Civil Engineering/Master, 5-years

What is Electronics?

The concept electronics is used for electronic components, integrated circuits, and electrical systems. Main areas of usage are modern information technology and telecommunications, tools for recording and playing sound and picture, sensors and steering systems, instrumentation and measurement devices. Electronics, information technology and communication technology have undergone immense growth during the past 30 years. Our new technology-based lives are run by the development of miniaturized electrical circuits (microchips) and broadband phone and internet through optical fibers or across wireless channels.

Within transportation we have advanced electrical navigation systems, landing systems for planes, and anti-collision systems for ships and cars. Automatic toll stations across the biggest cities provide money for new roads and environmental friendly traffic. Modern cars are provided with constantly advancing electronics, such as airbag systems, ABS breaks, anti-spin systems and theft alarms.

Modern electronics has revolutionized medical diagnosis by introducing new techniques like CT (computer tomography), MR (magnetic resonance), and ultrasound imaging devices. The industry applies electronics for controlling and supervising production processes and developing new technologies.

Centrally in this picture we also have sensors that can “feel” sound, light, pressure, temperature acceleration, etc., and actuators that can “act”, i.e. perform specific operation such as turning on a switch or transmit sound signals. This advancement in technology and electronics will continue with increasing speed in times to come.

Finally, computers have become common facilities in offices and at home. Through systematic miniaturization of electrical components and circuits, computers and other advanced electronics today are now available for ordinary users for moderate prices.