5.0 out of 5 stars An essential (and arguably groundbreaking) book for the niche career of hardware reverse engineering.

H.E. · January 24, 2018

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } First off, I'd like to point out that this is perhaps the first book I have ever seen that has a very well documented process (In this case using MS Visio) in the niche field hardware reverse engineering. I can see why this can be a deal breaker to some people, but can we just appreciate the fact that there is now a relatively inexpensive resource that goes over PCB RE?PCB reverse engineering of course is a smaller subset of Hardware RE, but a very critical component in the process of reverse engineering hardware overall. With the applications and intentions to resurrect legacy designs, or exploit them for security research. Coming from a design background definitely helped me in my first year of hardware reverse engineering, but that only gets you so far. The actual formal processes used to conduct a task like PCB reverse engineering exist, but most are proprietary/trade-secrets or hidden deep within academic literature that is out of reach of most people (Expensive textbooks, academic paper database subscriptions, behind paywalls, etc). It also doesn't help that even the resources that are "easy" to search for freely are fragmented, lacks depth, and sometimes out of date. Experts like Joe Grand, Joe Fitzpatrick, Dmitry Nedospasov, Colin O'Flynn, Samy Kamkar, The exploitee.rs, Xipter, etc are the names of a few individuals/groups who have presented at security conferences and taught workshops. They are the reliable few that you can get the most insight from and up to date resources (papers and talks on YouTube) available for free online.This is where Mr. Tiong's book sets the precedent, by publishing the thorough process (and art) of printed circuit board reverse engineering. Yes! I dare to say it, Mr. Tiong is the first engineer to do this, I can only hope that this will inspire other hardware reverse engineers to publish their methodology and processes. I also purchased his newest book: PCB-RE: Tools & Techniques PCB-RE: Tools & Techniques, which is the sequel to this book and also very essential!

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and systematic reference, to my knowledge - first of its kind.

V. · April 1, 2020

I've started doing component level repair of electronics with (and without) schematics more then 40 years ago, which activity often involves reverse-engineering of printed circuit boards. Although over the years my technical interests have shifted into particle beam instrumentation, electron microscopy, and focused ion beam technology fields, till this day - and more often then not - PCB repairs have returned multiple multi-million-dollar accelerators, FIB, and SEM instruments back to operation, delivering great satisfaction and some profit. Many of the methods described by Keng Tiong in great details are similar to the approaches I've developed, but some of the techniques are different, and as effective and useful as efficient and practical. Systematic approach and collection of useful information presented in his books are not only invaluable for a novice approaching PCB-level reverse engineering, but also very interesting reading and hands-on reference for professionals. Focus on reverse engineering instead of original design provides unique perspective into workings of electronics, and in my opinion books by Keng Tiong (I've got all three of them) are must-read for anybody trying to develop good understanding of electronics - together with writings by Paul Horowitz and Windfield HIll, Phil Hobbs, Jim Williams, Bob Piece, Howard Johnson and Marting Graham, Sam Godwasser, and other world's top electronics experts.

5.0 out of 5 stars Most useful book on the subject ever!

K. · August 2, 2016

Just received my copy of this book from Bolo. Amazing! - this is going to be one of the most useful electronics books I have ever bought.Visio has always been one of my favourite tools, and I would consider myself quite an expert, but this is teaching me some wonderful new tricks! Looking forward to putting some of this into practice [ I always was a masochist :-) ].

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive

S.G. · August 5, 2021

Love this book. Packed with a lot of useful information ! Props to the author :)

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

M.F. · November 19, 2016

Helpful for my college degree

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

n.p.k. · July 15, 2016

Very helpful..Thanks alot!

Brilliant Book “You can learn new things”!

B. · May 28, 2020

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } This book is really informative, the Author really does explain things in detail. I am 1/2 way through getting to grips with the Visio software. I’m looking forward to completing and purchasing the next book in the series.

Must have it!

J. · May 15, 2020

Really great book to learn about PCB RE.

Excellent

D.J.G. · May 18, 2016

Excellent