Electronics Definition and 643 Threads

Electronics comprises the physics, engineering, technology and applications that deal with the emission, flow and control of electrons in vacuum and matter. It uses active devices to control electron flow by amplification and rectification, which distinguishes it from classical electrical engineering which uses passive effects such as resistance, capacitance and inductance to control current flow.
Electronics has had a major effect on the development of modern society.
The identification of the electron in 1897, along with the subsequent invention of the vacuum tube which could amplify and rectify small electrical signals, inaugurated the field of electronics and the electron age. 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.
The term "solid-state electronics" emerged after the first working transistor was invented by William Shockley, Walter Houser Brattain and John Bardeen at Bell Labs in 1947. The MOSFET (MOS transistor) was later invented by Mohamed Atalla and Dawon Kahng at Bell Labs in 1959. The MOSFET was the first truly compact transistor that could be miniaturised and mass-produced for a wide range of uses, revolutionizing the electronics industry, and playing a central role in the microelectronics revolution and Digital Revolution. The MOSFET has since become the basic element in most modern electronic equipment, and is the most widely used electronic device in the world.
Electronics is widely used in information processing, telecommunication, and signal processing. The ability of electronic devices to act as switches makes digital information-processing possible. Interconnection technologies such as circuit boards, electronics packaging technology, and other varied forms of communication infrastructure complete circuit functionality and transform the mixed electronic components into a regular working system, called an electronic system; examples are computers or control systems. An electronic system may be a component of another engineered system or a standalone device. As of 2019 most electronic devices use semiconductor components to perform electron control. Commonly, electronic devices contain circuitry consisting of active semiconductors supplemented with passive elements; such a circuit is described as an electronic circuit. Electronics deals with electrical circuits that involve active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes, integrated circuits, optoelectronics, and sensors, associated passive electrical components, and interconnection technologies. The nonlinear behaviour of active components and their ability to control electron flows makes amplification of weak signals possible.
The study of semiconductor devices and related technology is considered a branch of solid-state electronics.

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  1. J

    Power Electronics Rectifier Firing Angle and Overlap Angle

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Since question says the current is always continous, so overlap is always there. So option B is incorrect. Also since firing angle is increased from 0 to 45, the overlap angle will reduce. So it'll be less than 45. So option A is incorrect. The Attempt...
  2. D

    Best Tool for Basic PIC Programming

    Good day to you all, I'm starting to get interested in making a project which involves using PICs but since I am a newbie at this I want to start by making a PIC blink LEDs like in christmas lights. But upon looking it up on the net I was bombarded with multiple options for "basic PIC...
  3. Pushoam

    Output voltage and output current of an Opamp

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Output voltage and output current of an OP-Amp Taking the OP-Amp as an ideal OP-Amp, the voltage at terminal 1 is 0 with respect to ground. The voltage at B is ## V_B = - 0.5 V ## ## i_{in} ## is from A to B. There is...
  4. Pushoam

    Engineering LCR circuit, calculating R when frequency width is given

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution LCR circuit, calculating R when frequency width is given Applying Kirchoff Voltage Loop Law, ## V_A – V_B + V_B - V_C + V_C – V_A = 0 ## ...(2) ## V_A – V_B ## is potential drop across inductor. Since current is flowing...
  5. Y

    What are some good resources to learn basic electronics?

    Hello. I am working on a project with my friends with a Arduino like microcontroller. I can understand the code and all but I don't know how certain electronic components(like H-bridge) function. What are some good resources to learn about them?
  6. ISamson

    What is the Best Way to Learn Basic Electronics? Books or Arduino?

    Hello. Following my recent start in the interest in electronics, I have deducted that the best way to learn some basic electronics is to read a good book. I wish to learn the basic concepts of current, voltage, resistance, circuits and more advanced physical concepts behind the semiconductors...
  7. ISamson

    Difference between Analog and Digital Pins on my Arduino Board

    I wanted to ask what the difference between analog and digital pins is on my Arduino (or any other board). I have been using both but don't really know what the difference is. Thanks!
  8. davidbenari

    Engineering Future of the solid state electronics industry

    I'm finishing my degree in Engineering Physics (really just physics). Without a doubt my favorite area of physics is solid state physics. While I love computational and theoretical work, I don't think making a career out of it is as easy as it is in the experimental or engineering side of it. So...
  9. T

    Which Ultrasonic Sensor is Best for Low Cost/Long Distance Proximity Sensing?

