
- Alphabetical Entries. Standard alphabetical layout with consistent formatting; each term includes pronunciation, abbreviation, definition, related terms and, where relevant, formulas or diagrams.
- Appendices & Index. Quick-reference tables of constants, conversion factors and an exhaustive index streamline navigation, both in print and digital forms.
Key Strengths
- Depth & breadth in one volume. No other single text spans every major subfield of electrical engineering with this level of editorial rigor .
- Expert validation. Definitions are reviewed by leading IEEE society members, avoiding ambiguity common in crowd-sourced glossaries .
- Digital-age access. The CRCnetBASE CD-ROM allows full-text search, bookmarking and future updates—critical for fast-paced fields like IoT and smart grids .
- Cross-disciplinary value. Engineers in power, electronics, communications or control systems will all find tailored definitions and context, reducing guesswork.
Limitations
| Limitation | Impact | Work-around |
|---|---|---|
| Published in 2000 | Omits post-2000 tech (GaN devices, IoT protocols) | Supplement with vendor app-notes or newer handbooks |
| CD-ROM format | May be hard to run on modern OS without CRCnetBASE subscription | Use the print edition or CRC’s online portal |
| High cost | Hardcover new list ≈ US $220 | Libraries often carry it; used copies available for ≈ US $70 |
| Bulk & weight | 700+ pages ≈ 2 kg | Rely on the searchable digital edition aboard |
Comparison with Similar Reference Works
| Feature | Electrical Engineering Dictionary | IEEE Std 100 (2000) | Oxford Dictionary of Electronics & EE (2013) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entries | Comprehensive across IEEE areas | ~7 500 core terms | ~5 000 entries |
| Editorial board | ~200 global experts | IEEE terminology committees | Single-author with peer review |
| Digital search | CRCnetBASE CD-ROM | PDF only | No official eBook |
| Illustrations | Equations & mini-figures in context | Few | Dozens of diagrams |
| Best for | Practicing & research engineers | Standards writers | Undergraduate students |
SEO-Friendly FAQ
What is Electrical Engineering Dictionary?
An encyclopedic reference edited by Phillip A. Laplante and vetted by ~200 expert contributors, offering clear definitions across all major EE subfields .
Does it include modern technologies?
The 2000 edition predates GaN transistors, IoT and smart-grid terms; users should supplement with recent vendor or IEEE publications.
How do I access the digital version?
The CD-ROM ships with CRCnetBASE software; institutions can subscribe for online updates via CRC Press .
Where can I buy it?
New hardcover and CD-ROM bundles list at CRC Press or Amazon; used copies often trade for US $60–80. Hardcover ISBN 0-8493-2170-0
