Introduction to Philosophy of Science and Engineering Profession

CHAPTER ONE

PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROFESSION

1.1. INTRODUCTION

What is philosophy?

Philosophy is the systematic and critical study of fundamental questions that arise both in everyday life and
through the practice of other disciplines. It is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those
connected with reality, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. it comes from the Ancient
Greek word philosophia, which literally means "love of wisdom". There are two primary
goals in philosophy i.e knowledge of truth on the one hand and achieving or realizing states of goodness on
the other.

What is science?

Science is investigation, understanding and discovery of nature, its composition and its behavior (i.e., “laws
of nature”). Why? To Build (experiments, tools, devices, etc.) to learn.

It is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a
systematic methodology based on evidence. Scientific methodology includes the following common steps.

The primary goal of sientiest is expanasion of knwledge and understanding its processes.

What is engineering?

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Engineering is the process of designing the human made [Link] is the systematic application of
knowledge and experience to solve problems and protect and improve lives. It takes a thought, or an abstract
idea, and translates it into reality. In short terms, engineering is the use of scientific principles to design and
build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. ... The
term engineering is derived from the Latin ingenium, meaning "cleverness" and ingeniare, meaning "to
contrive, devise".

What engineer do?

Engineers applies knowledge of mathmatics and the physical sciences to the efficient design and
construction of usable devices, structures and [Link] fellowing are some of the tasks that an engineer
do.

 Design products
 Design machinery to build and test these products
 Design Plants in which those products are made
 Design the systems that ensure the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process
 Design, plan and supervise the construction of buildings, highways, transit systems.
 Develop and implement ways to extract, process and use raw materials such as petroleum and natural
gas
 Exploit resources to satisfy the nations need

What is technology ?

Technology is the skills, methods, and processes used to achieve goals. People can use technology to:

 Produce goods or services

 To carry out goals, such as scientific investigation or sending a spaceship to the moon
 Solve problems, such as disease or famine

It usually involves a specific piece of equipment, but that equipment can be incredibly simple or dazzlingly
complex.

Technology can be confused with engineering often as they both are very closely related. Schools that teach
engineering are called „Schools of Technology‟ after all. These may make us question about the terms and
their true meanings.

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The difference between technology and engineering is that engineering is the knowledge of science and
techniques to manufacture something new. On the other hand, the product manufactured by applying the
principles of engineering is called technology.

Engineering is the mind and effort into making something; technology is the result of application of this
mind and effort. Engineering is a problem whereas technology is the solution.

Comparison Table Between Technology and Engineering

Parameters of
Comparison Technology Engineering

Using knowledge and raw

materials to make something The study of scientific applications to know how
Input innovative for the society. to make new inventions for the society.

Devices we see around us like our

mobile phones, laptops, the air Engineering provides us with an understanding
conditioner, etc. are all products of of how we can combine knowledge and
Output technology. resources to create new technology.

Orientation Technology is more action-based. Engineering is more knowledge-based.

Technology that already exists in addition to

Raw materials some other raw materials for making the
required Knowledge and its application. product.

It cannot be produced in a large number as it

Technology is produced in masses creates a trial product. If the trial is successful,
as it has already been tried and more of the same products are manufactured and
Production tested. it becomes technology.

More reliable as it has already been Less reliable as it is manufactured on a trial

Reliability tested. basis.

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Generally, Technology is the application of knowledge and making a new product. Technology not only
makes our life easier but has several other uses. It helps in building the economy of countries and some of
the strongest countries in the world are where they are because of advancements in technology.

Engineering is studying the sciences and applying its principles to make new technology. While engineering
can be considered as the question, like how to build a time machine? Technology can be considered as the
[Link] technology is often used to engineer more products. Engineering uses one‟s mind and
efforts to create something new. The field of engineering is vast and has several areas like mechanical
engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, etc.

1.2. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS

1.3. WHAT IS PROFESSION?

A Profession is a disciplined group of individuals who adhere to ethical standards and who hold themselves
out as, and are accepted by the public as possessing special knowledge and skills in a widely recognised
body of learning derived from research, education and training at a high level, and who are prepared to apply
this knowledge and exercise these skills in the interest of others.

