Electronic Technology refers to a theoretical branch of Physics that study the flow of charges in several materials such as resistors, diodes, semi-conductors, capacitors and inductors. These electronic components are usually combined in a specific way to form an electronic circuit which is usually found on all electronic equipment such as television, computers, stereo amplifiers and even mobile phones. There are three types of circuits that include analog, digital and mixed signal circuits. Analog circuits are usually found on radio receivers while a digital circuit is commonly found on computers and electronic clocks. A mixed signal circuit is a combination of both analog and digital circuits and are usually found on digital to analog or analog to digital converters.
Application for electronic technology is not only limited to home appliances. It has a wide range of application that could include hospital, construction, navigation and life saving equipments. Electronic technology is one reason why our society has progressed so much. From the invention of the triode in 1908 up today with the invention of several digital equipments, electronic technology has helped mankind to improve on the way they live.
Advancement on electronic technology is on a rapid pace. Based on a recent update from Pcworld.idg.com.au, GE was able to develop diodes from carbon Nanotubes, about 10,000 times thinner than the human hair, is expected to replace conventional silicon in the future. Possible application of such development would include optoelectronic devices (uses light to transmit information) and sensors which can be used for chemical detection and home monitoring.
A clear example of advancement in electronic technology is the invention of digital television which has been popular these days. It was estimated that about a million Australians have now access to digital television. Programs can be broadcasted by free-to-air digital television or by several channels offered by Pay TV operators. Here is a comparison between an analog and digital television as reported by Realestate.com.au on their website. They have highlighted the advantages of a digital television over an analog television.
- Digital television does not have any snowy pictures, signal interference and ghosting because digital only involves streams of bits (1 and 0) and are always at 100% signal.
- Unlike regular FM broadcast, digital television soundtracks are broadcasted and transmitted by MPEG digital stereo sound and a six channel Dolby Digital.
- Interactive television, which a digital television is capable of doing, provides multi-camera views for sports matches, extra program information and extra channels.
- Widescreen broadcast are available on digital channels that are ideal for wide screen television and are perfect for watching movies and shows.
- It has a close caption features for the hearing impaired.
