The names of electronics and electrical engineering are always connected. And people consider it as one branch of engineering. But if we thoroughly study it. Both branches belong to different areas and they are far different from each other. Although both of the branches are related to electricity, still there is a difference between both fields.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between electrical and electronics engineering. let’s definite separately.
Electrical Engineering
It is the branch of engineering that deals with the study & applications of electricity, charge carriers i.e. electronics, and electromagnetism. Mostly deals with machines that convert electrical power to an other form of power like mechanical power.
Electronics Engineering
Electronic Engineering is the field of engineering that deals with non-linear and active electrical and electronic devices such as semiconductor devices, electron tubes, diodes, transistors, etc.
Difference between Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Electrical engineering is the study and application of the flow of negatively charges particles i.e. electrons. It consists of the study of Power generation, distribution, transmission, electrical motors and motors topics like power factor, maintenance and electrical inspection.
- Electronics Engineering is the study of the flow of electrons and holes. As electronics is the study of semiconducting materials, therefore its includes both electrons and holes. It is the connection of semiconductor devices of integrated circuits.
- The Second difference between both is the operating voltage. Electrical engineering deals with devices and components that use alternating current (AC) / Voltages. The value of voltage ranges from 11o V to 230V single phase. While industries and power stations the value of voltage range up to 11kV to 400 KV for transmission and distribution.
- Electronics engineering deals with electronic components that are operated on very low voltages. The value of voltage ranges from 3 volts to 12 volts. Moreover, the Electronic components use direct currents (DC) sources for operation.
- The third difference between electrical and electronics engineering is the decision-making process of an electrical system. Electrical engineering device deals only for just power up the electrical system. It simply takes electric current and transforms it into another form of energy such as heat, light or motion, etc. While electronics engineering consists of the devices and circuits that deal with the decision-making process.
- Besides converting the electrical current into another part it also manipulates the signal. The input instructions decide for a specific operation of a circuit.
- The next difference between electrical and electronics is the size and shape of the devices. The electrical engineering devices are large in shape, and they occupy more space. While the devices used in Electronics engineering have a small size and occupy less space.
What fields of work for electrical engineers?
Electrical engineers are working in power engineering system, Large factories which have large electrical devices.
The electrical machines are like:
- Single phase induction motors.
- Three phase induction motors.
- DC motors.
- Oil immersed transformers.
- Dry type transformers.
- Switch gears (low and medium voltage).
- High mast lighting. And all other lighting systems.
- Control panels which have contactors, relays, circuit breakers and other control and protection devices (like short circuit and overcurrent protection).
- Power factor correction design for large inductive loads.
All the above mentioned machines and electrical devices needs electrical engineers to make design, development, inspection, maintenance and operation monitoring for them.
See also: What does an electrical engineer do?
What kind of jobs do electronic engineers do?
Electronics engineers mostly work in electronic circuits making factories and maintenance companies. Here under examples of electronics engineers working fields.
- Smart phones, TVs and computer factories.
- Cameras and alarm systems factories.
- Printed boards manufacturing, troubleshooting and maintenance companies.
- Home automation devices.
- Drawn and robotics.