1.3.1. Requirements of profession

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 Requires specialized and highly skilled knowledge

 Requires an academic training
 Regulated by professional bodies
 Examination of competence
 Vital to society
 Compensation is higher than other occupations
 Enforces high standard of legal and ethical conduct
1.3.2. Elements of Professionalism
 Competence
 Integrity
 Responsibility
 Accountability

Is engineering a profession?

Engineering possesses those attributes that typically characterize a profession

 Satisfies an indispensable and beneficial need

 Requires the exercise of carefulness and judgment
 Involves activities that require knowledge and skill not commonly possessed by the general public
 Has group consciousness for the promotion of knowledge and professional ideas and for rendering
social services
 Has a legal status and requires well-formulated standards of admission

The engineering profession

 Whether the end result is a product, a process, a system or service, engineers need to consider safety,
reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
 Engineering is a career based on logical, systematic problem solving, generally in hightech,
industrial, or scientific fields

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CHAPTER TWO

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

2.1. INTRODUCTION

Engineers are problem solvers. Successful engineers possess good communication skills and are team
players. They have a good grasp of fundamental physical laws and mathematics. Engineers apply physical
and chemical laws and mathematics to design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of millions of
products and services. They consider important factors such as sustainability, efficiency, cost, reliability, and
safety when designing products. Engineers are dedicated to lifelong learning and service to other.

2.1.1. What is Electrical Engineering?

Electrical Engineering — also called electrical and electronic engineering deals with the study and application of
electricity, electronics and electromagnetism to design, build, test, and operate electrical devices and systems.

Electrical engineering encompasses all aspects of electricity from power engineering (the development of the devices
for the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power) to electronics.

It deals with the basic forms of energy that run our world. Whether it is gas, hydro, fuel cell, solar, geothermal, or
wind energy, electrical engineers deal with distributing these energies from their sources to our homes, factories,
offices, hospitals, and schools.

Electrical engineering also involves the exciting field of electronics and informationtechnology. It deals with the
research, design, integration, and application of circuits and devices used in the transmission and processing of
information. Information is now generated, transmitted, received, and stored electronically on a scale unprecedented in
history, and there is every indication that the explosive rate of growth in this field will continue unabated.

From microchips that control our computers and life-saving hospital equipment to mobile phones and the internet,
from radios and television to fiber optics and satellite communications, from spacecraft to industrial systems,
Electrical Engineers have made remarkable contributions to our world.

Consequently, Electrical Engineers design, build, test, and supervise the manufacturing and operation of a variety of
electrical devices and systems.

The first practical application of electricity was the telegraph, in 1837. Electrical engineering emerged as a discipline
in 1864 when James Clerk Maxwell summarized the basic laws of electricity in mathematical form and predicted that

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radiation of electromagnetic energy would occur in a form that later became known as radio waves. The need for
electrical engineers was not felt until the invention of the telephone (1876) and the incandescent lamp (1878).

As we enter the 21st century, the technology that surrounds us will continue to expand and Electrical Engineers are
leading the way.

2.1.2. Greatest achievements of Electrical Engineering in the 20th century

[Link]. Electrification

Electrification is the generation; transmit ion and distribution of electrical energy. The energy may be generated from
different power plant such as hydro power plant,diesel power plant, nuclear power plant, thermal (steam) power
plant…and then transmitted to the substation. Finally the energy will be distributed to factories,hospitals,homes…as
per the need of the customers.

[Link]. Television and Radio

Television, system of sending and receiving pictures and sound by means of electronic signals transmitted
through wires and optical fibers or by electromagnetic radiation. These signals are usually broadcast from a
central source, a television station, to reception devices such as television sets in homes or relay stations
such as those used by cable television service providers. Television is the most widespread form of
communication in the world. Though most people will never meet the leader of a country, travel to the
moon, or participate in a war, they can observe these experiences through the images on their television.

Television has a variety of applications in society, business, and science. The most common use of
television is as a source of information and entertainment for viewers in their homes. Security personnel also
use televisions to monitor buildings, manufacturing plants, and numerous public facilities. Public utility
employees use television to monitor the condition of an underground sewer line, using a camera attached to
a robot arm or remote-control vehicle. Doctors can probe the interior of a human body with a microscopic
television camera without having to conduct major surgery on the patient. Educators use television to reach
students throughout the world.

