Electronics

Electronics is the science of how to control electric energy (energy in which the electrons have a fundamental role). Electronics deals with electrical circuits that involve active electrical components and associated passive electrical components and interconnection technologies. Commonly, electronic devices contain circuitry consisting primarily or exclusively of active semiconductors supplemented with passive elements; such a circuit is described as an electronic circuit. This technology typically appears at the TL 1 – TL 2 levels.

The behavior of components and their ability to control electron flows makes amplification of weak signals possible, and electronics may be widely used in information technology, telecommunication, and signal processing. The ability of electronic devices to act as switches makes digital information processing possible. Interconnection technologies such as circuit boards, electronics packaging technology, and other varied forms of communication infrastructure complete circuit functionality and transform the mixed components into a regular working system.

Electronics is distinct from electrical and electro-mechanical science and technology, which deal with the generation, distribution, switching, storage, and conversion of electrical energy to and from other energy forms using wires, motors, generators, batteries, switches, relays, transformers, resistors, and other passive components.

Today, most electronic devices use semiconductor components to perform electron control. The study of semiconductor devices and related technology is considered a branch of solid-state physics, whereas the design and construction of electronic circuits to solve practical problems come under electronics engineering.

While electronic devices function very well on planetary surfaces, space stations, and some space applications, they are very fragile regarding heat, radiation, input voltage/current changes and electromagnetic pulses or noise. This makes them unacceptable in current critical and/or military application unless heavily protected.

