Information Theory, Inference, and Learning Algorithms , David MackayBook excerpts:
This textbook introduces theory in tandem with applications. Information theory is taught alongside practical communication systems, such as arithmetic coding for data compression and sparse-graph codes for error-correction. A toolbox of inference techniques, including message-passing algorithms, Monte Carlo methods, and variational approximations, are developed alongside applications of these tools to clustering, convolutional codes, independent component analysis, and neural networks.
The final part of the book describes the state of the art in error-correcting codes, including low-density parity-check codes, turbo codes, and digital fountain codes -- the twenty-first century standards for satellite communications, disk drives, and data broadcast.
Review:
Amazon.com
"An utterly original book that shows the connections between such disparate fields as information theory and coding, inference, and statistical physics."
Dave Forney, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"An excellent textbook in the areas of infomation theory, Bayesian inference and learning alorithms. Undergraduate and post-graduate students will find it extremely useful for gaining insight into these topics."
REDNOVA
Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air, David Mackay
A popular book by David J.C. MacKay
Book excerpts:
This part of the book offers some straight answers about carbon: if we carry on burning fossil fuels for another 50 years, and then think about trying to switch to low-carbon technologies, will things be OK? who are the big carbon emitters who are responsible for the change in atmospheric CO2 concentrations? what sort of legislation is needed to bring about a switch to a truly low-carbon society? what does the price of carbon need to be, to bring about this switch? and if we don’t switch now, what is the energy cost of cleaning up CO2 pollution later?
Numerical Recipes in C Book Description
The product of a unique collaboration among four leading scientists in academic research and industry, Numerical Recipes is a complete text and reference book on scientific computing. In a self-contained manner it proceeds from mathematical and theoretical considerations to actual practical computer routines. With over 100 new routines bringing the total to well over 300, plus upgraded versions of the original routines, the new edition remains the most practical, comprehensive handbook of scientific computing available today.
Review:
Amazon.com
"...an instant `classic,' a book that should be purchased and read by anyone who uses numerical methods..." American Journal of Physics.
Fundamentals of Wireless Communication, David Tse and Pramod ViswanathBook Description
The past decade has seen many advances in physical-layer wireless communication theory and their implementation in wireless systems. This textbook takes a unified view of the fundamentals of wireless communication and explains the web of concepts underpinning these advances at a level accessible to an audience with a basic background in probability and digital communication. Topics covered include MIMO (multiple input multiple output) communication, space-time coding, opportunistic communication, OFDM and CDMA. The concepts are illustrated using many examples from wireless systems such as GSM, IS-95 (CDMA), IS-856(1xEV-DO), Flash OFDM and ArrayComm SDMA systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the interplay between concepts and their implementation in systems. An abundant supply of exercises and figures reinforce the material in the text. This book is intended for use on graduate courses in electrical and computer engineering and will also be of great interest to practicing engineers.
Review :
"Fundamentals of Wireless Communication is a terrific introduction to principles of physical-layer design for state-of-the-art wireless systems. It is a wonderful and much-needed resource for new graduate students and practicing professionals alike. Tse and Viswanath have written a text of enduring value."
Professor Gregory W. Wornell, MIT
Review :
"Fundamentals of Wireless Communication is a terrific introduction to principles of physical-layer design for state-of-the-art wireless systems. It is a wonderful and much-needed resource for new graduate students and practicing professionals alike. Tse and Viswanath have written a text of enduring value."
Professor Gregory W. Wornell, MIT