Radio, system of communication employing electromagnetic waves propagated through space. Because of
their varying characteristics, radio waves of different lengths are employed for different purposes and are
usually identified by their frequency. The shortest waves have the highest frequency, or number of cycles
per second; the longest waves have the lowest frequency, or fewest cycles per second.

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Radio waves are used not only in radio broadcasting but in wireless telegraphy, two-way communication for
law enforcement, telephone transmission, wireless Internet, television, radar, navigational systems, GPS, and
space communication. In the atmosphere, the physical characteristics of the air cause slight variations in
velocity, which are sources of error in such radio-communications systems as radar. Also, storms or
electrical disturbances produce anomalous phenomena in the propagation of radio waves.

Because electromagnetic waves in a uniform atmosphere travel in straight lines and because the earth's
surface is approximately spherical, long-distance radio communication is made possible by the reflection of
radio waves from the ionosphere. Radio waves shorter than about 10 m (about 33 ft) in wavelength—
designated as very high, ultrahigh, and superhigh frequencies (VHF, UHF, and SHF)—are usually not
reflected by the ionosphere; thus, in normal practice, such very short waves are received only within line-of-
sight distances. Wavelengths shorter than a few centimeters are absorbed by water droplets or clouds; those
shorter than 1.5 cm (0.6 in) may be absorbed selectively by the water vapor present in a clear atmosphere.

A typical radio communication system has two main components, a transmitter and a receiver. The
transmitter generates electrical oscillations at a radio frequency called the carrier frequency. Either the
amplitude or the frequency itself may be modulated to vary the carrier wave. An amplitude-modulated signal
consists of the carrier frequency plus two sidebands resulting from the modulation. Frequency modulation
produces more than one pair of sidebands for each modulation frequency. These produce the complex
variations that emerge as speech or other sound in radio broadcasting, and in the alterations of light and
darkness in television broadcasting.

[Link]. Electric cars

Electric Car, automobile propelled by one or more electric motors, drawing power from an onboard source
of electricity. Electric cars are mechanically simpler and more durable than gasoline-powered cars. They
produce less pollution than do gasoline-powered cars.

An electric car stores its energy on board—typically in batteries, but alternatively with capacitors or
flywheel storage devices. Or it may generate energy using a fuel cell or generator. A fuel cell is a specialized
form of battery that combines hydrogen with oxygen in a chemical reaction that produces electricity and
water vapor. Unlike an electric cell or battery, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging; it
operates as long as the fuel and an oxidizer are supplied continuously from outside the cell. Most current
versions of electric cars use some combination of these energy sources. “Pure” electric cars, however, run
only on batteries and need a charger to replenish the battery's power from an electrical outlet.

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Most electric cars use lead-acid batteries, but new types of batteries, including zinc-chlorine, nickel metal
hydride and sodium-sulfur, are becoming more common.
[Link]. Internet

Internet, computer-based global information [Link] Internet is composed of many interconnected

computer networks. Each network may link tens, hundreds, or even thousands of computers, enabling them
to share information and processing power. The Internet has made it possible for people all over the world to
communicate with one another effectively and inexpensively. Unlike traditional broadcasting media, such as
radio and television, the Internet does not have a centralized distribution system. Instead, an individual who
has Internet access can communicate directly with anyone else on the Internet, post information for general
consumption, retrieve information, use distant applications and services, or buy and sell products.

[Link]. Computer

Computer, machine that performs tasks, such as calculations or electronic communication, under the
control of a set of instructions called a program. Programs usually reside within the computer and are
retrieved and processed by the computer‟s electronics. The program results are stored or routed to output
devices, such as video display monitors or printers. Computers perform a wide variety of activities reliably,
accurately, and quickly.
[Link]. Communication (telephone, cell phone, video conferencing, satellite and radar communication)

Telephone, instrument that sends and receives voice messages and data. Telephones convert speech and
data to electrical energy, which is sent great distances. Modern technology has made the telephone much
more portable, convenient, and versatile. Lightweight, handheld cell phones make it possible to place and
receive calls on-the-go in many locations and at any time. Traditional telephones now link with radio,
Internet, and satellite services as part of global telecommunications.

