Career as Electronics Engineer
With the constant emergence of new and innovative technologies, electronics engineering offers numerous exciting areas of interest for students. This sub-discipline of electrical engineering involves designing and developing electronic equipment, encompassing individual components, software, and circuitry. Electronics engineers focus on creating systems that can transmit, interpret signals, and execute specific tasks based on predetermined parameters. They work on various electronic products, such as cell phones, televisions, satellites, GPS devices, audio-visual equipment, radar and sonar systems, and broadcast and communication networks.
While electrical engineering deals with producing and distributing electrical power through mechanical equipment, electronics engineering zeroes in on the intricate internal components of such equipment. For instance, electronics engineers design the individual parts of a cell phone to ensure they function correctly, while electrical engineers concentrate on the transmission of voice and visual data to satellite relays. Both professionals are involved in electrical equipment design and maintenance, but electronics engineers have a more specific focus.
Deciding if electronics engineering is the right path involves assessing one's strengths, interests, and motivations. A passion for math, science, and technology, as well as a penchant for creative problem-solving and a desire to contribute to society, are some essential qualities. The field demands dedication, as it is fast-paced and requires rigorous study. For those seeking a flexible and personalized learning approach, an online degree program could be an ideal choice, allowing them to balance studies with work and family obligations.
The responsibilities of electronics engineers vary depending on the industry they work in. They develop testing and support processes for electrical equipment, ensuring they meet safety standards and function correctly. These professionals research, design, and oversee product development, from conception to manufacturing. Electronics engineers play vital roles in the research and development of new technologies and their implementation and management. They are essential in updating the nation's power grid with renewable energy options, such as solar power, to optimize and harness these efforts. The demand for electronics engineers spans diverse sectors, including telecommunications, transportation, computing, and aviation.
Embarking on a career in electronics engineering offers exciting opportunities to be at the forefront of technological advancements and contribute to shaping the future of various industries.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to a B.Tech program in Electronics Engineering, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the institute. Here are the general eligibility criteria for admission to a B.Tech in ECE:
- Academic Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. They should have scored a minimum aggregate percentage of 60% in these subjects (or 55% for reserved category candidates).
- Age Limit: Electronics engineering has got no specific age limit. Although depending per college, most engineering colleges have an upper age limit of 25 years for general category candidates and 30 years for reserved category candidates.
- Entrance Exam: To be eligible for admission to a B.Tech program in Electronics engineering, candidates must qualify for the entrance exa...
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- Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Mathematical Proficiency
- Technical Knowledge
- Programming Proficiency
- Problem solving
Types of Job Roles
Electronics engineering is a highly diverse and dynamic field, offering a wide range of career opportunities. The job roles of an electronics engineer vary on the industry and specific job profile. Here in, we will discuss some of the common job roles of an electronics engineer.
- Electronics Design Engineer: An electronics design engineer is responsible for designing and developing electronic circuits, systems, and components. They work on designing and testing circuits for various applications like power electronics, communication systems, control systems, and more.
- Hardware Engineer: A hardware engineer is responsible for designing and testing computer hardware, including microprocessors, circuit boards, and other electronic components. They work on developing and testing hardware products and ensuring that they meet industry standards and specifications.
- Embedded Systems Engineer: An embedded systems engineer is responsible for developing and testing software that is integrated into hardware systems. They work on designing and testing microcontrollers and other computer systems that are integrated into electronic devices.
- Control Systems Engineer: A control systems engineer designs and develops systems that regulate and control processes, such as industrial machinery, power plants, and robotics. They work on developing algorithms and control systems that ensure these processes run efficiently and smoothly.
- Telecommunications Engineer: A telecommunications engineer is responsible for designing and developing communication systems, such as telephones, radios, and satellites. They work on developing hardware and software systems that transmit and receive signals across different communication channels.
- Research and Development Engineer: A research and development engineer is responsible for designing and developing new technologies, products, and applications. They work on developing prototypes, testing new technologies, and improving existing products and systems.
