Definition and Scope of Electrical Engineering
– Electrical engineering deals with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems using electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
– It emerged as a profession in the late 19th century and encompasses various fields such as computer engineering, systems engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, and signal processing.
– Specializations include hardware engineering, power electronics, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, and renewable energies.
– Electrical engineers typically hold degrees in electrical or electronic engineering and may have professional certifications.
History of Electrical Engineering
– Electricity has been a subject of scientific interest since the early 17th century, with significant contributions from William Gilbert.
– Notable advancements in the 19th century were made by Hans Christian Ørsted, William Sturgeon, Joseph Henry, Georg Ohm, and Michael Faraday.
– The establishment of the electric telegraph network and professional electrical engineering institutions marked the professionalization of the field.
Practical Applications and Advances
– Advancements in land-lines, submarine cables, and wireless telegraphy revolutionized global communication by the end of the 19th century.
– Standardized units of measure were established at an international conference in Chicago in 1893.
– Electrical engineering transitioned from a subfield of physics to a distinct discipline, with departments and degree programs established at universities worldwide.
– Thomas Edison’s electric power network and Charles Parsons’ steam turbine improved power generation.
– Various inventors, including Nikola Tesla, contributed to the efficient transmission and utilization of electrical power.
Professional Organizations and Certifications
– Electrical engineers may hold certifications and be members of organizations like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), IEEE, and IET.
– These organizations provide standards, guidelines, and professional development opportunities.
– Professional certifications demonstrate expertise and competence in specific areas.
– Membership allows electrical engineers to network, access industry resources, and stay updated on advancements.
– Continuing education and adherence to ethical standards are important aspects of professional engineering practice.
Industries and Skills
– Electrical engineers work in various industries, such as telecommunications, power generation and distribution, electronics, renewable energy, and instrumentation.
– Required skills vary and can include circuit theory, project management, hardware design, and manufacturing.
– Tools and equipment used range from simple voltmeters to sophisticated software.
– Continuous learning and staying updated with emerging technologies are essential for remaining competitive in the job market. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_engineering
Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the latter half of the 19th century after the commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution, and use.
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| Occupation | |
|---|---|
| Names | Electrical engineer |
Activity sectors | Electronics, electrical circuits, electromagnetics, power engineering, electrical machines, telecommunication, control systems, signal processing, optics, photonics and electrical substations |
| Description | |
| Competencies | Technical knowledge, management skills, advanced mathematics, systems design, physics, abstract thinking, analytical thinking, philosophy of logic (see also Glossary of electrical and electronics engineering) |
Fields of employment | Technology, science, exploration, military, industry and society |
Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of different fields, including computer engineering, systems engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, photovoltaic cells, electronics, and optics and photonics. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics/control, and electrical materials science.
Electrical engineers typically hold a degree in electrical engineering or electronic engineering. Practising engineers may have professional certification and be members of a professional body or an international standards organization. These include the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET, formerly the IEE).
Electrical engineers work in a very wide range of industries and the skills required are likewise variable. These range from circuit theory to the management skills of a project manager. The tools and equipment that an individual engineer may need are similarly variable, ranging from a simple voltmeter to sophisticated design and manufacturing software.
