The Role of Electrical and Electronics in Information Technology
Power is the backbone of modern life, playing an indispensable role in virtually every aspect of our daily routines. Without power, there is no creation, delivery, or exchange of energy, and the broad impact of power extends into sectors such as industry, power equipment, mechanics, and the overall power system. In the realm of power distribution, the Electrical and Mechanical (EM) division is a crucial player in managing the problem of electricity transmission and distribution across vast networks.
The Interplay Between Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Information Technology
While Information Technology (IT) focuses on software, Electrical Engineering (EE) and Electronics deal with the hardware. The relationship between these fields is analogous to that between medical doctors and drugs. Medical doctors prescribe drugs without producing them, just as IT professionals create software applications without necessarily designing the underlying hardware infrastructure that supports them.
Every EE device or system is a harmonious blend of electrical components and the software that operates it. Neither can function in isolation. A perfect example of this interdependence is the design of a light-detecting sensor. To create such a sensor, EE engineers must first integrate and assemble the necessary electrical components. Once the hardware is in place, the software is programmed to interpret and respond to the detected light conditions.
The Intersection of EE and Programming in Modern Engineering
As a result of this interdependence, all EE students receive a fundamental education in programming. This combined knowledge enables them to design, build, and program complete systems from start to finish. The ability to understand and integrate hardware and software is becoming increasingly important in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Conclusion
The synergistic relationship between Electrical and Electronics engineering and Information Technology is critical in today's digital age. While IT focuses on the software that operates these systems, EE provides the hardware that makes it all possible. Together, these disciplines form the backbone of modern technology, driving innovation and advancing our ability to create and manage complex, efficient, and reliable electrical systems.