Difference Between Electrical and Electronic Engineering Studies: Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to engineering studies, there can often be a lot of overlap between different disciplines. However, when it comes to electrical and electronic engineering, there are distinct differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the key distinctions that make electrical and electronic engineering unique.

Key Distinctions Between Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The field of engineering is vast and diverse, with various sub-disciplines catering to different specializations. While some subjects have a significant overlap, there are certain areas where these fields diverge and become distinct branches of study.

Electrical Engineering vs. Electronic Engineering

The primary difference between electrical and electronic engineering lies in the type of systems they deal with:

Electrical Engineering: Focuses on power systems, power electronics, and electrical machines. Electronic Engineering: Focuses on electronics devices and circuits, including electronic components and systems.

Major Differences in Voltage Supply

A significant distinction between the two fields is the level of voltage and current supply they deal with:

Electrical Engineering: Deals with higher voltage and current supplies, ranging from a few volts to thousands of volts, up to 1200KV in some cases. Electronic Engineering: Deals with lower voltage and current supplies, typically below 12V.

Field-Specific Applications in Electrical Engineering

In the realm of electrical engineering, the focus is on:

Generation and transmission of power Utilization and distribution of electrical energy Measurement and regulation through the VIR relationship and power calculations

The core of electrical engineering revolves around control systems, whether manual or automated:

Manual control: Switching and regulating devices powered by manual control methods. Automatic control: Control systems powered by electric relays and electromagnets for automated regulation.

At the heart of automatic control is the distinction between:

Electromagnetic control: Using relays and electromagnets to control electrical systems. Electrical Control: Utilizing vacuum tubes and transistors in electronic circuits to perform complex control tasks.

Focus Areas in Electronic Engineering

Electronic engineers, on the other hand, focus on:

Board and hardware design Integrated circuit (IC) design and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Embedded systems and software design

This field is more inclined towards:

Compact devices with low voltage circuits, often running on 5V or less.

Practical Implementation and Training

The practical implementation of theoretical knowledge is a critical aspect of both fields. In the realm of electronics, it is often explored in:

IC labs: Where theoretical concepts are practically applied and experimented with, allowing students to grasp the intricacies of electronic systems.

Professional Context and Roles

While the term "electrical engineer" can encompass a broad range of responsibilities, electronic engineers specialize in specific areas, such as:

Power distribution grid operatives (Electrical Engineers) Active component developers (Electronic Engineers)

In reality, the line between the two can sometimes be blurred, as seen in universities where program names might reflect a focus on either electrical or electronic systems.

Summary of Key Differences

To summarize, electrical engineering deals with power systems and systems operating at higher voltage levels, while electronic engineering focuses on the design and implementation of electronic components and systems operating at lower voltage levels. Both fields are essential in the development of modern technology, each contributing unique knowledge and skills to the advancement of the engineering industry.