On Friday, November 1, the Faculty of Engineering and guests gathered to celebrate an enduring legacy in engineering education: the pioneering textbook Microelectronic Circuits, co-authored by professors Adel Sedra and K.C. Smith. This iconic book has shaped the academic journey of countless students worldwide. The event, held on the 5th floor of Engineering Building 7, featured Adel Sedra, a former Dean of Waterloo Engineering, as the guest of honor for the unveiling of a custom-designed bookcase dedicated to this important work.
First published in 1982 while both authors were teaching at the University of Toronto, Microelectronic Circuits has become a foundational text in engineering education, with more than one million copies sold in ten languages and eight editions. It is estimated that over 75 per cent of engineering students worldwide who have studied microelectronic circuits have relied on this book, often regarded as the gold standard for its depth and practical design-oriented approach to electronic circuits.
Distinguished Professor Emeritus Adel Sedra
Adel Sedra signs copies of Microelectronic Circuits
Dean Mary Wells opened the ceremony by recognizing the extraordinary impact of Microelectronic Circuits, quoting: “Over its many editions, it has been praised for its clarity, relevance, and ability to engage students in one of the most rapidly advancing fields of engineering.” The Dean shared messages of support from University of Waterloo President Vivek Goel and former President and Governor General of Canada David Johnston, who played an instrumental role in bringing Dr. Sedra to Waterloo.
University of Waterloo Vice-President, Academic, and Provost James Rush followed, highlighting Dr. Sedra’s academic leadership and the textbook’s profound influence. He reflected on the how Microelectronic Circuits aligns with Dr. Sedra’s experience as an educator, stating, “The structure of the book is aligned with what you would expect from a great teacher.”
Additional comments were shared by Tony Chan Carusone, a professor of electronics at the University of Toronto, and Vincent Gaudet, a professor in Waterloo’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who have been collaborating with Dr. Sedra on the book's latest edition. Together, they emphasized the book's importance for Canadian engineering, noting that it “put us on the map.”
Dr. Sedra took the podium to reflect on his long and productive partnership with K.C. Smith, who was his co-author and former graduate supervisor. He warmly acknowledged K.C. Smith’s wife, Laura, for her presence at the event and her support of the writing process. Reflecting on the textbook’s impact, he said, “This book is a very important part of my life and my most important career contribution.” He also shared the personal fulfillment he found in writing each edition, which enriched his own understanding of the material, encapsulated in his advice: “If you want to learn something, write about it!”
Adel Sedra with bookcase display
Adel Sedra with Dean Mary Wells
The unveiling of the bookcase was a special moment, with Dr. Sedra’s granddaughters revealing a display that features each edition of Microelectronic Circuits, as well as photos and insights into its development and influence. The design and installation of the display were coordinated by Karen Dubois, Manager of Facilities and Space for the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Emeritus Ronald D. Venter from the University of Toronto's Mechanical Engineering Department, working in collaboration with Brian Shuh, Mac Kropf and Rachel Fleming, from the Engineering Machine Shop team.
The celebration concluded with a unique tribute: Dr. Sedra cut a cake designed to resemble a stack of Microelectronic Circuits editions. His granddaughters then led the audience in singing "Happy Birthday" to him, a fitting and heartfelt tribute to his extraordinary contributions as a visionary leader and trailblazer in engineering education.
Learn more about Adel Sedra.