What is Electrical engineering: Definition and 648 Discussions

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 commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution and use.
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, 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, 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.

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  1. jbrussell93

    Bioengineering vs Electrical Engineering

    I will be starting my second year in biological engineering in the fall, but I am beginning to question my decision of major. I chose bioengineering because I would love to solve biological problems but was unsure of whether I wanted to go into the more tissue/materials aspect of bioengineering...
  2. B

    Some Electrical Engineering Help?

    Some Electrical Engineering Help? :) I'm majoring in engineering beginning next semester and have always heard good talk about electrical engineering. Could anyone explain to me just WHY electrical engineering is so cool? I don't know much about it, and if there's already been a thread started...
  3. T

    Senior design project ideas merging biomedical and electrical engineering

    Do you have any electrical engineering senior design projects suitable for someone who is BME/EE? This is one of the (few) classes necessary if I want to also complete the EE major, which I sort of joined for fun, because (i) they have all the math courses, not sure why and (ii) the professors...
  4. B

    Good textbook on electrical engineering?

    Could anyone recommend me a good introductory text on electrical engineering? Something similar to the "Resnick and Halliday" of Physics, except it should instead be for electrical engineering. BiP
  5. 3

    Needing some guidance on getting into Electrical Engineering as a hobby

    Greetings Everyone! I'm new to the forum, it was one of the only forums I found with an Electrical Engineering forum. I've been toying with getting into Electrical Engineering as a hobby and I figure now is as good as time as any to get into it. This is just for fun, it's not for any...
  6. N

    Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

    I am currently a student at the University of Waterloo in Canada enrolled in the Computer Science program. The Waterloo Computer Science undergraduate program is widely regarded as one of the elite in North America and we regularly come first place in computing competition against schools such...
  7. A

    Electrical Engineering vs Mechanical (again)

    I know there are a ton of these posts, but I still need help as I have about one month to decide my degree ( I'm portuguese and I'm in the 12th grade) ... My favourite subjects are by far maths and physics (probably physics) and I would say that I'm very good at them. The problem is that my...
  8. A

    Trying to choose between Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

    Hi. I just finished first year mechanical engineering and I'm at a bit of a crossroads. My true passion is in particle physics but for some personal reasons I didn't go into Pure Physics, I went into mechanical engineering. At the moment I'm pondering switching into Electrical because a lot of...
  9. T

    Electrical engineering or mechanical engineering

    Hello name is Thomas and I know I want to be an engineer. I am just torn between becoming an electrical engineer or a mechanical engineer. I know the term engineer covers many fields but I was just wondering if maybe someone could give me there opinion. If there are any engineers that could...
  10. J

    Electrical Engineering - Thevenin Equivalent

    Homework Statement (a) For the circuit above find the physical parameters of the Thevenin equivalent source with respect to terminals “a” and “b”. Assume that the resistances and reactances of the circuit are given at signal frequency 1 MHz. (b) Find the impedance of the matched load for that...
  11. M

    Questions in electrical engineering

    Hi all can please help me Decide whether each of these statemtents is true of false 1 ) An on-off temperature controller must have A ) An error signal input which switches the controller on or off (False ) B ) An output signal to switch on or off the correction element ( true )...
  12. Z

    Programs Should I Double Major in Physics and Electrical Engineering?

    I'm currently in a somewhat unique situation at the moment. I am about to finish my 5th year of my undergrad degree. I was doing computer science for two years when I realized it was just not for me, so I switched over to electrical engineering. Despite the workload, I enjoy the subject. Now...
  13. M

    Mechanical, Electrical Engineering and the Future

    Hi, I'm currently a mechanical engineering major, and I'm looking for your input about the future of mechanical and electrical engineering. I'll start off by saying that I've always been interested in dynamics, energy, and how moving things work (vehicles, etc). With electric car motors and...
  14. C

    Complex Analysis in Electrical Engineering

    Hi, Everyone! I just want to ask about the importance of Complex numbers analysis in the discipline of Electronics and Communications Engineering. I'm taking a course called, Analytical Methods in Engineering, and it's mostly focused on how to deal with complex numbers, from applying algebraic...
  15. R

    Engineering Employers' thoughts on B.S. in Physics/M.S. in Electrical Engineering?

    What do employers generally think of someone with a B.S. in Applied Physics and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering? Do employers see it as a negative that the person didn't get his/her B.S. also in EE?
  16. E

    Good beginners electrical engineering book.

    Hello I am currently in my second year of a community college program to prepare me to transfer into an engineering university. I would like to find a book to read before I transfer so that I can have a basic understanding of electrical theory before I hit my major classes. I am leaning...
  17. M

    Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering?

    Hi everyone, I just got my Journeyman ticket as a heavy duty mechanic and finally amassed enough money to go back to school. I want to get a bachelors degree in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. The choice is haunting me I don't no what to do. I think I would be happy in either...
  18. F

    I am VERY interested in Electrical Engineering where do I start?

