Application of Electronics in Different Fields
Electronics has experienced exponential growth in recent years, establishing itself as a crucial branch of engineering. It has become an integral part of our lives, fulfilling not only our individual needs but also contributing significantly to the advancement of technology and the overall economy. This article focuses on highlighting the diverse applications of electronics in various fields.
Types of Electronic Instruments
Different types of electronic measuring instruments or meters are available for measuring electrical quantities. These include:
- Voltmeter
- Ammeter
- Wattmeter
- Ohmmeter
- Multimeter
- Q-Meter
Voltmeter
A voltmeter measures the potential difference between two elements in a circuit. It is connected in parallel with the circuit elements and has high resistance to minimize the current flow. The unit of measurement for voltage is volts (V). There are two types of voltmeters: analog voltmeter and digital voltmeter. The analog voltmeter uses a moving iron or moving coil mechanism, while the digital voltmeter provides a numerical display.
Ammeter
An ammeter measures the current flowing through a circuit. It is connected in series and has low impedance to ensure accurate readings. The unit of measurement for electric current is ampere (A). Similar to the voltmeter, the ammeter also has analog and digital variants, working on the principle of moving iron or moving coil meters.
Wattmeter
A wattmeter measures the power flowing in a circuit. It calculates power by measuring the voltage and current in the circuit and multiplying them together. The unit of measurement for power is watts. The wattmeter operates based on the principles of electrodynamic and moving coil meters.
Ohmmeter or Megger
Ohmmeters are used to measure the resistance of an element in a circuit. The unit of measurement for resistance is ohm. Different types of ohmmeters are available, such as milliohmmeter, microohmmeter, and megaohmmeter, which measure low, extremely low, and high resistances, respectively. Ohmmeters can be categorized as series ohmmeters and shunt ohmmeters, both working on the principle of moving coil meters.
Multimeter
A multimeter is a versatile measurement device that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. It is also known as a VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter). There are two types of multimeters: analog multimeter and digital multimeter. The analog multimeter operates on the principle of a moving coil meter, while the digital multimeter provides numerical readings on a digital display. Digital multimeters are more commonly used due to their efficiency and faster readings.
LCR Meter or Q-Meter
An LCR meter, also known as a Q-meter, measures inductance, capacitance, and resistance in a circuit or device. It can also measure the phase angle between voltage and current when testing the “Device Under Test” (DUT). Impedance calculations can be derived from the phase angle measurement. There are two types of LCR meters: handheld and benchtop. Handheld meters are portable but may be less accurate, while benchtop meters offer high accuracy and additional features like AC calibration of resistance, inductance, and capacitance. LCR meters are commonly used for testing sensors and components on PCBs.
Applications of Electronic Instruments
Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics encompass devices and equipment designed for everyday use, serving the general public. This industry finds applications in various areas, including office gadgets such as computers, scanners, calculators, FAX machines, and projectors.
It also includes home appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, microwaves, TVs, vacuum cleaners, video games, loudspeakers, and advanced storage devices like HDD jukeboxes and DVDs.
Industrial applications of electronics
Electronics engineering greatly influences the smooth functioning of industries, as it is employed in various systems, grids, and processing units. For instance, smart electric systems gather information from the communication technology department, and automation and motor control systems utilize electronics. Additionally, electronics play a role in extracting 3D images from 2D using image processing systems.
Robotics and artificial intelligence
Robotics and artificial intelligence also rely on electronic systems. They are employed in inspection, navigation, assembly, and other applications. Computer-based technologies like virtual reality and face gesture recognition have been made possible due to electronics engineering.
Medical applications
In the medical field, advanced instruments utilizing the latest technologies and electronics engineering are being developed for data recording and physiological analysis. These instruments aid in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Electronics play a vital role in the functioning of medical instruments. Examples include the stethoscope, used to listen to internal body sounds, glucose meters for checking sugar levels, and pacemakers for regulating heartbeats.
Automobiles
Electronics are widely integrated into the latest automobile technologies, such as anti-collision units, anti-lock braking systems, traction controls, window regulators, and various electronic control units.