Electronics is distinct from electrical and electro-mechanical science and technology, which deals with the generation, distribution, switching, storage and conversion of electrical energy to and from other energy forms using wires, motors, generators, batteries, switches, relays, transformers, resistors and other passive components. This distinction started around 1906 with the invention by Lee De Forest of the triode, which made electrical amplification of weak radio signals and audio signals possible with a non-mechanical device. Until 1950 this field was called "radio technology" because its principal application was the design and theory of radio transmitters, receivers and vacuum tubes.
Today, most electronic devices use semiconductor components to perform electron control. The study of semiconductor devices and related technology is considered a branch of solid state physics, whereas the design and construction of electronic circuits to solve practical problems come under electronics engineering. This article focuses on engineering aspects of electronics.
Overview of Electronics
What is Electronics?:
Electronics is the branch of
physics that deals with the emission and effects of electrons and the
operation of electronic devices.
What is Direct Current?:
Direct current
electronics involves working with electrical systems where the flow of
electrical current is constant through a conducting medium, generally a
wire. Current and voltage in a direct-current circuit are conserved
according to Kirchhoff's Current & Voltage Laws.
What is Alternating Current?:
Alternating
current electronics involves working with electrical systems where the
flow of electrical current varies cyclically in magnitude and direction.
The form of electricity transmitted to business and residences is
alternating current. Audio and radio waves transmitted through wires
are in alternating current, as well.
Major Innovations:
For
years, electricity was used as part of parlor tricks, creating
impressive showers of sparks. Benjamin Franklin is known as perhaps one
of the earliest experimenters in electricity, whose invention of the
lightning rod was one of the first practical applications. Throughout
the 1800's the practical and theoretical concepts of electrical
circuitry were developed.
What are Electromagnetic Waves?:
Michael
Faraday developed the concept of invisible waves of electromagnetic
force, though he lacked the mathematical sophistication to fully
quantify these concepts. That was left to James Clerk Maxwell, in the
famous Maxwell's equations, which predict the effects of stationary and moving electrons as a set of time-varying wave functions. These waves include electromagnetic radiation.
Preparing for a Career in Electronics:
Most
colleges have courses in electronics, as well as electromagnetics,
which someone going into electronics will need. A knowledge of
mathematics, especially wave functions, is necessary. Depending on the
school, you may be considered an Engineering student instead of a
physics student, but there will be a fair amount of overlap. This is
one of the more practical fields of physics, so you will likely focus
more on applications than theory.
Electronics - important topics
Electronics - book reviews
- Electric Universe: The Shocking True Story of Electricity
Electronic Within thermal imaging industry
The use of Thermal Imaging in Electronic Equipment Applications
Thermal Imaging has become well established as an invaluable tool for diagnostic
and preventive maintenance in manufacturing and process industries worldwide;
the technology enables the appropriate maintenance to be carried out before
complete breakdown occurs and consequently reduces equipment downtime and
minimizes the associated impact on profits. Just as with these (normally electrical
and mechanical) applications, the simple use and low cost of the current generation
of thermal imagers make them the ideal tool for a host of other applications, and in
particular for the Electronic Equipment Industry. Infrared thermal imaging cameras
have been used for many years in this sector and have proved to be invaluable in
the diagnostic (R&D) and Quality Assurance (production) fields. Thermal imaging is
often able to pinpoint problems or identify incorrect or unsuitable components when
classical diagnostic approaches are unable to do so. The cost of the equipment
however, has meant that the technology has only been available to a limited
number of specialists. Thermal imaging is now available at an affordable price,
which means that handheld cameras can now be available to more in the
engineering field.
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