Semiconductors have been used widely in signal-level or "brain" applications. Since their invention in 1948, transistors have revolutionized the electronics industry in computers, information processing, and communications. Now, however, semiconductors are being used more and more where consid­ erable "brawn" is required. Devices such as high-power bipolar junction tran­ sistors and power field-effect transistors, as well as SCRs, TRlACs, GTOs, and other semiconductor switching devices that use a p-n-p-n regenerative effect to achieve bistable action, are expanding the power-handling horizons of semicon­ ductors and finding increasing application in a wide range of products including regulated power supplies, lamp dimmers, motor drives, pulse modulators, and heat controls. HVDC and electric-vehicle propulsion are two additional areas of application which may have a very significant long range impact on the tech­ nology. The impact of solid-state devices capable of handling appreciable power levels has yet to be fully realized. Since it first became available in late 1957, the SCR or silicon-controlled rec­ tifier (also called the reverse blocking triode thyristor) has become the most popular member of the thyristor family. At present, SCRs are available from a large number of manufacturers in this country and abroad. SCR ratings range from less than one ampere to over three thousand amperes with voltage ratings in excess of three thousand volts.

Product Description: The time to visit Havana is now! In 2014, the United States began re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba. For the first time in decades, every U.S. citizen can now visit Havana, the most beautiful and beguiling of Caribbean cities...read more

A popular series of guidebooks for the modern-day traveler offering information on cities and countries around the world continues, presenting up-to-date backgrounds and descriptions, detailed maps, hundreds of photographs, and much more, including walking and driving tours, visitor information directories, and cultural sidebars.

Product Description: "DK Eyewitness Back Roads California" driving holiday guide will take you via scenic routes to discover charming villages, local restaurants and intimate places to stay. Unearth the real soul of this magical region with all the practical information you could need, from road conditions and length of drive to parking information and opening hours...read more

Product Description: Moon's award-winning guide to Cuba provides you with the essential details needed to discover all the can't miss sights, attractions, and restaurants in Cuba — for all budgets. Plus, Moon Cuba highlights the best lesser-known and local hotspots...read more

A guide to both a country and a culture offers essays, sports information, lists of accommodations, restaurants, and shopping tips.

Product Description: This unique homage to Cuba's astonishing wealth of antique cars is also a paean to the extraordinary people who keep their weary cacharros running with resourcefulness, ingenuity and great good humor. Full color.

Product Description: From a night at the high-octane Tropicana Nightclub to a visit to Fidel Castro's birthplace at Finca Manacas, travelers looking for more than the standard itinerary will find many unique options in this updated guide. Author Christopher P...read more

Product Description: This travel guide to Jamaica contains: cultural and historical information; health and safety advice; information on local cuisine; advice on customs and etiquette; and key words, phrases and basic grammar of local languages. (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Profiles important figures from the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, a period of transition between the old world and the modern world.

The author offers an entertaining, evocative account of his motorcycling odyssey through Cuba, detailing his three-month, seven-thousand-mile journey, discussing Cuba's troubled history and politics, and offering distinctive profiles of the colorful people he encountered along the way. Reprint.

A guide to the islands explores the region's cuisine, history, off-the-beaten-track attractions, beaches, plantations, fishing, accommodations, and local culture (view table of contents)

(view table of contents)

Product Description: Today's on-the-move, independent travelers like the way these guides quickly capture the essence of a city, a country, or a region. Each guide features: Easy-to-read, two-page spreads A-Z information on places of interest Over 200 full-color photographs; full-color maps Walks, strolls, and car and bike tours Information on shopping, eating out, and night life Children's activities, budget tips Recommended attractions and hotels "Getting Away from it All"--off-the- beaten-track pleasures...read more

A narrow bridge separating the Caribbean fro m the Pacific, Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, dense fore sts and diverse wildlife. This is a guide to the nation''s pe ople, history, natural beauty, its cities, parks and other a reas of interest. '

Describes points of interest in each region of the country, recommends hotels and restaurants, and offers tips on ports of entry

Offers descriptions and travel tips to such natural environments as the Himalayan Mountains, Ngoronongoro Crater, and Tasmanian wilderness, and provides information on conservation and ecological issues.

Discusses the history and culture of Jamaica, and provides information on historic sites, tourist attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment