Introduction
Electrical and electronics engineers engage in different activities, which involve technologies of different types. Engineers in these fields usually design, develop, test, and assess manufacturing of different electrical and electronic machinery.
These machines may range from broadcasting, telecommunication, vehicles and their parts, light, radar, power systems, and navigation equipment among others.
In some cases, engineers may work in information technology (IT) departments and computer firms. Nevertheless, engineers in the field of computers and IT are known as computer engineers (Allan, 2004).
Electrical and electronics engineering is engineering branch, which focuses on the use of electricity on different forms. These may also include other areas like electronics.
Electronics engineering is the branch of electrical engineering, which deals with the uses of “the electromagnetic spectrum and with the application of such electronic devices as integrated circuits, transistors, and vacuum tubes” (Allan, 2004).
Electrical engineering normally applies to the branch of engineering, which focuses on the use of heavy electric current. This may include light, power, and other gadgets. On the other hand, electronics engineering relates to the branch engineering, which uses light electric current.
These may include apparatus like radio, radar, communication gadgets, computer systems, signals, and other control systems.
As technology progresses, differences between electrical and electronics engineering have declined. For instance, distinctions are difficult to draw in cases where conversion of electric power takes place.
In short, electrical engineers handle challenges related to electrical gadgets and electric power transmission while electronics engineers deal with electronic equipment (Weber and Frederik, 1994).
History of Electrical and electronics engineering
European thinkers developed their interests in electrical issues during the 17th century. Electrical and electronics engineering is a field, which took scientific and mathematical concepts. Emphasis has been on mathematical predication followed with laboratory research.
Pioneers in this field included Ohm, Ludwig, Volta, Hans, Faraday, and Joseph, who came from different European countries. James Maxwell applied mathematical principles to explain electromagnetic energy as radiation.
Later, Heinrich Hertz experimentally showed the existence of such waves, which later became known as radio waves (Weber and Frederik, 1994). This marked the emergence of electrical engineering as a scientific discipline.
In 1837, Samuel Morse invented the telegraph. This marked a turning point in the use of electrical knowledge. However, it took more than 40 years for people to realize the need for electrical engineers. This was the time (1876) when Graham Bell invented the telephone.
Later, in 1878, Thomas Edison introduced the incandescent lamp. The first electric generating company in New York resulted in the need for skilled people in the field of electrical engineering to perform tasks related to development of electricity. This was because of the Edison effect.
The Edison effect mainly analyzed the flow of electric current while in use. Subsequent studies concentrated on the flow of electricity in which scholars introduced the theory of electron in electrical charge.
Thomson of England experimented and demonstrated that Edison effect resulted from negatively charged elements, which he referred to as electrons. These studies later led to the development of radio engineering.
In the 1930, engineers introduced electronics as a general term that would cover both radio and the industrial use of electron tubes (Ryder and Donald, 1984).
After the invention of the transistor in 1947, the field of electronic engineering has developed to become a specialized field of designing and developing electronic devices like circuits, transistor, and others.
The Nature of Work
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and supervising the production processes of electrical devices (Trevelyan, 2005).
Devices, which engineers produce, differ because they come from different fields like vehicle, aircraft, motors, power generation stations, control systems, wiring, lighting, and others for electric purposes.
In some industries and academia, engineers or students may apply the terms electrical and electronics engineering in similar contexts. However, electrical engineers have concentrated on power generations and its supply.
On the other hand, electronics engineers’ major concerns have been on the use of electricity on electrical gadgets and automatic control systems. Electrical engineers focus on power systems, equipment, and their production.
The field of electronics engineering is wide. As a result, engineers in this field have many areas of specialization.
Apart from computer engineers, other electronics engineers can work on different technologies, which may include radio, music systems, GPS (tracking systems), and other electronic gadgets.
In this regard, electronics engineers invent, build, examine, and assess development processes of electronic devices. These devices may include communication and broadcasting equipment.
Other electronics engineers have ventured into fields closely associated with computer engineering. These are computer hardware engineers, who specialize on computer hardware.
There are also electronics engineers who may specialize in a given field, such as control, communication systems, and other areas of electronics” (Trevelyan, 2005).
Work Environment
Many electrical and electronic engineers have different working environments. These are offices, research centers, laboratories, and industrial plants. There are also offsite jobs. This implies that such engineers may travel within or outside the country for a job.
Research
Electrical and electronic engineers have several functions, which may include the following:
- General research in mathematics, sciences, and applied sciences as a way of gaining new ideas applicable in the broad field of electronics and electrical engineering.
- Applied research with reference to discoveries in basic areas with the aim of developing new concepts and principles of use.
- Invent and develop new gadgets, materials, and produce new tools to fit existing ones or meet the proposed standards.
- Engineers also design gadgets and electronic systems for production.
- Testing devices before use.
- Establishing the quality of electronic gadgets.
- Assessment of production details.
- Conducting post production tests, repair, and maintenance.
- Engaging in research and development, management, marketing and sales.
