Electronics is that the branch of science and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical elements like vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits. The nonlinear behavior of those elements and their ability to regulate electron flows makes amplification of weak signals attainable, and is typically applied to info and signal processing. Electronics is distinct from electrical and electro-mechanical science and technology that deals with the generation, distribution, switching, storage and conversion of voltage to and from alternative energy forms using wires, motors, generators, batteries, switches, relays, transformers, resistors and alternative passive elements. This distinction started around 1906 with the invention by Lee De Forest of the triode that created electrical amplification of weak radio signals and audio signals attainable with a non-mechanical device. Till 1950 this field was referred to as "radio technology" as a result of its principal application was the look and theory of radio transmitters, receivers and vacuum tubes.
Today, most electronic devices use semiconductor elements to perform electron management. The study of semiconductor devices and connected technology is taken into account a branch of solid state physics, whereas the look and construction of electronic circuits to unravel sensible issues come back below electronics engineering. This text focuses on engineering aspects of electronics. |