    I am new to sensors and am looking for an ultrasonic sensor with a range up to 16-18 feet for very low costs (<$10). Most sensors I have found for this project are pricey relative to the cost I imagined. Are these type of sensors the best option if I am looking for low cost/long distance...
  10. PhysKid45

    Opamp Voltages: Finding Output Voltage with Inverting and Non-Inverting Amps

    Homework Statement There are unknown values for input voltage, but we know it is sinusoidal. There is an inverting amp connected in parallel with a non inverting amp. The goal is to find the output voltage. I have three questions. 1: if the problem states that "power rails for both opamps are...
  11. E

    Dark current and dark count in photon collection devices

    Does anyone know of a simple relation between dark current and dark count in photon collection devices?
  12. SJay16

    Finding the uncertainty in delta y?

    Homework Statement Find the uncertainty ∆y in y as a function of the uncertainties ∆u and ∆v in u and v for the following functions: y = 1/2(u+v) Homework Equations : Error propagation formula[/B] The Attempt at a Solution Don't know where to begin even. Help?[/B]
  13. Useful nucleus

    Teaching Thermofluids to electronics engineering students

    This semester I'm teaching a thermofluids course to students with a major in electronics engineering. The subject covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. The motivation is to help the students to solve thermofluid problems that arise in their field. For example, the design of...
  14. Mzzed

    Understanding 'C Code' & 'No.' in Buck Converter Regulator Datasheet

    I have recently come across a datasheet for a buck converter regulator that uses the terms "c code" and "No." for certain capacitors but when going to the manufacturer datasheets for these capacitors they make no reference to any "c code" or one single number for a capacitor. If anyone could...
  15. rfranceschetti

    Engineering The relationship of a mechanical engineer with electricity

    Hi all, I have in mind that an engineering project tends to be quite "integrated", as in, it envolves different engineers. So, for instance, in order to build an aircraft, you need not only a mechanical engineer, but also an EE, Materials, managers, etc etc. So lots of teamwork. However, I'd...
  16. Mzzed

    Understanding Capacitor Voltage in Relation to Ground

    If a capacitor is charged to 10V where the negative side is connected to ground (0V), when the capacitor is disconnected from the power supply on both the positive and negative sides; 1) Will the negative side of the capacitor still be 0V relative to the ground it was just connected to? 2) Say...
  17. Mzzed

    Decaying current power calculation

    I would like to find the power loss over 0.3 seconds due to a resistance of 0.0015 ohms with a current following the function: I = e-15.24t-e-39984.75t where t is time. I would have imagined summing all the current over that 0.3 second period via integration would then allow me to find...
  18. A

    Electrical hinge mechanism of some sort?

    I'm not sure if this is the right thread to post this, but here it is! I'm currently trying to create a prop for one of my friends, since I found it an interesting challenge. This is a simple drawing of what I'm trying to do: The button, battery and so on it not my problem, it's that I've no...
  19. F

    Engineering Is it worth studying Electronics Engineering with Physics

    Hey everyone! I did the stupid mistake of doubling my Physics undergrad with Electronic Engineering. I just want to know, will studying EE contribute to much in practical as a Medical Physicist regardless of which area I go into? Is it better to have extensive knowledge of electronics or not?
  20. Cota

    How can physics enhance robotics and electronics in school projects?

    Hello, I am a professional trainer in robotics & electronics. I need help to understand better some physics concept to integrate then in my school projects.
  21. Mzzed

    Simple Battery Misunderstanding

    If a small voltage - say 1V, is applied to the negative terminal of a 1.5V alkaline battery (although I don't think the type of battery matters?) will this create a current between the 1V and the negative terminal until the charges are somehow balanced? If not, what will this situation do to the...
  22. P

    New user here, Need direction and help before my end....

    It has been over 15 years since I completed a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering. However that alone does not really date me much. So far I have yet to find a source of employment that lasts long enough or is of enough compensation to pay off student loans before I can even begin to...
  23. Alkozy

    How Can I Understand the Solution for Diodes Homework in Electronics?

