Engineering is one of the most sought-after streams by students after the completion of 12th grade. It opens gateways for diverse areas of study such as mechanical, electrical, electronics, civil, computer science, aviation, biochemistry, etc. So, if you are a student who is intrigued to learn more about electrical mechanisms and is confused which domain to pick between electrical and electronics engineering, this blog will definitely help you understand the meaning and details of both the courses.
What is Electrical Engineering?
The branch of electrical engineering deals with the process of designing and creating devices and equipment that run on electricity and deploy other principles like electromagnetism. Students learn how electricity works and how power is used to generate other electric equipment. Electrical engineers are engaged to create processes and systems to make daily tasks easier and more efficient.
What is Electronic Engineering?
Electronic engineering is a subdomain of electrical engineering. It is concerned with designing circuits and other electronic devices. Resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc. are used by electronic engineers to fabricate the design that ensures smooth functioning of devices. Concepts like circuit analysis, instrumentation, thermodynamics, and testing are taught in this course.
Difference between Electrical and Electronic Engineering
| Areas of Difference | Electrical Engineering | Electronics Engineering |
| Field of study | It focuses on:Power engineeringControl systemsSystem modellingElectromagnetism | It deals with:Circuit analysisFabricationControl systemsMicroprocessor interfacing |
| Scale of study | It deals with large amounts of current and voltage. | It focuses on low voltage and current. |
| Application | Electrical engineers are involved in creating high-scale devices like:Electric motorsTransformersPower circuitsHigh-voltage transmission lines | Electronic engineers design small-scale equipment such as:DiodesTransistorsIntegrated circuitsRadiosTVsComputers |
| Concept | They mainly focus on analog concepts like voltage, power, etc. | Digital concepts like switches and logic gates are mainly used. |
Similarities between Electrical and Electronics Engineering
There is an overlap between electrical and electronic engineering. These similarities include:
- Both fields deal with the intricacies of electricity and electromagnetism.
- Engineers from both branches often work closely to improve the existing systems or create new ones.
- Basic components such as resistors, capacitors, ICs, diodes, and inductors are used in both fields.
- Both disciplines require good command over Physics and Mathematics.
- Both involve critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Similar software tools like MATLAB and CAD are used in both domains.
- Concepts such as signal processing, control systems, and systems approaches are common to both fields.
- In the job market, there is an interplay of roles and responsibilities between electrical and electronic engineers.
How does an Electrical Engineering Degree Help?
A degree in electrical engineering gives a student theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
| Core subjects | Control systemPower electronicsElectric circuitsSignal processingMathematicsCommunications systemElectromagnetismInstrumentation |
| Practical skills | Critical-thinkingAnalytical and computational capabilitiesProblem-solvingCircuit designCreativityProgramming |
| Lab work | MicroprocessorPower electronicsBasic electrical labAdvanced instrumentationEmbedded systemDigital signal processing |
What to Expect from an Electronic Engineering Degree?
An electronic engineering degree equips you with the requisite core skills alongside imparting practical knowledge.
| Core subjects | Network systemsAnalog electronicsElectromagnetismDigital signal processingSignals and systemsElectric circuitsDigital electronicsMathematicsData communicationMicroprocessor |
| Practical skills | Circuit designCritical-thinkingAnalogue electronicsProject management |
| Lab work | VLSIDigital signal processingIntegrated circuitsDigital electronicsMicroprocessorControl system |
Which is Better: Electrical or Electronic Engineering?
Before you choose a particular branch, take into account the following factors:
- Subjects to be studied
- Your strengths and weak areas
- Available colleges, fee structure, faculty and accessibility
- Scope of a specific course
- Job prospects
- Salary packages
- Demand in the job market
- Future trends
Besides this, identify your interest. Make sure the course you choose aligns with your career goals. If you are somebody who is interested in electronics design, then electronic engineering can be a good choice. But if you wish to know more about electric power and its applications, then electrical engineering could be the best path.
Also read: What is Value Engineering?
Electrical Engineering Careers and Opportunities
Graduates from the electrical engineering branch can pursue careers in telecommunications, power sector, aerospace, automotive, defence, etc., as:
- Electrical Design Engineer
- Electrical Executive Manager
- Electrical Technical Lead Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Electrical Project Engineer
- Quality Control Coordinator
- Embedded Systems Engineer
Electronic Engineering Careers and Opportunities
There is a demand for electronic engineers in telecommunications, industries that manufacture consumer electronics and electronic components, IT, gaming, transport, power generation, etc. The career prospects of electronic engineers are:
- Electronics System Engineer
- Calibration Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Technical Support Engineer
- VLSI Design Engineer
- Circuit Designer
Apart from private sector jobs, the scope for electrical and electronic engineers is high in government sector. Government agencies like ISRO, military, airforce, etc. recruit engineers to build equipment.
Conclusion
Electrical and electronic engineering are the fields of study that lay emphasis on power and related principles. Though they share a lot of similarities, there are minute differences in the scale and areas of study. Students should mindfully choose a college that provides these professional courses and has good placement records to carve a career in any chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Transformers, generators, motors, circuit breakers, motors, and ovens are some examples of electrical devices. Electronic devices include logic gates, switches, ICs, diodes, capacitors, laptops, smartphones, etc.
Michael Faraday is known as the father of electronics. He is also called the father of electricity. He built the first electric motor and electric generator.
Both the branches of engineering have a good scope. Consider factors like interests, future goals and job opportunities. Generally, the salary packages of ECE engineers are a bit higher than those of EEE graduates.
