Electrical Engineering Disciplines
Electrical engineering disciplines are some of the most diverse when it comes to looking at individual engineering specializations. Electrical engineering itself is charged with the broad mandate of working with electricity and electronics, as well as electromagnetism. Given the huge range of applications for technologies involving these principles, it is not surprising that electrical engineers can choose from a vast number of different specializations and disciplines in which to apply their skills.
Telecommunications is a fascinating field where electrical engineers are given the opportunity to work with cutting edge concepts and technologies, as well as design and improve huge electronic systems that in some cases span the entire globe. Engineers involved in telecommunications may find themselves working with satellite designs and networking issues, solving the problems presented by space and the atmosphere when it comes to signal transmission and latency. They may also be involved in the planning of fiber optic networks in order to more rapidly and reliably transmit data to homes and businesses located back on planet Earth.
Power transmission and management is another interesting discipline for electrical engineers. As more and more alternative energy generating stations come online, and as urban power demands continue to grow, being able to properly manage a power grid becomes increasingly important. Electrical engineers might find themselves designing transmission grids and power networks, or working to develop an efficient cycle for taking advantage of the energy contributions made by solar and wind stations. On a smaller scale, engineers may find themselves dealing with other challenges in this area such as building better battery systems for use in electric hybrid cars, or putting together a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles on the nation’s highways.
The field of robotics and automatic provides some unique opportunities for electrical engineers to flourish. Control engineering, which involves the development of controllers which can direct a system to carry out specific instructions, is a key component of any automated manufacturing process. The robots which build cars, for example, require very complex and precise controls in order to properly put together the vehicles sitting on the assembly line in front of them. Outside of the industrial setting, control engineers and mechatronics engineers are also needed to develop control systems for a huge number of devices. Anything from the cruise control system in a passenger car to the automatic pilot found in a Boeing 747 to the complex traffic light systems and subways found in major cities require elaborate controllers that can react to external inputs as well as follow internal software commands.
Computer engineering and electronic engineering can also be considered as disciplines of electrical engineering. Computer engineers don’t only work with the machines that sit on desks and in laps, but also the more complex systems which are used by corporations to control entire facilities, or which may have military applications. Electronic engineers are specialized in the design and repair of electronic circuits and their components, able to step in and diagnose an issue with a piece of electronic equipment or even design brand new gear to tackle a custom problem. It is clear that these two disciplines can see their skills applied across a wide range of different uses, as computers and electronic circuits are a part of almost every human activity.
The many disciplines of electrical engineering make it one of the most popular and appealing of the engineering fields for students trying to decide where exactly they should specialize. Electrical engineers are in high demand across a huge number of industries, and those who are able to discover their niche in this endlessly interesting field will be able to find the employment they are looking for.
