Electrical Engineering Basics from Wiki Essay Example

fields. To address this need, an international conference was held in Chicago in 1893 where ohm, volt, ampere, coulomb, and watt were established as international units of measurement. These standards played a crucial role not only within the field of electricity but also across industries since they served as a foundation for future advancements.Many countries recognized them through relevant legislation.

Initially considered a subfield of physics, the study of electricity eventually gained prominence with universities offering degrees specifically focused on electrical engineering during this period. The Dramatic University of Technology was the first to establish a chair and faculty specifically for electrical engineering in 1882.In the same year, Professor Charles Cross introduced the first electrical engineering option in the physics department at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Similarly, both Dramatic University of Technology and Cornell University offered their initial electrical engineering courses in 1883. University College London established the UK's first electrical engineering chair in 1885, while the United States saw its inaugural electrical engineering department at the University of Missouri in 1886. Throughout this period, there was significant growth in the field of electrical engineering.

In terms of technological advancements, Thomas Edison successfully implemented a large-scale electrical supply network in 1882. This network provided 110 volts direct current to fifteen customers in lower Manhattan. Two years later, Sir Charles Parsons' invention of the steam turbine greatly contributed to Edison's power generation methods.

However, despite Edison's achievements, Nikolas Tests introduced patents for an alternative power distribution method called alternating current (AC) in 1887. This sparked a famous rivalry known as the "War of Currents" between Tests and Edison. Eventually, AC replaced DC as the preferred power distribution method

due to its wider reach and improved safety and efficiency.

The contributions made by both Tests and Edison significantly advanced the field of electrical engineering.Tests' contributions to electrical engineering were influential in the field of induction motors and polyphony systems. Additionally, Edison's developments in telegraphy and the stock ticker proved profitable for his company, later known as General Electric. As the 19th century neared its end, other notable figures emerged in electrical engineering. Tests played a key role in pioneering longitudinal electrical transmission networks, while various scientists and inventors greatly influenced radio technology and electronics.

In 1888, Heimlich Hertz conducted groundbreaking UHF experiments using a spark-gap transmitter to transmit and detect radio waves using electrical equipment. In 1895, Nikolas Tests successfully detected signals from his laboratory at West Point over a distance of 80 kilometers (49.95 miles). Braun introduced the cathode ray tube as part of an oscilloscope in 1897, which became crucial for electronic television.

John Fleming invented the diode - the first radio tube - in 1904. Shortly after that, both Robert von Liable and Lee De Forest independently developed the triode amplifier tube or triode.In wireless methods advancement, Marion achieved significant progress by transmitting wireless signals over a distance of one and a half miles in 1895. Impressive feat was accomplished by Marion in December 1901 where he sent wireless waves unaffected by Earth's curvature.Furthermore, in 1901, Marion successfully transmitted wireless signals across the Atlantic from Uphold, Cornwall to SST. John's, Newfoundland, covering a distance of 2,100 miles (3,400 km). Another significant development took place in 1920 when Albert Hull invented the magnetron, which later led to the creation of microwaves by Percy Spencer in

1946. Under Dir Whimpers' leadership in 1934, the British military made advancements in radar technology and utilized the magnetron. As a result of this progress, Bawds' first radar station began operating in August 1936. In 1941 Conrad Use introduced Z as the world's first fully functional computer. Shortly after that milestone, John Presser Cocker and John Macaulay followed suit, marking the start of the computing era. The improved performance of these machines allowed engineers to develop new technologies and achieve extraordinary goals like landing people on Moon through programs like Apollo. The invention of transistors by William B. Shockley, John Bearded and Walter Britain revolutionized technology in 1947 and paved the way for smaller devices. Additionally, Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce independently created integrated circuits in 1958 and 1959 respectively. Following this breakthroughs,Ted Hoff and his team at Intel developed their first commercial microprocessor in 1968 which laid the foundation for today's personal computers.The Intel 4004 processor was released in 1971 followed by Intel8080in1973The Altair 8800, which was an 8-bit processor, enabled the creation of the first personal computer. In terms of education and training in electrical engineering, individuals typically obtain academic degrees that focus on electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electrical and electronic engineering (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_engineering). While all programs in this field cover fundamental principles, they may have different areas of emphasis. It usually takes four to five years to complete these degrees and they come with various designations such as Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Technology or Bachelor of Applied Science depending on the university. The curriculum generally includes courses in physics, mathematics, computer science project management along with other

