Electronics in Daily Life - Explained
Electronics is the branch of physics and technology that deals with circuits, transistors, microchips, and the behaviour and movement of electrons. It handles electric circuits containing active and passive elements and uses underlying techniques. It is an important part of engineering.
Technologies are growing at a very fast rate in the world, and it is important for technology enthusiasts to pace up with the latest changes in society.
Electronic devices have become an important part of our day-to-day life. It has become difficult for us to do work without using electronic devices.
We live in a generation that uses electronics and technologies where robots and artificial intelligence are capable of doing human work with more ease and efficiency.
Electronics in our daily life are made up of active and passive electric elements and smaller integrated circuits (IC).
The ICs, transistors, and diodes are made of semiconductor materials, which work when current flows through them.
History of Electronics
The first electronic device was introduced by an American scientist, Sir Joseph Henry, in the year 1835. He invented a remote switch that was controlled by electricity.
However, the credit for this invention was given to an English inventor Edward Davy in his electric telegraph c. 1835.
Some Other Inventions are
Vacuum Diode – It was invented by John Ambrose Fleming (1897). After that, Lee De Forest invented the Vacuum Triode which was used to amplify electrical signals. And that paved the way for tetrode as well as pentode tubes.
Transistor – It was invented by the combined effort of John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley. The invention of the junction transistor in 1948 led to the transistor era.
IC (Integrated Circuit) – Jack Kilby invented this. A precursor concept to the integrated circuit was proposed by Kilby to the US Army in 1957. But soon as that project of his started gaining momentum, he came up with the revolutionary design of an integrated circuit.
Functions of Electronics
Electronic devices tend to perform the following main functions:
Rectification
The process of converting an alternating current (A.C.) to a direct current (D.C.) is known as rectification. Electronic devices can convert A.C. power into D.C. power which has various uses like charging storage batteries, electroplating, etc., with great ease as well as efficiency.
Amplification
A weak signal can be strengthened through the process of amplification and this process can be very easily achieved by electronic devices. A good example would be the usage of an amplifier in a radio set so that it is heard more loudly.
Control
Electronic devices tend to find quite a wide range of applications when it comes to automatic control. For instance, the voltage across a refrigerator can be controlled with said devices.
Generation
Electronic devices are also capable of converting A.C. power into D.C. power of any given frequency. And when these devices perform this particular function, they are commonly referred to as oscillators.
Applications of Electronics in Daily Life
1. Consumer Electronics
Common people are highly benefited by this industry. Consumer electronics are electric devices meant for everyday use. Consumer electronics are further categorized as:
Office Gadgets like calculators, scanners, personal computers, printers, fax machines, front projectors, etc.
Home appliances such as refrigerators, a/c, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, microwave oven, etc.
Audio and Video Systems like headphones, DVD players, VCRs, microphones, colour TVs, loudspeakers, video game consoles, etc.
Advanced consumer devices like setup box, dishwasher, ATM, PDA(personal digital assistant), smartphones, barcode scanners, POS-terminals, etc.
Storage devices like DVDs, HDD jukebox, mp3 players, memory cards, etc.
2. Industrial Electronics
This industry basically focuses on making real-time automation.
This includes:
Industrial automation and motion control, motor drive control, machine learning, robotics and mechatronics, the power converting technologies, renewable energy applications, photovoltaic systems, power electronics, and biomechanics.
3. Smart Grid Systems
Smart electric systems take information from communication technology and work accordingly based on the desired power consumption.
It is an application of artificial intelligence, computing, and networked electric system. Smart meters are the best example of a smart grid system.
Features of Smart Grid
They are based on two-way communication.
They have interactive sensors.
They are Self-monitoring and Debugging.
Electricity is distributed validly.
4. Industrial Automation and Motion Control
Machines have increased productivity and efficiency, and hence are saving time and cost. Machines are also safe to use in unmanageable works. That's why the delegation of human-automation has become a preferable choice in industries.
5. Image Processing
3D images have evolved from multiple 2D images. Algorithms are developed to extract 3D information from 2D patterns.
6. Medical Applications
Advanced medical instruments are being developed for data recording and physiological analysis. They are mainly used to diagnose diseases and other healing purposes.
Daily usage of Electronic Devices
1. Mobile phones, iPod and Tablets
When mobile or cellular phones were introduced to the public for the first time, with the main purpose of immediate communication, this technology hugely gained popularity and demand.
The iPods and Tablets also followed the same pattern for the people.
2. Wi-Fi and the Internet
The Internet is one of the greatest breakthroughs in the technology of our generation. It is the only thing by which the transfer of data from a server to the computers and from computers to servers is possible.
This is why you can send messages, documents, and files on your Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram accounts.
3. Digital sound or Music
Traditional devices like cassette tapes used to contain only a few numbers of songs.
Nowadays, MP3, MP4, smartphones, and iPods are able to store thousands of songs, and they even play the songs much more smoothly.
4. Digital Camera
The camera is a significant device as it really preserves unforgettable memories in a frame.
Smartphones, iPods, mobile phones, tablets, and other devices are equipped with cameras to capture photos and shoot videos.
Presently, all the major smartphone brands are competing with each other to provide the best camera and image quality of the highest resolution.