 Cell phone

Cellular Radio Telephone also called cellular telephone or cell phone, low-powered, lightweight radio
transceiver (combination transmitter-receiver) that provides voice telephone and other services to mobile
users. Cellular telephones primarily operate like portable or cordless telephones. However, unlike
conventional wire-based cordless phones, cellular telephones are completely portable and do not require
proximity to a jack to access the wire-based networks operated by local telephone companies.

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 Video conferencing

Holding meeting via video: the holding of meetings in which the participants are in different places but are
connected by audio and video links.

 Satellite communication

Device that orbits planet: an object put into orbit around Earth or another planet in order to relay communications
signals or transmit scientific data is a satellite.

 Radar communication

Radar (Radio Detection And Ranging), remote detection system used to locate and identify objects. Radar
signals bounce off objects in their path, and the radar system detects the echoes of signals that return. Radar
can determine a number of properties of a distant object, such as its distance, speed, direction of motion, and
shape. Radar can detect objects out of the range of sight and works in all weather conditions, making it a
vital and versatile tool for many industries.
2.2. SPECIALIZATION AREAS OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Electrical engineering has many sub-disciplines, the most popular of which are listed below. Although there are
electrical engineers who focus exclusively on one of these sub-disciplines, many deal with a combination of them.

2.2.1. Power Engineering

Also called power systems engineering, is a subfield of electrical engineering that deals with the generation,
transmissionand distributionof electric power as well as the electrical devices connected to such systems including
generators, motorsand transformers. Although much of the field is concerned with the problems of three-phase AC
power - the standard for large-scale power transmission and distribution across the modern world - a significant
fraction of the field is concerned with the conversion between AC and DC power as well as the development of
specialized power systems such as those used in aircraft or for electric railway networks.

Electric power is the mathematical product of two quantities: current andvoltage. The polarities of these two
quantities can vary with respect to time (AC power) or can be kept at constant levels (DC power).

Most refrigerators, air conditioners, pumps and industrial machinery use AC power whereas most computers and
digital equipment use DC power (the digital devices you plug into the mains typically have an internal or external
power adapter to convert from AC to DC power). AC power has the advantage of being easy to transform between

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voltages and is able to be generated and utilized by brushless machinery. DC power remains the only practical choice
in digital systems and can be more economical to transmit over long distances at very high voltages.

The ability to easily transform the voltage of AC power is important for two reasons: Firstly, power can be transmitted
over long distances with less loss at higher voltages. So in power networks where generation is distant from the load,
it is desirable to step-up the voltage of power at the generation point and then step-down the voltage near the load.
Secondly, it is often more economical to install turbines that produce higher voltages than would be used by most
appliances, so the ability to easily transform voltages means this mismatch between voltages can be easily managed.

Solid state devices, which are products of the semiconductor revolution, make it possible to transform DC power to
different voltages, build brushless DC machinesand convert between AC and DC power. Nevertheless devices
utilizing solid state technology are often more expensive than their traditional counterparts, so AC power remains in
widespread use.

[Link]. Components of Power Engineering

Power engineering is a network of interconnected components which convert different forms of energy to electrical
energy. Modern power engineering consists of three main subsystems: the generation subsystem, the transmission
subsystem, andthe distribution subsystem. In the generation subsystem, the power plant produces the electricity. The
transmission subsystem transmits the electricity to the load centers. The distribution subsystem continues to transmit
the power to the customers.

 Generation

Generation of electrical power is a process whereby energy is transformed into an electrical form. There are several
different transformation processes, among which are chemical, photo-voltaic, and electromechanical.
Electromechanical energy conversion is used in converting energy from coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium, water
flow, sunand wind into electrical energy. Of these, all except the wind energy conversion process take advantage of
the synchronous AC generator coupled to a steam, gas or hydro turbine such that the turbine converts steam, gas, or
water flow into rotational energy and the synchronous generator then converts the rotational energy of the turbine into
electrical energy. It is the turbine-generator conversion process that is by far most economical and consequently most
common in the industry today.