Consulting
The rapid development of technologies, gadgets, and markets in the electrical and electronics industries has forced engineers to seek for new ranges of skills and knowledge needed to control events in the engineering field.
Consequently, consulting engineers, who have specific knowledge and experiences in emerging areas, have emerged to analyze and recommend the way forward for a project.
Consulting engineers require highest levels of education in basic and applied sciences. In some cases, management engineers may require doctorate degrees in order to take such positions.
Engineers who design, develop, and assess product developments require master’s degree qualifications.
There are also additional requirements in high technology industries, which are the latest forms of electronics. These may include bachelor’s degree in other areas like sales and marketing for strategic objectives and competitive capabilities of the firm.
Employment fields
Since the end of the World War II, several specialized areas of electrical engineering have emerged. These specialized areas mainly relate to electronic computer engineering.
In addition, computer engineering has attracted several people from other areas, which are not within the electrical and electronics engineering. These are linguists, logicians, and experts in practical mathematics.
The field of electricity generation, power supply, and its application is also broad. Areas of expertise are mainly in designing, constructing power transmission lines, turbines, power transformers, electronic gadgets, lighting areas, and development of motors (Roberts, 2003).
The fields of communications have also contributed to increased demands for engineers in electrical fields. Communications include telephony, telegraphy, and satellite communication systems.
In addition, new modes have also emerged, such as voice data and video conferences, which require knowledge in Internet technologies, optical fibers and laser signals (Roberts, 2003).
In fact, most engineers have moved to communication technologies through computers connected via the Internet. Consequently, engineers and communication experts now collaborate in designing, developing, testing, and deploying new equipment in such projects.
Usages of electricity and electronics in other areas have increased as different technologies emerge. For instance, electronic gadgets now dominate most areas of research, homes, hospitals, and laboratories.
There are also theoretical specialists in circuit theory, information theory, radio wave propagation, and microwave theory (Hwei and Hsu, 1995).
Another area of importance is the development of materials, which engineers use to manufacture electric equipment. These materials are insulators, conductors, and magnetic products.
The most active field has been the development of “computer integrated circuits and other digital gadgets” (Trevelyan, 2005).
Productions of home appliances and electronic systems have dominated the field of engineering. In fact, now engineers are aiming at developing home appliances based on the smart technology.
Engineers can now develop video game players, stereo gadgets, radio systems, television sets, and other home appliances. In addition, the use of technology has allowed engineers to develop equipment for “vehicles, aircraft navigation, ships, and automobiles” (Trevelyan, 2005).
There are also aerospace electronic products, which include “navigation aid, automatic pilots, traffic radar, and landing, and collision avoidance” (Trevelyan, 2005). The marine department also depends on these systems for navigation.
Educational Requirements
Engineers in electrical and electronics require bachelor’s degree in fields of engineering such as electronic, electrical, and computer. However, some basic areas may need a graduate level degree for potential engineers.
In addition, electrical engineers who engage in public services also need a license to conduct their businesses. Still, it is advisable for any engineers to pursue higher education in order to keep pace with rapidly evolving innovations in the field of engineering.
Engineering jobs require different responsibilities with regard to product design, standards, production, and applications of such products into use. In addition, engineers must engage in constant research in order to develop new products and solutions for the modern consumer.
There are myriads of challenges in the field of electrical and electronics engineering. Engineers must identify problems, propose solutions, select viable options, materials, implementation processes, and test approaches.
Such decisions must account for product standards, safety during productions, and high performance during use, and production at low costs.
Some engineers may perform technical aspects of the job, as well as engage in managerial functions in an organization.
It is advisable for any potential engineer to get education qualifications for management duties because of various developments in technologies, engineering, and applied science.
Potential engineers should study Bachelor of Science in engineering and specialize in electrical and electronics engineering. This should be a starting point for aspiring engineers.
Such qualifications are also important in other fields, one may need to study other subjects related to laws, medicine, ethics, and problem solving approaches because modern practices require multifaceted approaches.
These skills are fundamental for leadership positions in engineering organizations, which require leaders to work with other experts and communities outside the engineering field.
Electrical and electronics engineering bachelor’s degree qualification is important for engineers who want to explore other related areas like aerospace engineering, computer engineering, and biomedical engineering.
The supply of competent engineers is critical for the sector (Halpin, Halpin and King, 2002).
Other Qualifications
Engineers also require other qualifications, which may not be within the course. Generally, engineers must be investigative, imaginative, probing, and must insist on details. Engineers must also have abilities to communicate with others effectively through both written and oral modes.
The importance of communication among engineers has increased because engineers constantly interact with people from other fields and cultural backgrounds.
Newest finding Inventions
New findings and inventions in electrical and electronics engineering are numerous. Therefore, this report only presents some of the fascinating inventions in the recent time.
Electronic Pills
Engineers have invented electronic pills to gather data inside the human body. The pills have “sensors or tiny cameras that collect information as they travel through the gastrointestinal tract before being excreted from the body a day or two later” (Inventor Strategies Group, 2013).