    Hello, I have been VERY interested in electrical engineering for a few years now but I don't have the slightest clue where to start. I am 15 and I did have a careers adviser come into my school and she gave me a bunch of information on different types of electrical engineering but none of them...
  19. S

    Chemical, material, or electrical engineering?

    hey guys I'm currently a first year engineering student and am at the point in my undergrad where I need to choose which engineering field i would like to go to. I've narrowed my choices to electrical engineering, material engineering, and chemical engineering. Could you please point of the...
  20. psparky

    Mastering the Basics of Electrical Engineering: A Necessity for All Students

    Hey all...I've recently been working with some F.E. candidates and I notice they are very weak on the basics of electrical engineering. So I had to force these things down their throat. If you are a college student specifically...you need to know these backwards and forwards! You should be...
  21. L

    Physics 1 projectile motion and Electrical Engineering

    I'm going to head towards an electrical engineering path. At this stage, I'm just taking physics 1 w/ calculus. Just wondering, how does chapter 2 and 3, constant acceleration and projectile motion problems, relate to later electrical engineering concepts? I find these acceleration...
  22. K

    Electrical Engineering Companies

    Please list some Electrical Engineering Companies(or any engineering company that hires EE) in California so I can apply to. I want to start interning to get job experience but I have no experience to start with. Any tips on getting an internship? Are there any companies that hire freshman or...
  23. Z

    Engineering Deciding between Mechanical and Electrical engineering

    Hello, I'm majoring in physics at the end of the year but I'm more interested in engineering now. The thing is that I could start taking Mechanical engineering classes now and obtaining the degree in two years from now (without obtaining the major in physics), or I could finish the physics major...
  24. S

    Engineering Electrical Engineering: Circuit Problem

    Homework Statement Consider the circuit shown in Figure Pl.64. Use repeated applications of Ohm's law, KVL, and KCL to eventually find Vx. The Attempt at a Solution I know how to solve the problem (almost). I'm having difficulty understanding the polarity at the left most resistor (5...
  25. G

    Research Paper topics for Electrical Engineering?

    Could anyone suggest me topics for writing a research paper? ares of interest may include: -Electrical engineering (power systems/electronics etc.) -embedded systems -matlab and simulink Thank you!
  26. I

    Schools Pros & Cons of Power vs. Communications for Electrical Engineering

    I'm thinking of doing graduate school in the near future and was wondering whether I should go for power or communications for electrical engineering. I am interested in both fields so the work load won't really be a problem. What I am interested in is the pros and cons of doing either field...
  27. P

    Engineering Is Electrical Engineering any easier than Mechanical eng. ?

    I was told that M.E is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, engineering fields, so my question is, is E.E any easier than M.E ?
  28. C

    Engineering Electrical engineering job prospects in Canada

    Hello! I am a Canadian high school student. I will be beginning engineering in university next year. I am interested in electrical and computer engineering, but I've heard bad things about the job prospects for electrical engineers in Canada. How is the job market for computer/hardware...
  29. A

    Engineering Programming useful in Electrical Engineering?

    Is it worth it to take an extra 10 courses (and thus a whole extra year) of computer science courses in university on top of my 4 year electrical engineering degree? If I want to work in the electrical engineering field, how useful will the knowledge gained from these courses be? I'm planning to...
  30. B

    Courses How hard are Electrical Engineering graduate courses?

    I don't really have a background in EE, I have a background in Computer Engineering Technology. It's a lot less theoretical and more of a hands on degree. I'm just wondering if I'll have a hard time in graduate level courses in EE. I have a strong programming background, know my way around...
  31. T

    To study physics after B.Sc in electrical engineering

    i am studying electrical engineering and doing my undergraduate thesis on solar cell device physics...and looking forward to research on organic solar cell. For my graduate study, i am planning to study in the physics department of cambridge university (in cavendish laboratory) if i get the...
  32. J

    Electrical engineering research proposal ideas

    I am taking a senior electrical engineering course in which I and other group members will write and present a research proposal. I am looking for ideas for a research topic and was wondering if anyone knows of good sources to checkout to help find an original research topic. Please note that...
  33. R

    Chemistry vs Biology vs Computing for Electrical engineering?

    I have to decide on what subjects I want to continue on for A level and was just wondering what I should pick as my last slot. I want to do Electrical Engineering at uni when I leave school. I'm really interested in either really big applications of EE like large HV plant stuff but also I'm...
  34. V

    Engineering Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering Circuit Basics Question

    "Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering" Circuit Basics Question Homework Statement I am asked to find p1, p2, p3, p4. Homework Equations p=vi ƩP=0 The Attempt at a Solution p1=(5)(-9) =-45 p2=(2)(9) =18 p4=(3)(5) =15 p3=v(.6i) =v(.6(4)) =v(2.4) I know that v=5 and...
  35. Z

    Calculators Calculator For Electrical Engineering

    Hi i want to buy a calculator . What model is the best? Is there anyone that supports a big variety of electrical and computer engineering programs? I was thinking about fx-9860gii SD (because of nyquist , bode etc), is it a good choice ? my badget is up to 150 euros thanks in advance
  36. H

    Master's in electrical engineering after bachelor's in mechanical engineering?

