What is Electronics: Definition and 638 Discussions

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. S

    Electronic Repair: Learn How to Fix PCBs

    Hello, I am a student in mechanical engineering and also like electronics ( repairs and things like that ),i know electronics and how to build circuits,even embedded systems,but have no clue how to repair a circuit. I thought it'd be easy,but I soon found out that trying to fix pcbs isn't a...
  2. K

    Other Upper division undergraduate electronics and circuits textbooks

    Hello everyone, I am in an upper division undergraduate electronics and circuits class right now and the textbook that were using (Eggleston: basic electronics for scientists and engineers) is not resonating with me. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for a textbook that explains...
  3. J

    Best place to find bulk old mixed up electronics components

    Hello, Anybody have any good sources of mixed up old electrical components? For example: an old drawer full of mixed up resistors and capacitors; wax caps and jumbled up stuff? I have a HUGE jar that I am trying to fill up with this type of thing for my lab and was just wondering if anybody...
  4. W

    How to find the current and voltage in a circuit with current sources?

    Summary: Facing a circuit with 2 parallel resistors and 2 current sources (1 dependent, 1 independent). Trying to find the current, voltage, power delivered by the independent current source and power delivered by the dependent current source. I'm trying to start by finding the current i0 but...
  5. C

    I How do I calculate the expected Gain?

    I am doing an experiment in electronics with AC RLC circuits, But there are a few things about what I need to do that I don't understand. First: While I know in the circuit diagram we include the internal resistance of the Inductor in series, but I don't know why we include it in series rather...
  6. J

    Engineering Calculating the gap of a parallel plate capacitor

    I've been given this question for my TMA2, I've tried looking at the learning material but it gives no information on how to calculate the gap? Does anyone have a formula for this? Or can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks
  7. R

    Tin Whisker (TW) growth in Electronics

    I am preparing a presentation on TW and have reviewed the NASA site which is good, but most of the data is at least 10 years old. Does anyone have any current data on TW mitigation? Here is the NASA link I used ►► https://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/ Thanks, Ray
  8. dvscrobe

    Engineering Reverse Current PMDC Motor Braking Using Power Electronics

    Summary: How do you determine the armature current during the braking time? For a simple permanent magnet DC motor with a known resistance and inductance in series with the armature, I would like to know how to determine the armature current if there was an electronic motor drive controlling...
  9. og_ogun_srvs

    Current or Power Reference Tracking with Power Electronics Converters

    Hi. This is my first post. Thanks to all who give it a look. I am working on an application that has very stringent power output requirements. There is a rechargeable battery that I am trying to manage through a bi-directional boost/buck converter as is typical of many modern-day electric...
  10. H

    Solid state electronics textbooks

    Summary: Please does anyone has a lecture note dat explain solid state electronic I need a lecture note or a textbook dat explain solid state electronic especially band gap Crystal growth Diffusion of semiconductor Fermini level
  11. D

    The 555 timers I use don't always generate pulses

    I have 3 555 timers. They don't always produce pulse. Sometimes They do. Sometimes they don't. Why don't they always produce pulses? I use electrolytic capacitors. There is nothing connected to the 5th pin.
  12. astroman707

    Studying What's the best way to apply the concepts learned in physics 2?

    I'm finishing up physics 2(intro E&M) at my college, and I'd like to apply the concepts I learned in it over the summer. I was considering working through an electronics book, or building a radio, etc. What kind of projects or books do you recommend to cement some of the topics I learned in a...
  13. thegreengineer

    Electrical How can I waterproof an electrical component?

    Good evening, it's been a while since my last thread here in PF. I will go straight to the point: I want to measure temperature using an NTC3950 thermistor. My circuit diagram is as follows: It's basically a voltage divider. By varying the temperature acting upon the thermistor the output...
  14. iVenky

    I Why high Q factors have low phase noise

    If we define Q factor as 2*pi* energy stored/ energy dissipated per cycle, what's the physical insight behind obtaining low phase noise for oscillators when we have high Q factors? (I know the mathematical derivation based on finding the frequency profile of an oscillator (like LC oscillator)...
  15. A

    B The Gain of the Inverting Amplifier and Virtual Earth....

