Electrical Engineering is a way of thinking

The core of Electrical Engineering is a way of thinking, about systems. This way constitutes the tool to model systems which can be divided into independent elements. If the properties of the elements and their connection are known the electrical engineer is able to understand the system. The engineer uses these tools to design a system or a function. These tools can also be used for many other kinds of systems where the division of the system into independent components is possible. This includes traffic systems, transport of blood in the human body, robots, the world model of the Club of Rome, computers, computer systems, communication systems. The interest of electrical engineers reaches from realization of a system using elements from shelve to design of new, yet unavailable, components.

Enabling Technology

Electrical Engineering is an enabling technology. Electrical Engineering is needed in all advanced technological systems, of houses, washing machines, auto mobiles, computers, airplanes, to factories. Electrical Engineering was at the basis of a number of revolutionary innovations having enormous impact on society: Historically it began with long distance communication with and without wires and electrical machines and generators. On top of this came the power network, computer, micro technology and the internet. Miniaturization is driven by Electrical Engineering. Our discipline prompted the development of new disciplines: Computer science, robotics, mechatronics, biomedical technology, nanotechnology.

Innovation

The interest in innovation causes a spread of activities which masks the general characteristics of Electrical Engineering. It requires the collaboration with other disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, computer science and mathematics. Groups having close collaborations with other disciplines seem often quite distinct from their colleagues; this is evident for groups working on components compared to groups working in information systems.

This development deteriorated the visibility of Electrical Engineering; it resulted in a somewhat old-fashioned impression. It also made unclear what the essence of the discipline is – it is simply the consequence of the innovative character of our discipline.

Realization

Electrical Engineers are motivated by realization of functions in and of a system. She is fascinated by making models of blood circulation, but she is no physician. Her interest in a concrete application is secondary (otherwise he would become a medical doctor), she is mainly interested in the realization of a function and in the methodology she uses.

Forefront of technology

Electrical Engineering is at the forefront of technology: Greatest attention is not directed to improvement of existing systems and components but to the invention and development of new methods and technologies. Electrical Engineering is an innovating engineering discipline.