subjects related to electrical engineering that cover most sub-disciplines initially. Towards the end of their degree program, students can choose to specialize in one or more sub-disciplines. Some institutions include electronic engineering within an electrical award under a designation like Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), while others separate it from electrical engineering due to its broad and complex nature.Some electrical engineers may choose to pursue further education, such as a Master of Engineering/Master of Science (M. Eng./M. Sc.), a Master of Engineering Management, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering, or an Engineering Doctorate (Eng.D.), or an Engineer's degree. The Master's and Engineer's degrees can involve research, coursework, or a combination of both. However, the Doctor of Philosophy and Engineering Doctorate degrees have a significant research component and are often considered higher-level degrees in many countries.

In contrast, the Master of Engineering degree is often seen as an undergraduate degree that takes slightly longer than the Bachelor of Engineering degree. In most countries, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in engineering is the first step towards gaining professional certification from a recognized professional organization. This certification requires engineers to fulfill various requirements, including work experience.

Once engineers are certified, they can receive titles such as Professional Engineer (in the United States, Canada, and South Africa), Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer (in India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom Ireland and Zanzibar), Chartered Professional Engineer (in Australia and New Zealand), or European Engineer (in many European Union countries). The benefits of certification vary depending on the location.In the United States and Canada, legislation such as Cubeb's Engineers Act supports the requirement for licensed engineers to authorize engineering work. This differs from

other countries that do not have similar laws. Certifying bodies have their own code of ethics that members must follow; failure to comply can lead to expulsion from the organization. These bodies play a vital role in upholding ethical standards within the profession [26]. Even in jurisdictions where certification holds limited legal importance, engineers are still obligated by contract law. If an engineer's work fails and negligence is proven, they may be held accountable and potentially face criminal charges. Compliance with building codes and environmental legislation is also obligatory [26].

Prominent professional organizations for electrical engineers include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (TIE) [26]. The IEEE is responsible for 30% of global literature in electrical engineering, boasting over 360,000 members and hosting more than 3,000 conferences annually [27]. TIE, Europe's largest professional engineering society, has a worldwide membership exceeding 150,000 individuals and publishes 21 journals [28][29].

The obsolescence of technical skills is a concern among electrical engineers. To maintain proficiency in the field, it is essential to be a member of technical societies and actively participate in them.Regularly reading field-specific periodicals and continuous learning are essential [29]. In Australia, Canada, and the United States, electrical engineers comprise approximately 0.25% of the labor force (see note). Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea have the highest number of engineering graduates per capita, which likely includes electrical engineering graduates as well [31]. Electrical engineers have made significant contributions to technological advancements such as the Global Positioning System and electric power generation. Their responsibilities include designing, developing, testing,and supervising electrical systems and electronic devices like telecommunication system design, electric power station operation,

building lighting and wiring, household appliance design or electrical control of industrial machinery [32]. Physics and mathematics play a vital role in understanding system functionality [32]. Nowadays, computers are widely used in engineering for tasks like designing electrical systems using computer-aided design programs. However, the ability to sketch ideas remains valuable for effective communication. Electrical engineers typically possess a basic understanding of circuit theory and its interaction with components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors,and inductors.The specific theories applied by engineers can vary depending on their projects.Electrical engineers have diverse workplaces and tasks. Some focus on quantum mechanics, solid state physics, or designing integrated circuits (VEILS) and macroscopic electrical systems. In cases where off-the-shelf components are used for telecommunication system designs, circuit theory may not be relevant. Proficiency in numerical analysis, computer literacy, and comprehension of technical language related to electrical engineering are important skills. Engineers also engage in discussions with clients about proposals and contribute to budgeting and project scheduling efforts. Senior engineers who supervise teams of technicians or other engineers need strong written communication skills and project documentation abilities. Work environments can vary from fabrication labs to consulting firm offices or mining sites where they may oversee scientists, electricians, computer programmers, and other engineers.

The field of electrical engineering includes sub-disciplines such as electronic engineering and computer engineering. Power engineering specifically deals with the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity by designing devices like transformers, electric generators, electric motors, and power electronics. Governments maintain a power grid that connects generators with energy users.Power engineers are responsible for the design and maintenance of the grid and its associated systems. The power systems can be categorized

into two types: on-grid and off-grid. On-grid systems have the ability to supply additional power to or draw power from the grid, while off-grid systems do not connect to the grid and are sometimes preferred over on-grid systems.

