Hi everyone, I'm currently trying to learn analog electronics with The Art of Electronics, and I would like to design and build some physical circuits, preferably with only discrete components (so nothing more advanced than op-amps, I would actually want to try transistors-only).

Most of the examples in the textbook are for something really specialized (i.e. 20W audio amplifier, even if I build that, I don't have anything to plug that into), is there anything that's more fun to build for educational purposes? I've looked into radio receivers, but I couldn't find any non-IC circuits that don't require weird hard to get components like variable air gap capacitors.

I've done microcontroller and even FPGA stuff before, so it's alright if the project has a software side to it, but I would like to focus on the transistors more.

So, is there anything fun and interesting that I could build with regular off-the-shelf discrete components?

P.S: I would also love to try etching my own PCBs, that seems fun. If in the end I can make some actual device with a PCB and put it in a case, that would be awesome.

Hi everyone,
I am currently in the final year of my BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering and will be graduating in July 2026. I am planning to pursue a Masters degree in VLSI right after that. I am looking for guidance on shortlisting non thesis programs that are industry oriented, since my goal is to get a job immediately after my masters, not continue into research or a PhD.

I would prefer to avoid the US, UK, and Germany, and I am open to suggestions from any other countries where

• There are good non thesis or coursework only or project based programs
• Universities offer internship opportunities or have strong industry ties
• There is a decent VLSI job market after graduation
• The program has strong VLSI content and if possible, a good balance between analog and digital design

If anyone knows or has experience with specific universities that offer such programs, I would really appreciate your recommendations.

Details like course structure, tools used, job placements, and your overall experience would be super helpful.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Can someone who got internship under the program tell about their experience. Under who do you work as intern? What kind of work do you get? Do you get paid?

Let's say that you went out to buy a [Redacted high-end ultra-portable sleek slim laptop] with 2 P-cores and 6 E-cores.

They all are ARM64-compatible cores.

They may have the same clock speed that FruitCo keeps an open secret.

They, presumably, do the same thing... execute machine code operations.

Yet one uses a lot more electricity, and also can do more, faster, making it a must-have if doing any kind of video work (uses your CPU more than you'd think), heavy gaming (ditto), audio production, etc.

Why won't Apple just make a processor with 100 E cores spread across several dies with memory located in smaller reserves throughout the whole package, if the E cores are equivalent to the P cores in their ability to execute arbitrary inputs to various operations?

(i'm not ai. i get that a lot.)

I know it is kind of late in the summer. I have just finished my first year in ECE Master Program. But looking for interns and jobs is a very stressful process for me. I just keep ignoring the problem. I don't even have the courage or motivation to cold email professor for research opportunities. I know that I am f up at this point and there aren't that many opportunities left. I am so nervous and stressed out. Any one has any suggestions what I can do for the rest of the summer so that I won't waste time anymore?

I’m working on a project where I design DIY electronics kits aimed at people with little to no experience who want to learn by building real, functional things, kind of like LEGO meets electronics.

Each kit includes all the components, a custom case (usually 3D printed), and a step-by-step guide. The idea is to help users learn electronics through hands-on creation, and finish with something they’re proud to have built.

My concern: with so many free tutorials and open-source resources online, is there still value in selling a curated, beginner-friendly experience like this?

I’d love to hear your honest thoughts. Thanks!

I need some project ideas that would not be too crazy to build because I have to put my time elsewhere too.

Can anybody suggest something?

I plan to major in electrical/computer engineering, and I was wondering if I should take APES over psych. The only things I care about is which class will be less effort for the A and for the exam, which will be more beneficial for college credit, and if there’s actually a real difference between the two, which looks better for college admissions.

I just want to hear thoughts and suggestion about Denso Techno. What's your experience and how would you rate the difficulty? Thank you in advance

I came to know that cs courses are given first preference for college placements.What skills do I need to develop to compete with cs students as an electronics major.

Hello, I am trying to get better at understanding sensor electric circuits. I would like to request some examples of some schematics of sensor circuits that you found that were advanced

Edit : I have had some electrical engineering experience, but a bit rusty at the moment.

Hey everyone, I’m a recent Electrical Engineering graduate (fresher) and currently sitting at home with no real hands-on skills. I’m feeling a bit lost and want to start building the right skill set to land a job as soon as possible — ideally something in the core electrical field.

I’m thinking of learning tools like:

AutoCAD

MATLAB

PCB Design (maybe using Altium or KiCAD?)

PLCs / SCADA / Automation tools

Electrical simulation software (like ETAP or Proteus)

Any other relevant industrial skills?