The AC synchronous machine is the most common technology for generating electrical energy. It is called
synchronous because the composite magnetic field produced by the threestator windings rotate at the same speed as
the magnetic field produced by the field winding on the rotor. The operating costs of generating electrical energy are
determined by the fuel cost and the efficiency of thepower station.

 Transmission

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The electricity is transported to load locations from a power station to a transmission subsystem. Therefore we may
think of the transmission system as providing the medium of transportation for electric energy. The transmission
system may be subdivided into the bulk transmission system and the sub-transmission system. The functions of the
bulk transmission are to interconnect generators, to various areas of the network, and to transfer electrical energy from
the generators to the major load centers. This portion of the system is called "bulk" because it delivers energy only to
so-called bulk loads such as the distribution system of a town, city, or large industrial plant. The function of the sub-
transmission system is to interconnect the bulk power system with the distribution system.

Transmission circuits may be built either underground or overhead. Underground cables are used predominantly in
urban areas where acquisition of overhead rights of way is costly or not possible. They are also used for transmission
under rivers, lakes and bays. Overhead transmission is used otherwise because, for a given voltage level, overhead
conductors are much less expensive than underground cables.

The transmission system is a highly integrated system. It is referred to the substation equipment and transmission
lines. The substation equipment contains the transformers, relays, andcircuit [Link] are important
static devices which transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another in the transmission subsystem. Transformers
are used to step up the voltage on the transmission line to reduce the power loss which is dissipated on the [Link]
is functionally a level-detector; they perform a switching action when the input voltage (or current) meets or exceeds a
specific and adjustable value. A circuit breaker is an automatically-operated electrical switch designed to protect an
electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. A change in the status of any one component can
significantly affect the operation of the entire system. There are three possible causes for power flow limitations to a
transmission line. These causes are thermal overload, voltage instability, and rotor angle instability. Thermal overload
is caused by excessive current flow in a circuit causing overheating. Voltage instability is said to occur when the
power required to maintain voltages at or above acceptable levels exceeds the available power. Rotor angle instability
is a dynamic problem that may occur following faults, such as short circuit, in the transmission system.

 Distribution

The distribution system transports the power from the transmission system to the customer. The distribution systems
are typically radial because networked systems are more expensive. The equipment associated with the distribution
system includes the substation transformers connected to the transmission systems, the distribution lines from the
transformers to the customers and the protection and control equipment between the transformer and the customer.
The protection equipment includes lightning protectors, circuit breakers, disconnectors and fuses. The control
equipment includes voltage regulators, capacitors, relays and demand side management equipment (meters).

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2.2.2. Control Engineering

Control engineering is the engineering discipline that applies control theory to design systems with predictable
behaviors. The engineering activities focus on themathematical modeling of systems of a diverse nature.

Control engineering focuses on the modeling of a diverse range of dynamic systems and the design of controllers that
will cause these systems to behave in the desired manner. To implement such controllers electrical engineers may use
electrical circuits, digital signal processors, microcontrollers and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).

[Link]. Control theory

Control theory is an interdisciplinary branch of engineeringandmathematics, that deals with the behavior of
dynamical systems. The desired output of a system is called the reference. When one or more output variables of
a system need to follow a certain reference over time, a controllermanipulates the inputs to a system to obtain the
desired effect on the output of the system.

An example

Consider an automobile's cruise control, which is a device designed to maintain a constant vehicle speed; the
desired or reference speed, provided by the driver. The system in this case is the vehicle. The system output is the
vehicle speed, and the control variable is the engine's throttle position which influences engine torqueoutput.

A primitive way to implement cruise control is simply to lock the throttle position when the driver engages cruise
control. However, on mountain terrain, the vehicle will slow down going uphill and accelerate going downhill. In
fact, any parameter different than what was assumed at design time will translate into a proportional error in the
output velocity, including exact mass of the vehicle, wind resistance, and tire pressure. This type of controller is
called an open-loop controller because there is no direct connection between the output of the system (the
vehicle's speed) and the actual conditions encountered; that is to say, the system does not and cannot compensate
for unexpected forces.

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An open-loop controller is also called a non-feedback controller. It is a type of controller which computes its
input into a system using only the current state and itsmodel of the system.

