-N. M. Kulkarni

• • “We love those subjects which
    we understand and
    later work on it.”

Welcome to the fascinating world of Electronics

(SPEED)-Society for Promotion of Excellence in Electronics Discipline

On the onset, you are most welcome in this fascinating world of Electronics. You have chosen the path of studying Electronics, which is full of glory and glamour. As we look around we would find a number of electronic gadgets. Electronics is a very wide field embracing almost all walks of human endeavor. When we look back into our history, we find that human culture has grown exponentially, mostly fuelled by scientific discovery and inventions have thoroughly affected our social, cultural and economical lives. They have freed humans from labor intensive work, barriers of distance and provided comforts and conveniences.

The audio/video entertainment appliances, various gaming platforms, mobile telephones, PCs, automated industrial setups, satellites, various defense related electronic gadgets are all representing an era of fascinating electronics.

Today’s information society has grown rapidly due to the enormous progress in transmission technology, signal processing and computing capacity. The global communication network is being ably supported with geostationary as well as low earth orbit satellite systems, coaxial cable and optical fiber networks, microwave and RF communication systems.

A wide variety of consumer products which are smaller in size, have better functionality and are more powerful and attractive are reaching the marketplace at much cheaper prices. This has made the customer’s working and living easier. Many of these products are such that they would have been mentioned in the fantasies a few years back. In fact some of them even would not have found place in the fantasy book, such is the growth rate and power of electronics. It is a revolution in true sense.

The expanding application sphere

In this fast developing society, electronics has come to stay as the most important branch of science and technology. Several new electronic devices have been invented and are being used in a variety of applications. Industries have used this versatile tool for increasing production, efficiency and control. Consumers are benefitted with a number of devices for entertainment, convenience and ease of life.

The inventions and development have helped in bringing out better devices and the applications demands have motivated the technocrats for betterment in technology. Today the application sphere of electronics is expanding at a phenomenal rate. Newer devices are being developed and brought in use.

The major areas of application of electronics are:

* Agri-electronics and Agro-based food processing
* Automobiles,
* Aviations & Avionics
* Biotechnology,
* Communication,
* Control,
* Consumer Electronics,
* Computers,
* Entertainment,
* Defense,
* Industrial automation,
* Information Technology,
* Instrumentation,
* Infotainment,
* Medical Electronics,
* Robotics,

Career directions in Electronics

Today’s knowledge society has grown rapidly due to enormous progress in communication technology, signal processing and computing capability. Consumers are eager for smaller, more complex, more powerful and reliable products to make the working and living easier. This has created a great demand for properly trained manpower who has acquired various skill sets. Technical professionals with properly acquired skills are required in the diversified industries and organizations.

Career directions in the field of electronics can be broadly categorized as

(a) Scientists, (b) Engineers,

(c) Technologists, and (d) Technicians

Scientists work on theory, new explorations, research and development and contribute to generation of new knowledge and platform for advancement. The scientist put forward the concept, provides novel solution ideas, back them up with knowledge base.

An Engineer’s position stresses on analysis and design and problem solving skills. Engineers use mathematical skills and various design methodologies and tools.

A technologist applies the theory and results obtained from analysis and design to convert them into a product. Technologist basically transforms the designs into manufacturing steps subsequently leading to prototype product.

A Technician is responsible for actual fabrication and testing the product. He has to operate various equipments and has to get involved in troubleshooting and maintenance of existing equipments. Technician operate the production plants and are also responsible for testing the products to confirm specifications or operation as originally thought and designed.

Pursuing career as scientist, one has to be very sound in basics and has to have aptitude for scientific research activities. There are several government, semi-government and private research organizations that provide opportunities for aspiring scientists and researchers. In fact for a person with scientific temper, the field is wide open and several high end career opportunities exist in electronics and various cross-disciplinary areas.

In fact Electronics is a field full of Entrepreneurship opportunities. Self employers are also known as Entrepreneurs.

Technical sales person is responsible for sales of high-end products. Another upcoming field as career direction is that of technical writing.

Technical writer prepares manuals for use and service of electronic equipments. He is also responsible for technical documentation for in-house use in further R & D activities as well as technical promotional document preparations.

Dr. Arvind Shaligram
Chairman, SPEED