    Hello, Is it possible to get into master's program for electrical engineering (in North America) after completing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering? The reason being is that I plan to pursue a bachelor's in mechanical engineering because that's the 'safe' degree for where I live...
  37. E

    Programs Electrical Engineering Online Degree

    Hello I would GREATLY appreciate any help or guidance you can provide in this matter. I am a 21 year old student currently enrolled at the California State University of Los Angeles and I am currently preparing myself to begin working on my Electrical and Computer Engineering BS. Only problem...
  38. C

    Is Electrical Engineering a Promising Field? Exploring Other Options.

    Im a 2nd year EE student and lately I have been worrying about if i am in the right engineering field before I start to go into my major and I wanted to know is EE a promising engineering field? and if not, which engineering field is?
  39. D

    Engineering Is it possible to mix electrical engineering with music somehow

    I am a physics and electrical engineering major and wish to know if there are any specific music career opportunities that utilize the concepts I've learned from both. I really have a passion for music production and any help would be greatly appreciated.
  40. P

    Do i have a shot a graduate program in electrical engineering?

    Hi, i am currently studying Industrial engineering in Peru, i will graduate in 2 months. (i will get the equivalent of a BS in industrial engineer) All my life i have been into technology, computers, math, science, etc. Anyways i was wondering if i have a chance of getting into an electrical...
  41. K

    Programs Electrical Engineering vs Electrical Engineering Technology degree?

    What is the difference between the two different degrees, I have only been able to find a few different college websites where they describe the differences but the two different websites had different information on them. I really want to get into engineering and if I do regular engineering...
  42. K

    Electrical Engineering Questions

    To all the electrical engineers out there, is it worth minoring or double majoring in something for electrical engineering. I don't really know the choices I have, so please let me know. Can you give me two separate answers(if the answers are different) 1)Which minor/double major is most...
  43. K

    Engineering Electrical engineering lifestyle?

    Electrical Engineers, Do you guys live a comfortable lifestyle? Do you like your job? How much do you get paid? Just for fun, can you guys describe the house you live in(not your parents house). edit: can you also tell me what's the difference between double-majoring and minoring in CS?
  44. A

    Engineering Guidance Needed in Electrical Engineering

    Hello, I'm about to specialize within Electrical Engineering but I'm unsure of some aspects. I have my heart set on working with computer hardware like creating motherboards and processors, but I really don't know what the significant difference between Computer, Microelectronics and...
  45. A

    Engineering A Physicist trapped in Electrical Engineering needs help

    I am a first year Electronics Engineering major but desperately wanted to do a Physics major(my parents said no because of less money in Physics). My mind works theoretically and is averse to technology. I wanted guidance on hohw can I preserve my 'Physics spark'?Especially how to study Physics...
  46. A

    Computer Engineering Vs. Electrical Engineering

    Hello everyone, I will be graduating next year and I was wondering what my university major should be. I want a major that could combine my passion for physics, mathematics, programming, and electronics and I was basically able to narrow it down to Computer Engineering and Electrical...
  47. X

    Electrical Engineering Student More Computer Engineering Classes?

    I'm almost done with my electrical engineering Bachelor's Degree. I have 1.5 semesters left, and I'm heavily considering grad. school in control systems (probably just a master's). I've focused on areas such as signal processing, control systems, circuit design, some electromagnetics, and...
  48. Q

    Materials Eng & Electrical Eng for Neural Prosthetics/Muscles

    I know and have known for a while now that I want to be involved with neural prosthetics, and artificial limbs and muscles. I eventually plan on getting a graduate degree in biomedical engineering, but for the sake of knowledge, experience, and security, I plan to get my undergrad degree in one...
  49. P

    Engineering M. Sc. in Electrical Engineering or Physics, for solid state device engineering

    I have a B. Sc. in Electrical Engineering and I would like to work with photovoltaics / solid state device physics. My undergraduate degree is not quite enough to let me work in that field outright. So I'm looking to do a graduate degree. I applied for a 2-year M. Sc. in Physics program and I...
  50. T

    Projects/activities for someone who is interested in electrical engineering?

    I'm interested in going into the field of Electrical Engineering, but still have around 1 or 2 years. What are some activities/projects I can do to get my feet wet with electrical engineering? Any advice, tips would be greatly appreciated. Just something to get me started, and to keep me...
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