Electronics is a branch of engineering and physics. It deals with the emission, behavior, and effects of electrons for the generation, transmission, reception, and storage of information. This information can be audio signals in a radio, images (video signals) on a television screen, or numbers and other data in a computer. Electronic systems are important in communication, entertainment, and control systems.
Electronic circuits consist of interconnections of electronic components, at the hearts of which are semiconductors. Transistors, which are made of silicon or germanium, are made from semiconductors. Commercial products range from cellular radiotelephone systems and DVD recorders to high-performance supercomputers and sophisticated weapons systems. In
Industry electronic devices have led to dramatic improvements in productivity and quality. For example, computer-aided design tools facilitate the design of complex parts, such as aircraft wings, or intricate structures, such as integrated circuits.
The development of microelectronics has had a major impact on the electronics industry. Electronic components are expected to deliver ever higher performance, while electronic circuits continue to benefit from miniaturization.
The electronics industry creates, designs, produces, and sells devices such as radios, televisions, stereos, video games, and computers, and components such as semiconductors, transistors, and integrated circuits. In the second half of the 20th century this industry had two major influences. Firstly it transformed our lives in factories, offices, and homes; secondly it emerged as a key economic sector. Specific advances include:
● the development of space technology and satellite communications
● the revolution in the computer industry that led to the personal computer
● the introduction of computer-guided robots in factories
● systems for storing and transmitting data electronically
● radio systems to automobiles, ships, and other vehicles
● navigation aids for aircraft, automatic pilots, altimeters, and radar for traffic control