Difference Between Electrical And Electronics And Communication Engineering

Electrical engineering and electronics and communication engineering are closely related disciplines within the vast field of engineering. Electrical engineering deals with the study, design, and use of equipment and devices that operate using electricity. In contrast, electronics and communication engineering focuses on the transmission of information across various mediums using electronic devices.

If your interest lies in developing and applying components such as capacitors, inductors, and inverters, or working with household appliances, electrical engineering is the right path for you. However, if you are drawn to telecommunications, sensors, and microprocessors, then electronics and communication engineering might be your preferred choice. Let us examine the key differences between these two branches of engineering.

Smartphones offer a useful illustration of the distinction between the two fields. An electronics engineer designs and manufactures the phone’s internal components, while an electrical engineer ensures the conversion of digital data into signals, enabling the phone to connect to satellites.

Both disciplines offer promising career prospects, and the choice should be guided by your passion and specific interest within the broad realm of engineering. As technology advances, professionals with skills from both areas may find themselves at an advantage in the rapidly evolving engineering landscape.

Course Duration:

The duration of the courses in these two fields is similar in India. Completing an electrical engineering degree requires four years. This subject is broader in scope and can provide foundational knowledge of electronics and communication.

Similarly, electronics and communication engineering is a four-year course. It is more focused, equipping students with specialised skills relevant to modern communication technologies.

Curriculum:

Electrical Engineering:

1. Electromagnetics

2. Utilisation of electrical power

3. Fundamentals of electrical engineering

4. DC machines and transformers

5. Circuit analysis

6. Power systems

7. Electronics

8. Analysis of electrical power systems

Electronics and Communication Engineering:

1. Microcontrollers

2. VLSI

3. Information theory and coding

4. Analog and digital communication

5. Signal processing

6. Digital electronics

7. Computer communication and networking

8. Electronic instrumentation

9. Wireless communication

Career Opportunities:

Electrical Engineering:

1. Test engineers

2. Design engineers

3. Control engineers

4. Project engineers

5. Power systems engineers

Electronics and Communication Engineering:

1. Radiofrequency engineers

2. Telecommunication engineers

3. VLSI design engineers

4. Network engineers

5. Signal processing engineers

6. Wireless communication engineers

Salary:

After completing a BE/BTech in electrical engineering or electronics and communication engineering, a fresher can expect a salary package ranging from Rs 3 to 8 lakh. However, the highest packages can go upwards of Rs 1 crore.