The electronics revolution of the 20th century transformed many areas of our lives. In the modern world, we are surrounded by various electronics and electronic accessories ranging from smartphones to automobiles, chargers to cables, and wires. Electronics deals with electrical circuits or devices with conductor or semiconductor components to process signals or store and process information. The integrated circuit or components is also called the electronic part. Read on to learn more about electronics.

What are electronic devices?
Electronic devices are those devices that are designed to control electric currents for information processing and system control. These gadgets are an important part of our day-to-day life. These devices handle electric circuits made up of active and passive components. These constituents come in different shapes and sizes, and they function to provide motion control and information processing. These components are grouped into packages and are called integrated circuits.

Components of electrical circuit/device
Electrical components are present in every electronic circuit. They are essential for building efficient electronic devices for different applications. The two types of electrical components are:

Active
Active components are responsible for supplying energy or producing power. These rely on an external source of power to operate. Some of the active components are integrated circuits, transistors, and oscillators.

Passive
Passive components do not require external power to operate. These can only store, absorb or dissipate the received energy. Typical examples of passive components include resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

Types of electronics
There are two types of electronics – analog and digital. Electronic devices usually work in either analog or digital format.

Analog electronics
Analog electronics are used for processing continuous time signals. This type of gadget mostly uses passive circuit components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc. In some devices, active constituents may also be used, like transistors. Analog electronics use relatively high voltage and current and consume more energy with some power loss; examples include FM radios, televisions, and telephones.

Digital electronics
Digital electronics involve the use of discrete-time signals. These devices use only active circuit components. The voltage and current used in digital electronics are less compared to analog devices. Digital devices also consume less power and do not have any power loss. Examples include computers, smartphones, digital cameras, and digital watches. Most modern electronic equipment uses digital electronics.

Electronic accessories
Electronic accessories are equipment that can add to the function of an electronic device. Some include cables, adaptors, speakers, gaming accessories, audio accessories, etc.

Application of electronics in various fields
Consumer electronics
Consumer electronics refers to electronic devices meant for everyday use. These include:
Electronic gadgets such as computers, scanners, and projectors are used in office spaces.
Home appliances like washing machines, microwaves, and vacuum cleaners.
Audio and video systems like headphones, DVD players, and television.
And video game consoles are all electronics.

Industrial electronics
In the industrial sector, production has doubled due to automation. They use electronics for motor device control, machine learning, robotics, power electronics, etc.

Electronics in the healthcare sector
Advanced instruments used in the healthcare sector for diagnosis, monitoring, data collection, and reporting rely on electronics. Some examples are heart rate monitors, ultrasound scanners, and x-ray machines.

Automobile industry
Electronics are also used widely in the automobile industry, especially in engine control and entertainment systems. Car electronics include anti-lock braking systems, GPS navigation devices, window regulators, airbag control, etc.

Defense and aerospace
Electronics is widely employed in defense and aerospace. It is used in missile launching systems, aircraft systems, cockpit controllers, military radars, etc.

Communication
Electronics have also enabled people to connect around the world. Systems such as smartphones and the internet allow for instant communication.

Meteorological and Oceanography
Modern electronic devices used in meteorological and oceanography have helped to collect vital information about the weather and ocean. Some of them are Barometers, anemometers, hygrometers, and drifter buoys.

Opportunities in the electronics field
The electronics industry is known for many significant innovations. As a result of new development in technology and booming industries, many electronics jobs are open for professionals in this field. These roles include electrical engineers, architectural engineering managers, biomedical engineers, aerospace engineers, and electronic technicians.

The employment opportunity in electronics is expected to continue growing. You can enroll in any of the numerous electronic courses universities provide to build your subject knowledge and grow in your career. You will typically need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or electronics engineering to enter a job role in this field. Electronics is a competitive industry, and to be a successful professional, you should also aim to attain technical skills beyond theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion
Electronics is a vast and evolving field responsible for shaping the world. Electronic devices make our lives comfortable and have changed how we work and communicate. With the technological advancements, it is evident that the electronic and electrical industry will continue to remain a dominant sector.