I suddenly found myself intrigued by the concept of automating different processes. While conducting a preliminary search for relevant literature, I encountered numerous commendations for the book "Electronics step by step" by Svoren R.A., prompting me to add it to my reading list. However, it seems that this book predominantly focuses on analog electronics, whereas my interests lean towards digital electronics.



So here's what I need from you (pardon my directness):
1) Assist me in categorizing areas of knowledge more precisely to address the issues listed below.
2) Provide recommendations for authoritative and current books (video tutorials and/or lectures are also welcome).

List of inquiries and tasks:
1) Various sensors (temperature of different substances, pressure, humidity, light intensity, Ph...)
2) Displays (monochrome is sufficient)
3) Autonomous decision-making based on sensor data
4) Automated control of the 220V electrical circuit (on, off, power..)
5) Types of microcontrollers and their programming
6) How to select a microcontroller for specific purposes?
7) Where should I begin with practical implementation? Perhaps experimenting with Arduino?

In addition to the above, any insights or personal experiences you can share in the field of automation and digital electronics would be greatly appreciated.

1) Various sensors: For temperature, pressure, humidity, light intensity, and Ph level measurements, you will need knowledge of sensor interfacing, signal conditioning, and data acquisition. This falls under the domain of sensor technology and analog electronics.

2) Displays: Monochrome displays also require understanding of display technologies, interfacing, and control mechanisms, which are part of digital electronics.

3) Autonomous decision-making based on sensor data: This involves microcontroller programming, data processing algorithms, and decision-making logic, which are part of embedded systems and digital electronics.

4) Automated control of the 220V electrical circuit: This requires knowledge of power electronics, relay interfacing, switching devices, and control systems.

5) Types of microcontrollers and their programming: Understanding different microcontroller architectures, peripherals, and programming languages is essential. This falls under microcontroller technology and embedded systems.

6) How to select a microcontroller for specific purposes? Consider the required I/O interfaces, processing power, memory, and development ecosystem to match the application requirements.

7) Where should you begin with practical implementation? Experimenting with Arduino is a great start, as it provides a user-friendly platform for learning digital electronics, sensor interfacing, and microcontroller programming.

For authoritative and current books, "Digital Design" by M. Morris Mano and Michael D. Ciletti is a classic for digital electronics. For microcontrollers, "The AVR Microcontroller and Embedded Systems" by Muhammad Ali Mazidi, Sarmad Naimi, and Sepehr Naimi is highly recommended. Online resources such as video tutorials on platforms like Udemy and Coursera, as well as lectures from websites like MIT OpenCourseWare, can also be valuable.
In the field of automation and digital electronics, personal experiences have taught me the importance of thorough testing and validation of automated systems, as well as the continuous adaptation to the evolving landscape of technology and standards. Sharing insights and experiences with peers in the field can also provide invaluable perspectives and solutions to complex challenges.

I believe it's essential to start by understanding the basics - resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors (both bipolar and field-effect). It's crucial to grasp the theory behind them, including Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's law, and to comprehend the volt-ampere characteristic and the concept of a working point. This foundational knowledge may seem straightforward, but it forms the backbone of more complex systems. Moving on, it's important to delve into the world of numbers - discrete logic, triggers, encoders/decoders, multiplexers/demultiplexers, adders.
While there's no need to physically assemble these components, having a theoretical understanding is vital. Understanding these concepts will provide insights into how your CPU operates, why a relay cannot be directly connected to a controller leg, why an LED requires a resistor, and more. Mastering these fundamental principles liberates you from the task of memorizing countless specific cases.

The journey you're embarking on is similar to one I've gone through. It's important not to heed discouraging voices. If you follow this path, you may find yourself mired in theoretical study for a year just to connect three sensors to your controller, and the likelihood is high that you'll become disheartened by the sheer volume of theory and give up. My advice is to delve into the theory only when necessary, and not just for the sake of it.

My recommendation is to bypass the Arduino and opt for the ESP8266 from the outset; it resembles an Arduino, but offers the option to add Wi-Fi and has more memory. Next, select a sensor and observe how others have connected it. It's highly probable that you'll discover the necessary information and be able to replicate the process. With time, practical experience will accumulate, and things will become clearer. And if you wish, you can concurrently engage in theoretical study.