    This is an inverting amplifier incorporating an ideal op-amp with infinite open loop gain. I have a simple question concerning the derivation of its gain (-R2/R1). The point I circled is at 0V (Virtual Earth) but then, if V+=V-, Shouldn't Vout=0 regardless of what R2 and R1 are?? What's wrong in...
  16. Baibhab Bose

    Temperature of a thin bulb filament

    In my assignment question, the length L and radius r is given and asked to find out how the Temperature of a thin bulb filament which depends on those two parameters. and the answer is r^(1/4)*L^(-1/2). I can't figure out how. Which relation is involved?
  17. Muhammad Usman

    How is the Aging of Electronic Equipment determined?

    I am working in telecom company and they told me that they installed new system and then they told me the equipment will be EOS (End of Service) after 5 years. I was wondering that how the electronics equipment's age is calculated. If I strictly categorize my questions and explain the confusion...
  18. R

    Equivalent resistance with a capacitor

    Homework Statement So I need to find the equivalent resistance for the following RC circuit to calculate the time constant, but I got stuck in terms of finding out the equivalent resistance. Homework Equations V = IR The Attempt at a Solution So the thing I am not sure on is how do you...
  19. AchillesWrathfulLove

    When electronics engineer design/construct circuits?

    Do they have to know advanced math to design and construct circuits? What kind of math goes into design and construction of a circuit? Can you let the software simulation take care of that? Do you really need to know the voltage across a capacitor? How about the time constant of an RL Circuit or...
  20. AchillesWrathfulLove

    How do I learn to design and make my own electronics

    I have currently only worked on resistor networks and gaining the skills to analyze them. I am now beginning to learn about RL, RC and RLC circuits and still I don't think this is enough knowledge to create my own circuits. To create a circuit you must have a function in mind as in "what do I...
  21. akaliuseheal

    Reading datasheets to pick a comparator

    Hello, I've got a voltage comparator, well only on schematics, I need to chose one and I need some help interpreting datasheet. The datasheet I was looking at is of a lm393. My input voltage ranges from -7.8V to +7.8V. The datasheet says -0.3 to something. So it's not usable, right? I was also...
  22. akaliuseheal

    Hysteresis of a voltage comparator

    Hello, I am designing a circuit which basically takes two voltages (V1,V2) and based upon which one of the two is greater, turns corresponding LED. So, I have got to the part where I have output from differential op amp that is the input of the inverting voltage comparator with hysteresis...
  23. R

    What's the advantage of using a voltage buffer amplifier?

    i want to understand what's the advantage of using a voltage follower
  24. F

    Where can I order electronics?

    Can you guys send me the link to the website to buy the 50v 220uf capacitor and 1/4w 30k ohm resistor? Since radio shack went out, its harder to find electronic component stores in my area Thanks
  25. S

    Want to build a simple audio filter

    Hi, I have an old system that outputs a stereo audio signal (using Left and Right RCA audio cables). However for some reason this system is also outputting a high-frequency noise on both channels regardless of its operation. At this point I think it would be simpler to build a simple audio...
  26. akaliuseheal

    Use of 4 floating current sources

    Homework Statement I have 4 resistive sensors thus I need to tie 4 floating current sources. Floating current source will give me output voltage linear to the resistance of a sensor. I know it is not the best solution but it is good enough. Image provided: Homework Equations None The Attempt...
  27. F

    Need Forum for Outlandish Science Ideas

    Hello, Does anyone know of a science forum that deals with far out, controversial theories & ideas? This would be similar to the science fiction forum here at PF but may even be more outlandish, however postings would receive serious consideration. I have made some simple animations that I...
  28. akaliuseheal

    Logic gate question -- Tying both inputs of a gate together

    Hello, I don't know much about logic gates and how they work. I was wondering if this (Image) can work. (Is something like this possible?) The idea is that if we have logic 1, AND gate gives 1 while NOR gives 0. And vice versa.
  29. P

    Voltage drop conceptual questions

    I'm having trouble understanding how voltage drops. My understanding of voltage is a difference in potential, with potential being how much work is necessary to move a test charge to a specific orientation. So, if we have a circuit with say, a 12V battery and a 1 ohm resistor, and I had a +1...
  30. hugo_faurand

    Need help with MOSFETs and photoresistors

    Hello everyone ! At High School I have to make a little robot which is steerable with light. It has 2 photoresistors, if a photoresistor received light it switches on a motor. That allows us to go leftward or rightward. But, I have a problem. I don't manage to link every components between us...
  31. Guidestone

    Engineering From Mechatronics To Electronics

    Hello people. I recently finished studying mechatronics engineering. I decided to pursue this degree as I wanted to learn about many areas of engineering. When I chose this degree I just could not make up my mind on which side of engineering to follow so I attempted to go after everything. At...
  32. S

    Figure 3a shows a 50 Hz, high-voltage transmission line

    Homework Statement Figure shows a 50 Hz, high-voltage, transmission line. The relationships between the sending and receiving end voltages and currents are given by the complex ABCD equations: where 'S' stands for sending-end and 'R' stands for receiving-end (a) Given the parameter...
  33. A

    Where to Learn how to Design Circuits?