In the future, satellite-controlled power systems with real-time feedback will be used to prevent power surges and blackouts.

Control engineering focuses on modeling dynamic systems and designing controllers to achieve desired behavior. Electrical engineers use electrical circuits, digital signal processors (DSPs), microelectronics, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in their projects to implement controllers.

This field is widely employed in industries such as aviation, automotive, and industrial automation. Control system design often involves feedback mechanisms determined using control theory.

Electronic engineering is focused on designing and testing electronic circuits that utilize components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors to achieve specific functionality. For instance, tuned circuits enable users to filter out all but one radio station.

Additionally, there is a photo illustrating a pneumatic signal conditioner.The field previously known as radio engineering, which later became electronic engineering, expanded after World War II to include consumer devices like modern television and audio systems. Control systems are crucial for space flight. Before the development of integrated circuits in 1959, electronic circuits relied on discrete components that had to be manually manipulated. Although discrete circuits are still used in certain applications today, they require more space and power and offer limited speed. Integrated circuits revolutionized the electronic industry by condensing millions of tiny electrical components onto a small coin-sized chip. This advancement enabled the creation of powerful computers and other electronic devices that are relied upon today. Microelectronics engineering focuses on designing and microfabricating extremely

small electronic circuit components, which can be used within integrated circuits or independently as general electronic parts. While semiconductor transistors are the most common microelectronic components, other essential elements like resistors, capacitors, and inductors can also be miniaturized at a microscopic level. The ongoing progress in microelectronics involves further downsizing devices to nanometer scales.The fabrication process uses semiconductor wafers like silicon (or compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide and indium phosphate for higher frequencies) to control electronic charge transport and current. Microelectronics, a field that combines chemistry and material science, requires understanding of how quantum mechanics affects these processes. Signal processing is necessary for analyzing and manipulating signals, whether they are analog with continuous variations or digital with discrete values. Amplifying and filtering audio signals for audio equipment, as well as modulating and demodulating signals for telecommunications, are examples of processing analog signals. On the other hand, digital signal processing involves compressing, error detection, and error correction in digitally sampled signals. This mathematically focused area is at the core of digital signal processing and is rapidly expanding into various electrical engineering fields such as communications, control systems, radar technology, TV/audio/video engineering, power electronics, and bio-medical engineering. Digital systems are increasingly replacing existing analog systems in these areas.Despite the popularity of digital signal processing, analog signal processing remains essential for designing various control systems. ADS processors CICS can be found in a wide range of electronic devices, including SDTV and HDTV sets, radios, mobile communication devices, Hi-Fi audio equipment, Dolly Jose reduction algorithms, GSM mobile phones, MPH multimedia players, camcorders, digital cameras, automobile control systems, noise cancelling headphones, and digital spectrum analyzers. They are also crucial

components in intelligent missile guidance systems and radar systems for GAPS based cruise control systems. Moreover, they play a vital role in image processing systems, video processing systems , audio processing systems , and speech processing systems. Signal processing is necessary to obtain reds blue and green values for each pixel on a CDC with a Brayer filter. Telecommunications engineering focuses on transmitting information through different channels like coax cable,optical fiber or free space. Encoding information in a carrier wave at an appropriate frequency using methods such as amplitude modulation and frequency modulation is used when transmitting information through free space. Engineers need to carefully consider the selection of modulation type as it has an impact on system cost and performance.
Telecommunication engineers design necessary transmitters and components for satellite receivers based on determined transmission characteristics in a specific system. This combination results in the creation of a device called a transceiver, which enables two-way communication. During the design process, the power consumption of transmitters directly affects their signal strength, potentially leading to corruption by noise if the signal is weak. Instrumentation engineering extends beyond electromagnetic theory and involves designing devices that measure physical quantities like pressure, flow, and temperature. Flight instruments are an example of instrumentation engineering as they measure variables such as wind speed and altitude to aid pilots in controlling aircraft accurately. Thermocouples utilize the Peltier-Speck effect to measure temperature differences between two points. In larger electrical systems, instrumentation is often used as sensors. For instance, a thermocouple can ensure consistent furnace temperature. Instrumentation engineering complements control engineering by providing analytical tools for managing systems. Computer engineering focuses on computer and computer system

design.