A characteristic of the open-loop controller is that it does not use feedbackto determine if its input has achieved
the desired goal. This means that the system does not observe the output of the processes that it is controlling.
Consequently, a true open-loop system can not engage inmachine learning and also cannot correct any errors that
it could make. It also may not compensate for disturbances in the system.

For example, an irrigation sprinkler system, programmed to turn on at set times could be an example of an open-
loop system if it does not measure soilmoisture as a form of feedback. Even if rain is pouring down on the lawn,
the sprinkler system would activate on schedule, wasting water.

In a closed-loop control system, a sensor monitors the output (the vehicle's speed) and feeds the data to a
computer which continuously adjusts the control input (the throttle) as necessary to keep the control error to a
minimum (that is, to maintain the desired speed). Feedback on how the system is actually performing allows the
controller (vehicle's on board computer) to dynamically compensate for disturbances to the system, such as
changes in slope of the ground or wind speed. An ideal feedback control system cancels out all errors, effectively
mitigating the effects of any forces that may or may not arise during operation and producing a response in the
system that perfectly matches the user's wishes.

2.2.3. Electronics Engineering

Electronics engineering involves the design and testing of electronic circuits that use the properties of
components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes and transistors to achieve a particular
functionality. The tuned circuit, which allows the user of a radio to filter out all but a single station, is just
one example of such a circuit. Another example (of a pneumatic signal conditioner) is shown in the adjacent
photograph.

Prior to the Second World War, the subject was commonly known as radio engineering and basically was
restricted to aspects of communications and radar, commercial radio and early television. Later, in post war
years, as consumer devices began to be developed, the field grew to include modern television, audio
systems, computers and microprocessors. In the mid to late 1950s, the term radio engineering gradually
gave way to the name electronic engineering.

Before the invention of the integrated circuit in 1959, electronic circuits were constructed from discrete
components that could be manipulated by humans. These discrete circuits consumed much space and power
and were limited in speed, although they are still common in some applications. By contrast, integrated

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circuits packed a large number—often millions—of tiny electrical components, mainly transistors, into a
small chip around the size of a coin. This allowed for the powerful computers and other electronic devices
we see today.

2.2.4. Microelectronics Engineering

Microelectronics engineering deals with the design and microfabrication of very small electronic circuit
components for use in an integrated circuit or sometimes for use on their own as a general electronic
component. The most common microelectronic components are semiconductortransistors, although all main
electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) can be created at a microscopic level.
Nanoelectronics is the further scaling of devices down to nanometer levels.

Microelectronic components are created by chemically fabricating wafers of semiconductors such as silicon
(at higher frequencies, compound semiconductors like gallium arsenide and indium phosphide) to obtain the
desired transport of electronic charge and control of current. The field of microelectronics involves a
significant amount of chemistry and material science and requires the electronic engineer working in the
field to have a very good working knowledge of the effects of quantum mechanics.

2.2.5. Signal processing

Signal processing deals with the analysis and manipulation of signals. Signals can be either analog, in which
case the signal varies continuously according to the information, or digital, in which case the signal varies
according to a series of discrete values representing the information. For analog signals, signal processing
may involve the amplification and filtering of audio signals for audio equipment or the modulation and
demodulation of signals for telecommunications. For digital signals, signal processing may involve the
compression, error detection and error correction of digitally sampled signals.

Signal Processing is a very mathematically oriented and intensive area forming the core of digital signal
processing and it is rapidly expanding with new applications in every field of electrical engineering such as
communications, control, radar, TV/Audio/Video engineering, power electronics and bio-medical
engineering as many already existing analog systems are replaced with their digital counterparts.

Although in the classical era, analog signal processing only provided a mathematical description of a system
to be designed, which is actually implemented by the analog hardware engineers, Digital Signal Processing
both provides a mathematical description of the systems to be designed and also actually implements them

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(either by software programming or by hardware embedding) without much dependency on hardware issues,
which exponentiates the importance and success of DSP engineering.