    Homework Statement A picture of the problem is provided in the attachment Homework Equations there is no special relations except I= Is x e^(vd/Vt) The Attempt at a Solution i have a solution for from the solution manual but i do not understand it like the I2 equation i don't get reasonable...
  24. K

    Electronics designing for 1970s automotive OBD

    Hi to all! I´m Kai from Finland and me and my step dad are working to make an OBD system for 1970´s Chrysler vehicles. The company itself made one during the era and we would like to have same kind of system, only with 2010 equipment. (so no fridge- size computer for my shop) We´ve solved most...
  25. D

    Electronics - Have I found the transient current correctly?

    Homework Statement A step voltage of 120v is applied to a series CR circuit. C = (4x10^(-6))F R = (20x10^(3))Ω When the capacitor is fully charged the supply voltage is removed. Using KVL and Laplace transforms obtain an equation for the transient circuit current, given when t = 0, the voltage...
  26. K

    Exploring the World of Electronics Engineering: A Scientist's Journey

    So... Even until now, I am lamenting on my masochistic decision of taking up Electronics Engineering as my course. Well, it's not exactly physics, but still somehow related. So I hope you guys don't mind. And alsoo, I reckon this site has a forum for Electric Engineering so... I might be...
  27. E

    Where to start learning electronics engineering on my own?

    Ok so I am in love with electronics and now I want to start learning from the bottom to the top, so that means physics and math, what are beginning topics that I must cover before jumping to circuit analysis and theory? I have a dream and planning to invent new digital device like smarthphone...
  28. Kelsi_Jade

    Two Capacitors connected in Series and to a 10V battery.

    Homework Statement I am going over problems for exam study - here is the question with my submitted solution. Anything helps, just trying to correct mistakes so I can study the problems. Two capacitors C=3mF, C=2mF are initially discharged. They are connected in series and then the two ends...
  29. G

    Any advice for a power electronics newbie?

    I realize there are a lot of people on this forums in a related field of study. Was wondering if there was something you wish you would have done at/from the start of your career? I am graduate student in the field and am about to start an internship soon. Was wondering if there was anything I...
  30. Kelsi_Jade

    Find the Current Flowing through each resistor

    Homework Statement Homework Equations / 3. The Attempt at a Solution Looking to solve mistakes to study from homework. Here's what I had so far[/B]
  31. J

    I How do electronics in tranistors tunnel if decohered

    A BJT requires the electrons to tunnel between collector and base to conduct main channel current. But since these electrons are not coherent, how are they tunneling if their quantum properties are gone?
  32. Kelsi_Jade

    Calculate the voltage between points A and B

    Homework Statement Homework Equations / 3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B] Here is my attempt at the homework, I'm trying to correct my mistakes and am looking for help in the right direction.
  33. Kelsi_Jade

    Find the capacitance of C3 and its charge

    Homework Statement From the textbook: Homework Equations / 3. The Attempt at a Solution My attempt at the solution: looking to fix my issues and help correcting my work.[/B]
  34. Kelsi_Jade

    Calculate the equivalent resistance in the Figure

    Homework Statement Homework Equations / 3. The Attempt at a Solution Here is my attempt from the homework assignment. It doesn't appear that I got any points for this question and was hoping to get a little help in correcting my issues or pointed in the right direction to start over. [/B]
  35. Scott Hill

    Classical What Textbook Should I Use for Teaching an Introductory Electronics Course?

    Next fall I will be teaching an electronics class for the first time, for undergraduate physics majors (who have already taken introductory E&M and integral calculus, not necessarily PDEs). The catalog description is "An introduction to analog and digital electronics. Topics include DC and AC...
  36. A

    Electronics prep for hardware repairs

    So I am relatively new here, and find the best way to learn is by getting my hands on the physical model. One thing I do in my spare time is repair phones. I have done minor repairs and fault finding on iPhones but never had the confidence of repairing the Logic Board. I want to ask someone...
  37. J

    Maximizing Amps in Circuit with 90W Power Supply

    So, I know the basic equation of W=V*A, but how would I physically do this in a circuit? Say I have 90W=19V*4.74A (http://www.chargerbuy.com/replacement-hp-90w-smart-ac-adapter-19v-474a.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAi-_FBRCZyPm_14CjoyASJAClUigOPligEwQ9DD87xaDL8SQcvxNtWCeo_2nl68GmdozOoxoCbW3w_wcB) for...
  38. T

    How can you really mess up in amateur electronics?