5. Food Industry
The use of electronic devices in daily life have seen a major sector in the food industry. Without food, we won't be able to live and survive, as it is necessary for body function. Modern machines produce food in high quantities every day.
What is the Importance of Electronics?
From the wide range of applications of electronics that have been mentioned above, we know that electronic applications tend to play a major role in everyone’s lives. However, it isn’t only because of its uses that it’s imperative. Electronics make our lives more convenient and efficient; they are one of the best ways to save time and increase our efficiency.
Electronics not only help to fulfill our individual needs, but they also help with the growth of our economy as a whole because with the growing advent of technology, also comes innovation and modernity, and that’s where electronics play a huge role.
Do you Know?
Electricity tends to travel at the same speed as light, which is 186,000 miles per second.
Some capsules and tablets consist of wireless sensors, which are used to collect information from the body of a person. Transparent smartphones are also expected in the coming days. We can see through them.
There can also be windows and mirrors which can be used on a PC screen and monitors. Sensors are imparted in plants to know if they are in a shortage of water.
Merely walking across a carpet can end up generating about 35,000 V of electricity.
The world’s biggest-ever light bulb weighs about 8 tonnes, is 14 feet tall, and is located in Edison, New Jersey.
There’s electricity present even in our bodies! The signals that our nerve cells tend to deliver to our muscles are sent to them through the utilization of electricity.
Water, wind, the sun, and even animal waste can all be used to generate electricity.
ECT or electroconvulsive therapy is a type of therapy that is used to give severely mentally ill patients electrically induced seizures as a way of treating their psychiatric illnesses.
Printed circuit boards are made from a glass epoxy which happens to be naturally green in color. That is why PCBs are almost always green.
FAQs on Electronics in Daily Life
1. What is meant by 'electronics' and how does it apply to our daily life?
Electronics is a branch of physics and technology focused on the control of electron flow, primarily using semiconductor devices. In daily life, this involves circuits with components like transistors and integrated circuits (ICs) that manipulate electrical signals to process information, perform calculations, or control systems. This technology is the basis for almost all modern devices, from smartphones to home appliances.
2. What are some common examples of electronic devices used every day?
Electronic devices are integral to our daily routines. Some common examples include:
- Communication Devices: Smartphones, tablets, Wi-Fi routers, and smartwatches.
- Home Appliances: Microwave ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
- Entertainment Systems: Televisions, video game consoles, headphones, and MP3 players.
- Office Equipment: Personal computers, printers, scanners, and calculators.
3. What is the key difference between an electrical device and an electronic device?
The primary difference lies in how they use electricity. Electrical devices convert electrical energy directly into other forms like heat, light, or motion (e.g., a toaster or a simple fan). In contrast, electronic devices are designed to manipulate the flow of electricity to process information or control a task. They rely on active components like transistors and integrated circuits to make decisions, which is something electrical devices do not do.
4. How do basic semiconductor components like diodes and transistors enable the functioning of complex devices?
Semiconductors are the foundation of all modern electronics. Their ability to have their conductivity controlled allows them to perform critical functions:
- A diode acts as a one-way gate for electric current. Its most important application is in rectification, which is the process of converting alternating current (AC) from a wall socket into direct current (DC) needed to charge device batteries.
- A transistor can act as either an electronic switch (turning current on or off) or an amplifier (boosting a weak signal). Billions of these transistors working together inside a microchip or processor allow for the complex calculations that power computers and smartphones.
5. What are the main functions performed by electronic circuits in the devices we use?
Electronic circuits are designed to perform several key functions, including:
- Amplification: Strengthening a weak signal, such as amplifying a radio signal so it can be heard through speakers.
- Rectification: Converting AC power to DC power, essential for charging batteries and powering most electronic components.
- Control: Automatically managing a system, like a thermostat controlling the temperature in a refrigerator or an air conditioner.
- Generation (Oscillation): Producing alternating currents of a specific frequency, which is fundamental for creating radio waves and timing signals in digital clocks.
6. Beyond convenience, what is the fundamental importance of electronics in modern society?
The importance of electronics extends far beyond personal convenience. It is a cornerstone of economic and social progress. Electronics drives industrial automation, increasing efficiency and safety in manufacturing. It has revolutionised global communication through the internet and mobile networks. Furthermore, it is critical for advancements in science and medicine, enabling powerful diagnostic tools (like MRI and ECG) and sophisticated research equipment.
7. How does the principle of amplification, a key function of electronics, manifest in everyday devices?
Amplification is the process of increasing the strength of a weak signal. A clear example is in an audio system. The weak electrical signal representing music from a smartphone is sent to an amplifier, which boosts its power significantly. This high-power signal is then strong enough to drive the electromagnets in the speakers, causing them to vibrate and produce loud, clear sound. The same principle is used in Wi-Fi extenders to boost a weak internet signal.
8. What are some examples of the application of electronics in specialised fields like medicine and automotive?
Electronics plays a vital role in many specialised industries. For instance:
- In Medicine: Advanced diagnostic tools like Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, MRI scanners, pacemakers, and digital patient monitoring systems all rely on sophisticated electronic sensors and processors.
- In Automotive: Modern cars are filled with electronic systems like the Engine Control Unit (ECU) that manages fuel efficiency, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for safety, infotainment consoles, and airbag deployment sensors.