The deep and strong relations between signals and the information they carry makes signal processing
equivalent of information processing. This is the reason why the field finds so many diversified applications.
DSP processor ICs are found in every type of modern electronic systems and products including, SDTV |
HDTV sets, radios and mobile communication devices, Hi-Fi audio equipments, Dolbynoise reduction
algorithms, GSM mobile phones, mp3 multimedia players, camcorders and digital cameras, automobile
control systems, noise cancelling headphones, digital spectrum analyzers, intelligent missile guidance, radar,
GPS based cruise control systems and all kinds of image processing, video processing, audio processing and
speech processing systems.

2.2.6. Communication Engineering

Communications engineering focuses on the transmission of information across a channel such as a coax
cable, optical fiber or free space. Transmissions across free space require information to be encoded in a
carrier wave in order to shift the information to a carrier frequency suitable for transmission, this is known
as modulation. Popular analog modulation techniques include amplitude modulation and frequency
modulation. The choice of modulation affects the cost and performance of a system and these two factors
must be balanced carefully by the engineer.

Once the transmission characteristics of a system are determined, telecommunication engineers design the
transmitters and receivers needed for such systems. These two are sometimes combined to form a two-way
communication device known as a transceiver. A key consideration in the design of transmitters is their
power consumption as this is closely related to their signal strength. If the signal strength of a transmitter is
insufficient the signal's information will be corrupted by noise.

2.2.7. Instrumentation Engineering

Instrumentation engineering deals with the design of devices to measure physical quantities such as
pressure, flow and temperature. The design of such instrumentation requires a good understanding of
physics that often extends beyond electromagnetic theory. For example, radar guns use the Doppler Effect to
measure the speed of oncoming vehicles. Similarly, thermocouples use the Peltier-Seebeck effect to measure
the temperature difference between two points.

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Often instrumentation is not used by itself, but instead as the sensors of larger electrical systems. For
example, a thermocouple might be used to help ensure a furnace's temperature remains constant. For this
reason, instrumentation engineering is often viewed as the counterpart of control engineering.

2.2.8. Computer Engineering

Computer engineering deals with the design of computers and computer systems. This may involve the design of
newhardware, the design ofPDA's or the use of computers to control an industrial plant. Computer engineers may
also work on a system's software. However, the design of complex software systems is often the domain of software
engineering, which is usually considered a separate discipline.

Desktop computersrepresent a tiny fraction of the devices a computer engineer might work on, as computer-like
architectures are now found in a range of devices including video game consolesandDVD players.

Computer Engineering (also called Electronic and Computer Engineering or Computer Systems Engineering) is
a discipline that combines both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Computer engineers usually have
training in electrical engineering, software design and hardware-software integration instead of only software
engineering or electrical engineering. Computer engineers are involved in many aspects of computing, from the design
of individual microprocessors, personal computers, andsupercomputers, to circuit design. This field of engineering
not only focuses on how computer systems themselves work, but also how they integrate into the larger picture.

Usual tasks involving computer engineers include writing software and firmware forembeddedmicrocontrollers,
designing VLSI chips, designing analog sensors, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating
[Link] engineers are also suited for roboticsresearch,which relies heavily on using digital systems to
control and monitor electrical systems like motors, communications, and sensors.

2.3. RELATED DISCIPLINES

2.3.1. Mechatronics

Mechatronics is an engineering discipline which deals with the convergence of electrical and mechanical
systems. Such combined systems are known as electromechanical systems and have widespread adoption.
Examples include automated manufacturing systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and
various subsystems of aircraft and automobiles.

The term Mechatronics is typically used to refer to macroscopic systems but futurists have predicted the
emergence of very small electromechanical devices. Already such small devices, known as

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Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), are used in automobiles to tell airbags when to deploy, in digital
projectors to create sharper images and in inkjet printers to create nozzles for high definition printing. In the
future it is hoped the devices will help build tiny implantable medical devices and improve optical
communication.

2.3.2. Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is another related discipline, concerned with the design of medical equipment. This
includes fixed equipment such as ventilators, MRI scanners and electrocardiograph monitors as well as
mobile equipment such as cochlear implants, artificial pacemakers and artificial hearts.

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CHAPTER THREE

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE PROFILES AND WORK SHOP

SAFETY RULES

3.1. GRADUATE PROFILES

Electrical and computer Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity and
electronics, especially the design and application of electronic circuit, equipment for power generation and
distribution, machine control, communications and computer hardware and software.