The pills can collect data related to acid contents, blood pressure, and temperature. They can also gather information on the intestine and esophagus. This method will replace previous approaches like the intrusive endoscopy, catheters, and radioisotopes. They can also measure movements of muscles.
Digital Pen
Now we have a digital pen. This invention will replace scanners. It relies on a wireless technology and a clip-on receiver that can record all written information digitally. The pen can also connect to the computer and upload the written material for viewing, editing, or filling.
The pen relies on “character recognition software and works by recording movement” (Inventor Strategies Group, 2013). It also has “a profile creation, a dictionary, and 15 language options” (Inventor Strategies Group, 2013).
Instant Prints
Now people can “print instantly from a digital camera” (Inventor Strategies Group, 2013). The printer is small, but it can produce “pictures in full colors (2″ x 3″) by relying on ‘inkless’ technology” (Inventor Strategies Group, 2013).
It uses heat-activated crystals to “develop pictures, which are water proof, tear proof, and smear proof” (Inventor Strategies Group, 2013). It can also connect to other electronic gadgets through the Bluetooth or USB cable.
Outlook for the Future
Some studies indicate that there are favorable job opportunities for electrical and electronics engineering graduates. Job opportunities have risen from the retiring engineers and new jobs, which have their roots from modern technologies.
As a result, the labor market for electrical and electronics engineers is quite stable. The supply meets the expected market demands.
Although the prediction shows that engineering graduate job markets will grow, the labor market in this field grows at a slow rate compared to other fields (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013).
The field of electrical and electronic engineering has intense competitions from both local engineers and others from different countries. The demands for electronics have increased at homes, plants, and other fields.
However, an increment in competition among engineers has resulted in competition for jobs. As a result, engineering firms may only consider highly specialized engineers or other engineers from foreign countries, who may perform similar jobs at low costs.
This has affected employment in the domestic markets. The service industry of electrical and electronics engineering has the highest growth rate because of the demand for specialized engineers in such areas.
These trends in the employment sectors show that it is critical for aspiring engineers to attain the highest levels of academic qualifications in different areas.
This is imperative because engineers who may fail to match knowledge requirements in the industry may lose their jobs, lose promotion opportunities, or fail to secure employment completely.
In the US, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment in electrical engineering field will increase by two percent between 2008 and 2018 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013).
Industry analysts have noted that the slow growth of employment of domestic graduates has taken place because some of the firms in the US hire low cost employees from foreign countries.
Electrical engineers may work in different organizations, which include private and public sectors. Other engineers may prefer to start their own businesses and become consultants in their areas of expertise.
Salary Information
The BLS estimated that the median yearly salary for electrical engineers “in May 2010 was $87,770 in which the 10th percentile in the job earned $54,030 and the 90th percentile earned $128,610” (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013).
The most lucrative field in electrical engineer “was the motion picture and video industry with a mean annual wage of $114,700” (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013).
Conclusion
Electrical and electronics engineering has grown significantly since the 17th century. The field now includes a wide range of technology in different fields.
Engineers in this field “design, develop, test, and assess the manufacturing processes of different electrical and electronic products” (Ferry and Bird, 2001).
Some of the fields for engineers include telecommunication sector, computer engineering, power generation and supply, aerospace, navigation devices, home appliances, automotive industries, and radar systems (Ferry and Bird, 2001).
In addition, there are also other related fields, but one must note that broad knowledge in the above areas can lead to other specialized areas.
Bachelors of Science degree in an electric and electronic field should be the minimum qualification for aspiring engineers. There are other areas, which require specialized knowledge. Moreover, new inventions require engineers to keep up with the pace in the industry.
Therefore, it is necessary for engineers to attain highest levels of qualifications in other fields related to engineering because they constantly interact with professionals from other fields.
Engineers can also become consultants in their areas of expertise. The labor market is growing, but there is intense competition from the global markets.
Questions
- How have engineering inventions affected sales and consumption of their products?
- How can engineering schools ensure a supply of competent engineers?
- What are ethical responsibilities of engineers?
- How can engineers ensure sustainable future?
References
Allan, R. (2004). Electrical Engineering. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Ferry, D., and Bird, J. (2001). Electronic Materials and Devices. Massachusetts: Academic Press.
Halpin, S., Halpin, F., and King, L. (2002). Impacting the future of power engineering: a focus at the pre-college level. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 12(3), 1035-1039.
Hwei, P., and Hsu, S. (1995). Outline of Theory and Problems of Signals and Systems. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
Inventor Strategies Group. (2013). New Electronic Inventions. Web.
Roberts, M. (2003). Signals and Systems. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
Ryder, J., and Donald, G. (1984). Engineers and Electrons. New York: IEEE Press.
Trevelyan, J. (2005). What Do Engineers Really Do? Australia: University of Western Australia.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2013). Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Web.
Weber, E., and Frederik, N. (1994). The Evolution of Electrical Engineering: A Personal Perspective. New York: IEEE Press.