Those who are interested in the field of electronics will benefit from vocational electronics training. Quality electronics schools teach methods of installation, repair and maintenance of electronic devices and equipment, as well as industry safety standards.

Electronics schools can help future electricians prepare for positions that deal with anything having to do with electronic systems technology, such as automotive, household, mechanical, and business electronics; computers, fiber optics, and telecommunications; and more.

Coursework may include the subjects of installing, adjusting, testing, trouble-shooting, and repairing electrical equipment. Students also learn to design simple circuitry in electronic equipment, devices, and systems, as well as in business and computer operations. Electronics training from trade schools and vocational schools can lead to certificates or Associate Degrees.

Those who have completed electronics training can apply for positions that are wide and varied; electricians are in demand in nearly every form of business or commerce. Professions may include acoustic technician, construction electrician, electrical engineer, electrical installer, service technician, theater and stage technician, computer technician, telecommunications specialist, or electronics educator, to name just a few. The median salary for an electronics professional with an AS degree is approximately $35,000 per year. Advanced degrees and extensive experience in the field can net even higher salaries.
Those who are interested in the field of electronics will benefit from vocational electronics training. Field-specific trade schools and vocational schools can help future electricians prepare for positions that deal with anything electronic, such as automotive, household, mechanical, and business electronics; computers, fiber optics, telecommunications; and more. Quality electronics training teaches methods of installation, repair and maintenance of electronic devices and equipment, as well as industry safety standards.

Successful students who have completed electronics training can anticipate gaining occupations that are wide and varied; electricians are in demand in nearly every form of business or commerce. Professions may include acoustics, construction electrician, engineer, electrical installer, service technician, theater and stage technician, computer technician, telecommunications specialist, and electronics educator, to name just a few.

Electronics are always looking to new technologies to make their products better, and electronics are one of the biggest purchases consumers often make. Many of us may already own or we are looking to own one of the many new TV models available. Yet so few of us have any understanding of what exactly is a LCD, Plasma, or HDTV. Continue reading to get a better understanding of these three innovations in consumer electronics.

Plasma TV’s are relatively new to the electronics market. They work by provide a luminous visual image on a screen by reflecting the light. They do this by enhancing the color spectrum of light. In a Plasma Display the negative and positive charged particles are attracted to each other and the convergence is what gives us such a great picture!

The LCD TV is the oldest of this new wave of electronics and very popular. It all began with a discovery by an Austrian botanist named Friedrich Reinitzer. In 1888 he discovered that upon melting cholesteryl benzoate (a cholesterol-like substance), it would form into a blue crystal after cooling down. RCA didn’t begin to try and implant the technology until 1968 in its electronics. Since then many innovations has continued to develop the LCD and more is yet to come.

High Definition Television also know as HDTV, is simply a way of sending television signals in a digital format instead of the old traditional analog method. Electronics in this broadcasting standard can display over 1800 lines of information. Compared to analog that’s an increase of over 1300! This increase in resolution creates a much sharper and refined image in electronics that use this method.

Now that you understand the differences in these new wave of electronics you are much better informed to choose your next purchase. Remember that these technologies are still improving, and they are much more expensive than more traditional electronics you could purchase. Good luck in choosing your next electronics purchase!

Power electronics is interdisciplinary in nature and is used in a wide variety of industries from computers to chemical plants to rolling mills. The importance of power electronics has grown over the years due to several factors. Two of these are the adve nt of smart power devices and the increasing global concerns about the effects of environmental pollution. Smart power devices are expected to become ubiquitous and revolutionise the way power is handled. Electric vehicle is currently looked upon as a pro mising solution to curb urban pollution. Also, to avoid the pollution due to setting up of new power generating stations, power electronics has been called upon to ensure better utilisation of existing capacity. This has resulted in research into active p ower factor correction, harmonic compensation etc., assuming great significance.
Power electronic converters can be found wherever there is a need to modify the electrical energy form (i.e modify its voltage, current or frequency). Therefore, their power range from some milliwatts (as in a mobile phone) to hundreds of megawatts (e.g in a HVDC transmission system). With “classical” electronics, electrical currents and voltage are used to carry information, whereas with power electronics, they carry power. Therefore the main metric of power electronics becomes the efficiency.