Admission
The admission process is somewhat similar across all institutes, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and private colleges. Below are the step-by-step guidelines to the admission procedure:
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Candidates should have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.
- Register and Fill Application Form: Candidates register for the entrance exam conducted by the institute, such as JEE Main or JEE Advanced, and fill out the application form with their personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload Documents and Pay Application Fee: Candidates upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and supporting documents, as per the institute's guidelines, and pay the application fee online.
- Download Admit Card: Candidates can download the admit card from the institute's website by entering their application number and password.
- Appear for Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for the entrance exam conducted by the institute, which typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Check Results: The institute will announce the entrance exam results on its official website.
- Attend Counselling: Candidates are to be called for counseling based on their rank in the entrance exam. During the counseling process, candidates select their preferred course and institute based on their rank and availability of seats.
- Allocation of Seats: The institute will allocate seats based on the candidate's rank, preference, and availability of seats. Candidates that got allocated seats must pay the admission fee and complete the formalities to confirm their admission. A small Document Verification round follows.
- Report to the Institute: Candidates must report to the institute on the specified date with all the necessary documents, such as mark sheets, certificates, and proof of identity, to complete the admission process.
NOTE:
Private colleges have a relatively easier admission procedure. Most of them have their own entrance exams, and candidates can secure admission based on their performance in these exams.
Exam
Electronic Engineering encompasses various subjects candidates require to excel. Some of the crucial subjects are as explained below:
- Electromagnetism: Electromagnetism is the branch of physics that studies the electromagnetic force, including the interaction between electrically charged particles and magnetic fields. It plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of magnetism, electricity, and electromagnetic waves.
- Telecommunications Engineering: This subject focuses on the designing and development of communication systems that includes telephones, wireless networks, and satellite systems that involves the transmission and reception of information.
- Digital Electronics: Digital electronics deals with the study and design of electronic circuits that use digital signals to process and store information involving the use of logic gates, flip-flops, registers, and microprocessors to manipulate and control digital data.
- Power Electronics: Power electronics is the field that deals with the conversion and control of electrical power. It involves the design and analysis of circuits and devices such as rectifiers, inverters, and converters.
- Analogue Electronics: Analogue electronics focuses on the study and design of electronic circuits that process continuous, non-digital signals.
- Engineering Drawing : Engineering drawing involves the creation of accurate and detailed technical drawings that convey design information.
- Applied Mechanics: Applied mechanics is the study of how physical laws and principles can be applied to solve engineering problems covering topics such as statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and fluid mechanics.
- Linear Integrated Circuit: It is an electronic device that combines multiple analog circuits onto a single chip typically including amplifiers, filters, voltage regulators, etc.
- Microwave Engineering: Microwave engineering focuses on the design and development of high-frequency systems and devices used in telecommunications, radar, and satellite communications. It involves the study of electromagnetic waves, microwave components, and transmission lines.
- Signal Processing: Signal processing is the field that deals with the analysis, modification, and interpretation of signals involving techniques such as filtering, compression, modulation, and demodulation.
Prep Books
The following textbooks are highly regarded in the field of electronics engineering, offering valuable knowledge and practical insights. They give in-depth knowledge about numerous topics ranging from algorithms and mathematics to electronics, circuits, and programming.
- "Microelectronic circuits" - Adel Sedra
- "Engineering Electromagnetics with CD" - John Buck
- "Automatic Control Systems" - Benjamin Kuo
- "Signals and systems" - Alan V. Oppenheim
- "Learning the Art of Electronics: A Hands-On Lab Course" - Paul Horowitz
FAQ's
Electronics Engineering is a sub-discipline of Electrical Engineering that focuses on designing, developing, and testing electronic devices and systems.
Electronics engineers create, design, and test electronic components, circuits, and systems for various industries and applications.
Electronics engineers have diverse career opportunities in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Yes, Electronics Engineers can advance to higher-level positions like project managers, technical leads, or research and development specialists.