    Hello, I'm currently getting my degree in mechanical engineering but have lately taken an interest in electronics. I've ordered several books and have learned a ton about resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, etc. However, every circuit I have made so far has been one that somebody else...
  34. Const@ntine

    Engineering Building a Circuit in SPICE -- Why am I getting this error?

    Homework Statement I've got the following Circuit: And I have to make it in Spice. 2. The attempt at a solution So far I've got: Circuit Of Ex1 *Circuit Topology V1 1 0 dc 10 R1 1 2 4.7k R2 2 0 4.7k V2 2 0 ac 5 *Types Of Analysis .dc lin 500 100 10k *Output Statements .probe *Termination...
  35. mheruian

    Understand the Current Consumption of an IC in its Datasheet

    << Mentor Note -- Thread moved to the EE forum >> Hi, I'm new here and maybe this is the best section where I could need help :) I've been interested in electronics lately (not schooling anymore, more on self-study, but I'm not that smart, just a dedicated one and i can't understand everything...
  36. F

    Engineering Stable Load Current and Voltage in a Simple MOSFET Driver Circuit

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I know what the transients should generally look like, the only part that's throwing me off is how to model the intended load voltage of 18V. I'm guessing that when the switch is on (after transients) the load voltage will be close...
  37. A

    What are the values of Rf and V2 for the given circuit?

    Homework Statement Hello, I am trying to Calculate The Resistance Rf and the value of the Voltage V2. The setup is a logarithmic Op amp connected to a differential Op amp. Both Op amps obey the Golden Rules. Attached below is my attempt at the solution and the question. Currently, I have an...
  38. FlimFlam

    How can I get my Pi 3 to work in a vacuum?

    Im trying to do some data logging, using a raspberry pi 3 would be super easy as it has a built in WiFi and Bluetooth receiver as well as an SD card. However when the vacuum gets to about -30inHg the Pi shuts off and the red light starts flashing as if there is no OS. Temperatures arent crazy...
  39. M

    Voltage Output in subtractor photocircuit

    Hello All, I work in an optical lab and am currently attempting to determine the voltage output of a subtractor circuit I've wired up (as I'd like to work back from my output voltage and FFT magnitudes to read out the value of a magnetic field using faraday magnetometry.) So my circuit is as...
  40. A

    What Does Ground Mean Exactly?

    I've never been given a clean cut explanation of ground. I've heard some people refer to it as a common return path for current. Another as being a relative point that has a potential of 0V. Sometime people say Earth ground which I'm pretty sure actually means the ground of the Earth (not...
  41. akaliuseheal

    How do I calculate the voltage of a diode in a simple electronics circuit?

    Homework Statement It's simple problem but I get stuck while calculating the VD. Currents and voltages in the circuit are required. So V, VD and I Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Since VA<VK I would assume that diode is OFF and then the diode can be represented by break. Upon...
  42. J

    Power Electronics: Choppers RLE Load

    Homework Statement Homework Equations I rms for triangular waveform = I(max)/ (1.732) R = V/I The Attempt at a Solution Since there is RLE load, current waveform is triangular. It is Source current is Average of I source. I used integration. Assumed Time period = 10 seconds. So T on = 5...
  43. T

    Forward Transfer Characteristic of Triode - Gray Searle P1.1

    Homework Statement This problem is from Gray and Searle's Electronic Principles: P1.1 - The MOS transistor characteristics of Fig. 1.8 are a graphical presentation of the functional relationship ## i_{D} = i_{D}(v_{GS},v_{DS} )## in which ##v_{GS}## is taken as a...
  44. J

    Power Electronics controlled rectifier solved example

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Solved example The Attempt at a Solution I think the red part should be (alpha/firing angle) = 180 - 45 Here since the angle is 45, it makes no difference if you do 90 + 45 or 180 - 45, but i think it should be 180 - 45. Am I right?
  45. 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...
  46. 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...
  47. 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...
  48. 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...
  49. 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?
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