    I work with max. 18V DC current, amateur. I thought the max. thing you can do is to mess up your multimeter, but I saw some capacitors exploding pretty big even on 9V on Youtube. As an utter beginner and with no mentor I would like to know about what to avoid to be safe. I am using max: 18Vs...
  39. S

    Studying What electronics references do you use?

    I'm about to go to uni and want to develop a more professional understanding of electronics as I'm a hobbyist at the moment. Obviously there is a lot of information online, but it always seems rather incomplete. There also seem to be a lot of books around, but there is always the problem of...
  40. Hamood97

    Find the two figures and the get value of the resistor and current

    Homework Statement finding the resistor and current which is following through the circuit[/B]Homework Equations kirchhoff law The Attempt at a Solution almost as fig 1 ( 9v=3.458 mA and 12v=11.122 mA) fig 2 (9v=1.472 mA and 12v=12.882 mA) i3=2.48 mA
  41. ervays

    Temperature, humidity and gas sealed box

    Hi, I'm working on my thesis and I need to calibrate some gas sensors that I'm building. I need controlled conditions(temp, RH and a known gas concentration) in order to calibrate the sensors. I'd love to know some idea to make a sealed box in which I trace and vary those parameter. I've...
  42. K

    Calculating the amplification of a transistor

    Homework Statement In the circuit shown below, I have to find the amplification for when the commutator which connects to the 4 kΩ resistance is open, respectively closed. We know the Beta factor to be 200, and the current through the base is negligible. The transistor is made of silicone...
  43. G

    RAM memory diagram using decoders

    Homework Statement Draw a block diagram of 32kx8 bit RAM memory using decoders DEC 3/8 and memory components 8kx8 bit. 2. The attempt at a solution First we find the number of memory components: N=\frac{32kx8}{8kx8}=\frac{2^{18}}{2^{16}}=4. The number of decoders is 32/8+1=5 There are 4...
  44. srinaath

    Electrical DIY wireless power transfer device concept

    i am planning to do a small diy wireless power transfer device. The circuit of the transmitter is receiver has just the coil and load arrangement. my query is, (please correct me if am wrong) -->to induce a voltage in the secondary coil, there must be a varying magnetic field right? -->but...
  45. duhuhu

    Can Resistive Heaters Fail in Vacuum Due to Reasons Other Than Temperature?

    I am working on a project for a cube-sat to go up on a balloon to 40 km. My team has been talking to some other groups who have worked on other cube-sats who say that our resistive heaters need to be Kapton heaters rather than 1D heaters like what we have designed for. They claim that our...
  46. O

    Electronics Determining Op Amp Gain.

    Homework Statement Determine the Op amp gain of the following circuit. V1 = 1v Vo = 4 V Homework Equations A = Vo/ VI The Attempt at a Solution Using voltage division I determined the voltage for the node at the +ve terminal VI = V1(1k/ ([1000 + 1]k)) = 1/1001 V Vo = 4v Given Therefore...
  47. Leo Freeman

    Is this Voltage Variable Capacitor available commercially?

    Is the "Voltage variable capacitor" described in patent US 20070242410 A1 a commercially available component? Has anyone heard of this method of changing the dielectric constant using a biasing voltage? It has been nearly 13 years since the patent was filed, but I've never heard of it. It would...
  48. R

    A Conductivity change of a tank (glass coating on steel)

    Suppose I have a tank which is made of steel coated with a thin layer of glass on the inside to protect the steel from corrosion (the material stored inside the tank is corrossive; say for arguments sake Water with 10% Hydochloric Acid). In theory, till the glass is intact there is an...
  49. Planobilly

    My impressions of learning electronics

    A second look at a first impression of electronics. When I decide to take up electronics repair of vacuum tube amplifiers as a hobby I had little idea of what I would need to learn. There were many ups and downs in the process. None the less, within a relative short period of time I found I was...
  50. G

    Where to Find Solved Analog Electronics Problems Online?

    Homework Statement Where I can find detailed solutions of problems for Analog Electronics course from this site: http://leachlegacy.ece.gatech.edu/ece3050/ ? Particularly, problems in the section Homework Problems, and also in other sections where problems are not explained in detail. I...
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