General activities

Electrical and computer engineering covers the broadest spectrum of activities among the engineering disciplines. The
graduates of the program will be able to do the following tasks.

Research and Development

 Developing of new products on existing or new technologies.

 Applied research on new technologies and improving the existing technology.
 Design
 Designing of required system and/or devices for indigenization (modifying)
 Designing of interface unit to adapt existing devices with new system.
 Modifying existing system to enhance its utilization.

Production/Manufacturing

 Supervising, modifying and optimizing manufacturing process to improve cost effective yields with quality.
 Installation, Operation and Maintenance
 After understanding the procedures as given in manual of manufacturer is able to install, operate and maintain
the systems.
Analysis and Testing
 Analyzing and developing test set-ups for testing system/devices to assess the quality, safety and reliability of
performance of the system.
 Trouble shooting and repairing the system
Scales, Consultation and Purchase
 Scales person for National/ International Companies.
 Consulting Companies to optimize the price-performance of systems.
 Defining and justifying the requirements for scales and purchase.
Basic abilities, skills

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 Able to understand the state of art techniques, devices, software, protocols.

 Proceeding in methodical approach to solve problems.
 Being a team member communicative, cooperative and transparent.
 Working independently, assuming responsibility.
 Leading, motivating and caring professionals.
 Managing the project, productions manpower and resources cost effectively.
 Learning life-long, improving the skills and exploring the new areas.
 Observing national and International standards and regulations.
Engineering Knowledge
 Fundamental knowledge in engineering mathematics.
 Fundamental knowledge in physics, EM fields, semiconductors, electrical materials, thermodynamics, statics
and dynamics.
 Knowledge in electrical machines, electronic analogue and digital circuits, signal & system, measurements,
control, microprocessor and communication.
 Knowledge in computer hardware and software.
3.2. ELECTRICAL WORK SHOP SAFETY RULES

Before you can use equipment and machines or attempt practical work in a workshop you must understand basic
safety rules. These rules will help keep you and others safe in the workshop.
The following are general Work shop safety rules:
 Always listen carefully to the teacher and follow instructions.
 Do not run in the workshop, you could „bump‟ into another pupil and cause an accident.
 Know where the emergency stop buttons are positioned in the workshop. If you see an accident at the other
side of the workshop you can use the emergency stop button to turn off all electrical power to machines.
 Always wear an apron as it will protect your clothes and hold loose clothing such as ties in place.
 Wear good strong shoes. Training shoes are not suitable.
 When attempting practical work all stools should be put away.
 When learning how to use a machine, listen very carefully to all the instructions given by the teacher. Ask
questions, especially if you do not fully understand.
 Do not use a machine if you have not been shown how to operate it safely by the teacher.
 Always be patient, never rush in the workshop.
 Keep hands away from moving/rotating machinery.
 Report any damage to machine.
 Know about electricity and how it can harm you and your colleagues.
Basics of Electricity:

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 Electrical current will not flow unless it has a complete path (circuit) that returns to its source (battery,
transformer).
 Current flows through you and other conductors, such as metals, earth and concrete.
 Current can harm you when it flows through your body (electric shock).
 Insulators resist the flow of electricity. Insulating materials are used to coat copper conducting wires and are
used to make electrical work gloves. Insulators help to protect humans from coming into contact with
electricity flowing through conductors.
 Just as there is pressure in a water pipe, even with no water flowing, there is voltage at a receptacle, even if
current is not flowing. Another word for voltage is "Potential."

3.3. POSSIBLE JOB SECTORS FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS

 If you are a graduate of electrical engineering you can work both in office and field. Hence, the Common
employment areas for electrical engineers are the following.

 In Telecommunication systems.
 In the national power grid, distribution stations.
 In Air ports as:

 Ground technician.
 Maintenance engineer and
 Piloting.

 In almost all factories as:

 System controller (supervisor).

 Maintenance Engineer.

 In research and development institutions

 Designing network infrastructure.

 Integrated circuit (IC) manufacture.
 Software development.

 In construction sites as installation supervisor.

 In Television stations as technicians.
 Engineering college Lecturers.
 Generally, since the department (discipline) ishighly versatile and dynamic, additional employment
areas will emerge in addition to the above mentioned ones.

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