How much should a mechanical engineer know about electronics and communication system?
I would like to know what is the necessary background to understand it and apply it in the field. Is it good if I am well versed with electronics, electrical and communications system? Will I get a chance to apply it in projects?#engineering #electrical-engineering #electrical #mechanical-engineer #electronics #mechanical-engineering
7 answers
Dennis’s Answer
Dennis’s Answer
In general, it is an advantage to know a lot about any one topic or another. So, if Electronics or Communication is not your first love, you can still offer it as part of your skill set. I studied Mechanical Engineering, but, along the way, I learned quite a bit about computers and electronics. I am also a musician, but that is more for relaxation than for vocational activities. Another expert noted that the ME curriculum often includes some forays into electronics, control systems and the like. If you are already well-versed in these topics, you might find some alternative course of study to pursue.
An ME in pretty much any business today will encounter some amount of interaction with an electronic or communication system or control system. Here are some examples: Diesel or gasoline engines, jet engines, automobiles, trucks,trains, airplanes, ships, space ships, elevators, HVAC systems, construction and agricultural machines...... Virtually all significant structures have built-in sensors that broadcast their status to a central location....
Dennis recommends the following next steps:
Jaehun’s Answer
Steven’s Answer
A mechanical engineer needs to understand enough about electrical systems to have an educated discussion with electrical engineers.
Electronics is more about controls, which is low voltage and may be heavy in programming.
Electrical is more about power and motors and VFDs.
Hope that helps.
Steven recommends the following next steps:
Rodney’s Answer
Joshua’s Answer
1- Thryristors and Transistors- The great devices that enable the Variable Speed Drives and the Solid State Starters
2- Networking: IP Networks rule the world, and Mech Engineering Systems are no exception, a lot of control devices use a lot of Layer 1, 2 & 3 networking protocols and standards: RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, BacNET, CAN, etc, and I see many engineers struggling setting a network address in a network device, a Cisco CCNA R&S Certification will help a lot.
3.- Binary and Hexadecimal Numeric Systems and digital logic: This one correlates a lot with the previous one, once you relate with these technicalities, your experience as a Mech Engineer dealing with such systems will be smoother.