The first very high power electronic devices were mercury arc valves. In modern systems the conversion is performed with semiconductor switching devices such as diodes, thyristors and transistors. In contrast to electronic systems concerned with transmission and processing of signals and data, in power electronics substantial amounts of electrical energy are processed. An AC/DC converter (rectifier) is the most typical power electronics device found in many consumer electronic devices, e.g., television sets, personal computers, battery chargers, etc. The power range is typically from tens of watts to several hundred watts. In industry the most common application is the variable speed drive (VSD) that is used to control an induction motor. The power range of VSDs start from a few hundred watts and end at tens of megawatts.

The power conversion systems can be classified according to the type of the input and output power

* AC to DC (rectification)
* DC to AC (inversion)
* DC to DC (conversion)
* AC to AC (conversion)

As a cell phone user, you probably feel overwhelmed with all the changes that are coming about with cell phones. Cell phones are ever changing with new gadgets, services, and phones being released on a continual basis. Below we’ve put together some cell phone facts every user should know. Don’t get caught in a cell phone trap, but become educated before you make your next phone purchase.

Cell Phone Batteries

Every cell phone user occasionally experiences the “race against battery life” on their cell phone. You try to use up every ounce of power there is before recharging. Unfortunately, this can cause many problems with your battery later on. Primarily, it could shorten the life of your battery between charges to the point where you’re charging more than you’re talking!

There are several ways to prolong the life of your cell phone battery. Keep your backlight off unless you know for sure you’ll need it. This might be annoying at first, but it will save battery life. When traveling in areas where there is no coverage or there is only roaming coverage, turn off your cell phone completely. The cell phone uses a lot of battery power while trying to locate a network. In addition, try to limit your conversations on your cell phone. The longer you talk, the more battery power you will use. Also, limit your usage of cell phone games or Internet browsing. These use a lot of battery power even though you’re not actually talking.

Downloading Woes

When downloading Web features, games, ringtones, wallpaper, and screensavers, be sure there are no recurring fees. Although companies may not state it upfront, some of these features have recurring monthly fees. If you purchase a cell phone for your child, find out if you can block these features. Or, find out if there’s a way that you as a parent can order features, but your child cannot.

The Fine Print of Cell Phone Purchases

When buying a cell phone with a one- or two-year contract or pay-per use agreement, be sure to read the fine print. Consider how many minutes you plan to use the cell phone each month. Weigh the prices of both types of agreements before signing on the dotted line. If you plan to use the cell phone a lot, then a long-term contract might be worth it.

Consider the features you want. With long-term plans, you can often get more features on your cell phone for less money or even as a bonus at no charge. Ask if all your features, such as caller ID, will work when roaming. Also with any plan, consider if long distance is included. Find out the usual roaming charges, connection fees (if applicable), and if there are any other hidden fees in the plan.

Ask about Factory Warranties

Some cell phone companies will replace your cell phone if it breaks or is lost or stolen. Consider the warranty of a cell phone before buying. Cell phones are typically carried everywhere you go: in a purse, pants pocket, shirt pocket, on a belt case, and even out in wet weather. With cell phones being so mobile, they can easily get broken or damaged. The warranty will give you peace of mind when carrying and using your cell phone.

Buying Cell Phones Online

When buying cell phones online, be sure the phone is up-to-date and carries all the features you want. You can buy your cell phone online and still visit a local venue to purchase minutes or to sign up for a contract. Just be sure and buy from a company you trust.

There are also electronics shopping malls online where you can find many brand names of cell phones, a PDA, or other electronics at discount prices, such as Sony, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Blackberry. You can shop for other products while at the mall, including PS2 machines or games, computer supplies, iPods, and an Xbox.

