Book excerpt: Surface Acoustic Wave Devices and Their Signal Processing Applications is a textbook that combines experiment and theory in assessing the signal processing applications of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. The operating principles of SAW devices are described from a circuit design viewpoint. This book is comprised of 18 chapters and begins with a historical background on surface acoustic waves and a discussion on the merits of SAW devices as well as their applications. The next chapter introduces the reader to the basics of acoustic waves and piezoelectricity, together with the effect of acoustic bulk waves on the performance of SAW filters. The principles of linear phase SAW filter design and equivalent circuit models for a SAW filter are then described. The remaining chapters focus on trade-offs in linear phase SAW filter design; compensation for second-order effects; harmonic SAW delay lines for gigahertz frequencies; and coding techniques using linear SAW transducers. The final chapter highlights Some other significant alternative design techniques and applications for SAW devices. This monograph will be suitable for engineering or physics students as well as engineers, scientists, and technical staff in industry who seek further information on SAW-based circuits, systems, and applications.