Analysis of Circuits for EET Majors: Algebra or Calculus?

[Jammin_James]

When it comes to analyzing circuits, what kind of math is used in industry? Algebra or Calculus? I'm an EET major (not a real engineering degree I'm told), and all of my first year DC, AC and devices are algebra based. Is analysis more efficient with calculus?

Also, as an EET with a BS what can I expect to do when I graduate? I'd really like to know the major difference between and EE and EET major. I see you all talk a lot about things I've studied on here so I'm confused about what EEs do vs what I do.

Thankies!

 

[stewartcs]

When it comes to analyzing circuits, what kind of math is used in industry? Algebra or Calculus? I'm an EET major (not a real engineering degree I'm told), and all of my first year DC, AC and devices are algebra based. Is analysis more efficient with calculus?

Also, as an EET with a BS what can I expect to do when I graduate? I'd really like to know the major difference between and EE and EET major. I see you all talk a lot about things I've studied on here so I'm confused about what EEs do vs what I do.

Thankies!

If I recall correctly, the only difference between an EE and EET degree is that the EE is more theoretically oriented and the EET is more practical application oriented.

BTW, an EET (i.e. engineering technology degree) is a real engineering degree. Most programs are ABET accredited which allows you to get your PE license. Nothing fake about that.

CS

 

[rbj]

if you really want to understand how circuits with reactive elements (capacitors and inductors) work, either in AC contexts or transients, you need a little calculus. the fundamental volt-amp characteristics of a capacitor or coil use the notion of the derivative or integral, the fundamental concepts of calculus.

 

[Jammin_James]

Going deeper into the whole EE vs EET thing:

When applying for a job in a company, I heard people in human resources tend to go for EEs, and throw out EETs applications (both BS); I found that rather discouraging. I'm not going change my major because of that though, I love tinkering with the toys in labs too much, and EEs don't seem to get into that side of things.

Also, could someone walk me through a typical work day for an EE vs an EET. It seems the two degrees are interchangeable in some respects, but not all obviously.


And one more thing:

What are some good website that sell components, ICs, parts ect. I'm in a 2-year program at the moment and before I graduate I need to make a project, so I need to buy some stuff, obviously.


Thanks again guys!

 

[Redbelly98]

For buying components, my favorite is
www.digikey.com
they have an excellent online search utility for finding stuff.

There's also www.mouser.com

 

[Proton Soup]

i worked at a company that tried to hire some EETs for automated test of military electronics. for whatever reason, they were just cheap. it's the kind of thing that, given a few years, they'll figure most of it out, but for the most part they just cycled through these guys.

other than that, I'm not that familiar with EET programs or the positions they fill. but maybe some kind of field service rep/field engineer?

 

[Ouabache]

I love tinkering with the toys in labs too much, and EEs don't seem to get into that side of things.

EEs don't tinker, they design, simulate and build (prototype) the toys. That is the fun part of engineering.
The design part does require insight based on good math-based analytical skills.

 

[Jammin_James]

EEs don't tinker, they design, simulate and build (prototype) the toys. That is the fun part of engineering.
The design part does require insight based on good math-based analytical skills.

I love to tinker, but that does not mean I haven't designed some circuits(granted simple ones at this point), or even hate to. I enjoy the problem-solving side too, and I hope to do that too when I graduate.

 

[Ouabache]

Sounds like you're on the right path for success. Keep up the good work..

You will find some great discussions here and around PF that can add to your knowledge base.
When the inspiration strikes, feel free to join in some. If you see something useful, for example; use of standard mathematical formulae, but not sure how to write them here. Just ask and we can give you some pointers.