In recent years, there has been an extensive boost in technological concepts related to electronics and electrical domain. Electronic engineering is a constantly changing and widening branch of technology. Electronics and semiconductor engineering is one of the largest and fastest growing industries. This growth has entailed a wide range of patent filing, all through. Electronics and semiconductors covers a wide range of applications we use daily, such as Television, Radio, computers, telecommunication etc, which make our life easier and enjoyable. It helps us see, hear and communicate over enormous distances and accomplish tasks faster. Electronics plays a major role in industries like oil, energy, agriculture and many other important sectors of economy. Electronics and semiconductor patents form a subclass of electrical patents. The electrical patenting class is broadly classified into many subclasses based on the area of nce. Some subclasses include Digital Electronics, Analog Electronics, Micro Electronics, Fuzzy Electronics, Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design, Semiconductors and Semiconductor devices, etc.

Patents are further classified based on the development of their active elements involving the design and testing of electronic circuits that use the electronic properties of components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes , microcontrollers, microprocessors and transistors to achieve a particular functionality. For example, 326 is the generic class for patents related to electronic digital logic devices, circuitry and sub combinations thereof, wherein non-arithmetical operations are performed upon discrete electrical signals representing a value normally described by numerical digits. It further has subclass 12 for redundant logic having a flip flop and subclass 37 for a multifunctional or programmable logic having a flip flop.

Integrated circuits and processing architectures are other categories protected by patents. Different aspects of these technologies such as architecture, applications or designs are protected by employing different intellectual property laws. As an invention, hardware architecture and their applications are protected as utility patents while Integrated circuit designs are protected as design patents. Hence, both design concepts and hardware are protected by patents. In discharging its patent-related duties, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) examines patent applications and grants patents after establishing the patenting class and patentability of an invention.

* Mr Mark G Whiteman has been named vice-president and general manager of Wabtec Railway Electronics. The company produces data recording, telemetry, and train control systems.

Association News–The 2004 Consumer Electronics Show will expand its presence in digital imaging with the launch of a Flash Forward Tech Zone that will focus on digital cameras and camcorders, imaging software, at-home print solutions, online photo services, power sources, accessories and wireless imaging.

It is no secret to chain drug retailers that front-end sales are key ingredients of growth and profitability. What is less well-known is the power of consumer electronics accessories to drive front-end sales, profits and, more important, traffic.

Maxell’s experience with some of the largest and fastest-growing drug chains has shown us that consumer electronics accessories, such as care and maintenance products, headphones and media storage solutions have been transformed from convenience items to destination products, driving consumers into chain drug stores. What’s more, in the age of the iPod, new accessories for those hot music players are proving to be an even bigger draw, especially to younger consumers who want to add flexibility to their portable music experience.

Why are consumer electronics accessories such a powerful engine for the front end? For one thing, they add a sense of entertainment to a department largely dominated by packaged goods and household necessities. They impart an aura of fun to the front end of the chain drug store. As such, they are very attractive to advertise in weekly flyers, driving additional traffic. And they relate naturally to one of chain drug’s most important departments, photo finishing. Many of our accessories relate directly to saving and caring for digital imaging, one of the fastest areas of the photography business.

Chain drug executives, however, can’t merely purchase and stock consumer electronics accessories to be successful. Our most successful chain drug retail partners employ simple but powerful marketing and merchandising strategies to drive their success.

They recognize that specific advertised items create traffic and sales for destination products. But, they also create tremendous opportunities for impulse item sales. And despite the fact that they’re advertised at attractive prices to draw traffic, the margins remain strong.

Together, our retail partners and we have learned additional powerful strategies to insure success with consumer electronics in the front end.

Merchandise aggressively. In addition to weekly advertising supplements, use in-store communication techniques to provide exposure for featured merchandise and special promotions. This is especially important in light of the fact that other retail channels have drastically curtailed aggressive merchandising of electronics accessories. The drug channel can gain an advantage here.

Do not be afraid of new technologies. Be aggressive with them. The chain drug channel has embraced DVD and iPod early and has been receptive to new DVD and iPod technologies as they have come to market, including printable and rewritable DVD products and iPod nano accessories. Of course, these are not the only new technologies that the chain drug channel has embraced, but they are the most prominent.

Exploit the natural connection between camcorder products and one of chain drug’s premier services–photo finishing. Consumers connect the two, and retailers who have understood this with aggressive merchandising and strategic product placement have been very successful. This also is true of digital photography accessories.

The creation of a robust front end in chain drug stores has been one of the channel’s greatest successes. Even greater growth and success, however, depends on continuous innovation in product selection and merchandising. Many in the channel have found consumer electronics accessories one such innovation.

From stylish, flat-screen monitors to plasma televisions to sophisticated wireless phones, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is bringing new information technology (IT) products to Latin America.

For example, Samsung has been a leader in the field of computer monitors for 30 years, and now offers advanced flat-screen display products that save space on the desktop and reduce eyestrain.

Samsung has also carved out a leading position in the “post-paid” wireless phone market with attractive, multi-functional color LCD mobile phones that can access email and online services.
“Information technology is one of our core business sectors,” says Yong Jin Park, president, Samsung Electronics LatinoAmerica S.A. “Our monitors, phones, disk drives, DVD players, laser printers and other IT products offer many benefits to Latin American businesses and consumers.”

Samsung has long been known in Latin America for reliable consumer goods, including televisions, refrigerators, washers, microwave ovens and other appliances. In recent years, global Korean-based conglomerate has boosted its investment in R&D and become a leading innovator in IT products.

Samsung offers a new, ultra-slim LCD monitor that can easily be folded up and transported to other locations. The design has earned numerous awards by leading industry journals worldwide, including being selected as the “Best Product of the Year” in the monitor category by PC World.
Two other Samsung’s LCD monitors were jointly designed with the German world-class specialist F.A. Porsche, and its latest model features a minimized LCD frame width to better accommodate work environments with limited space, such as financial institutions.

In the consumer field, Samsung Electronics is known for its global “DigitAll Experience,” campaign, which focuses on how Samsung’s wide array of digital products meet the ever-changing needs of today’s consumer.

“Samsung prides itself on developing revolutionary technology that meets everyone’s needs-business or personal,” says Eric Kim, executive vice president-global marketing operations. “Our ‘DigitAll’ campaign depicts how exciting and accessible digital products really are, and how they’ve become part of our daily lives.”

Consumer products highlighted in the campaign include wireless communication devices; wireless hand-held PCs; entertainment products, such as portable DVD players and HD (high definition) ready LCD televisions; and futuristic products, such as the company’s first-ever Internet refrigerator.

Samsung has been serving Latin America for more than 15 years, with an approach Park calls “glo-calization” — combining the economies of scale of a global company with the local needs of individual markets.

Today, Samsung Electronics has regional offices in Panama and Miami, with marketing offices and service centers throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America. “Service is a very important part of our ability to respond to the customer,” says Park. “We have enhanced our infrastructure on a country-by-country basis with authorized service centers and toll-free call centers.” Businesses and consumers can also use Samsung’s online system to trace the progress on their service orders.

With Samsung Electronics’ leading-edge products, Park is expecting substantial growth in the Latin American market in 2003. “We believe there are potential opportunities within each country in the region,” he says. “We can provide information and communication solutions to each industry and to the consumer, helping them achieve their goals.”

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., is a global leader in semiconductors, telecommunications, and digital convergence technology. Samsung Electronics employs approximately 64,000 people in 89 offices in 47 countries. The company is the world’s largest producer of memory chips, TFT-LCDs, CDMA mobile phones, monitors and VCRs. Samsung is No. 1 in the TV industry with a 10.8 % market share.

Samsung Electronics consists of four main business units: Digital Media Network, Device Solution Network, Telecommunications Network and Digital Appliance Network Businesses.

International Congress & Marketing (ICM), a Swiss company, has announced the dates for the Sixth International Electronics Recycling Congress.

The event will be in Hamburg, Germany, Jan. 17-19, 2007.

More than 300 delegates from industry, government authorities and academia are expected.

The preliminary program includes sessions on financial guarantees for recycling, reports on trading metals and plastics internationally, OEMs’ zero-landfill policies and take-back and recycling programs. Sessions also focus on the export of electronics to Asia, news about recycling and recovery processes and plants for recycling and the technologies available for dismantling, sorting and recycling of electronics.
A roundtable discussion centers on the EU legislation REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances).

The congress includes a networking dinner and visits to electronics recycling plants and a leading copper smelter.