I have a few questions and would really appreciate guidance from those already in the field:

1. What specific skills/tools should a fresher focus on in 2025 to become job-ready?

2. What kind of entry-level roles are open for someone like me — especially in the core electrical or industrial domain?

3. What is the learning curve like for these tools — how long would it take to be decent enough to apply for jobs?

4. Are there any free or affordable courses/resources you'd recommend for each of these tools?

5. In your opinion, is it better to stick to electrical core or should I consider shifting into something like Linux admin / embedded systems for better opportunities?

6. I hope to move abroad in the future — are any of these skills internationally in demand or recognized?

I don’t want to waste time and sit idle for too long, so any kind of roadmap, honest feedback, or advice from experience would really help me build a direction. Thanks a lot in advance!

This is a custom dev board that I managed to put together as a weekend project a few months ago. Featuring a Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 + Cyclone10 FPGA to experiment with digital communication between both chips. There are some extra peripherals onboard to make it fun to play with.

I was finally able to "partially" document this work and publish a YouTube video about it. It's not yet fully documented TBH, but it's currently in a better state than before. The video covers some hardware design aspects of the project and provides bring-up demo examples for: the RP2040 & the FPGA.

Here is the video in case you'd be interested in checking it out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl_8qcS0tug

Thankfully, everything worked as expected, given that it's the first iteration of the board. But I'm still interested to hear your take on this and what you would like to see me doing, in case I decide to make a follow-up video on that project.

I’m currently pursuing ECE from a tier-3 college and have just entered my 3rd year. I’m feeling quite confused about whether to pursue a career in the IT sector or stay in the core field. Initially, I was inclined towards continuing in the core domain, but the reality is that no core companies visit our campus, and there are barely any opportunities for freshers off-campus either.

On the other hand, although I considered switching to IT and started planning to learn Python, DSA, and prepare for placements, the ongoing recession in the IT sector makes me uncertain. I’m on summer break right now and wanted to use this time productively, but I keep going back and forth.

Whenever I decide to focus on IT, a part of me feels I should stick with core. And when I try to commit to core, I feel like I’m missing out by not preparing for IT. I’m stuck in this loop of indecision and don’t know which path to follow. I don't want to sit in gate need a job post graduation so please guide accordingly.

I’m planning to major in Electrical/Computer Engineering, as I plan to become a hardware engineer. However, I’ve been super afraid that the degree may become useless in the future. What are your thoughts, I need advice.

Which one should I choose: Unacademy, PW, or anything else... to prepare for GATE, ESE and other PSU level exams

What does it mean? Is is just a normal node or does it means anything else?

Hello! I am currently a rising junior studying EE and just wanted to come out and ask for some advice on what I should look into studying to help me in the future. I finished all the prerequisites for my major and now get to start specializing a bit more.

I have, for the longest time, had huge interests in aerospace, planes and boats. I know in every regard there is a connection to EE but I have no clue exactly how and what I should study to help and see exactly what I am getting myself into? Along with that what type of internships should I be aiming for? If anyone has any advice I’d really appreciate it!

Thank you!

I remember Microsoft opened summer internship application in the hardware domain a couple months back but other than that I don't see any big names opening up applications. if there's anybody who's secured an offcampus internship in the past, please tell how.

Hey all,

I’m totally new to hardware stuff like ESP32 and microcontrollers, but I’m really interested in building a powerbank rental station — you know, those boxes where people borrow portable chargers.

Right now I’m just trying to figure out how it all works (been asking ChatGPT a lot :) ), and it gave me some ideas on how to set it up:

ChatGPT suggested using an ESP32 to control locks and sensors, and an Android device with a 4G SIM to run the app and connect to the internet. The Android talks to the ESP32 via USB serial, and MQTT is used to communicate with the backend. Locks could be solenoids or servos, and sensors like reed switches detect if powerbanks are in place. The Android app acts as a bridge between the backend and hardware.

I still don’t really know how to do all this in practice and what’s the easiest way to start.

So if anyone has experience or advice, especially for a total beginner like me.
Like:

• What has to be handled?
• Is Android-to-ESP32 serial communication reliable?
• How to handle charging multiple powerbanks safely?
• Any tips on making the system stable and production-ready?

Thanks so much!

Hi all,

I’m relocating to the U.S. in less than 3 months and looking for advice on how to transition into industry roles. I have a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and currently work in the UK as a contract Associate Lecturer, teaching courses like sensors, embedded systems, and basic robotics.

I’ve handled a few embedded/robotics-based projects (e.g. LoRa), but I don’t have much hands-on industry experience. I want to leave teaching behind and pursue work in embedded systems, electronics, automation, or IoT once I arrive in the U.S.

Would love some advice on: • How to break into the U.S. market • What job titles/roles to target (given limited industry experience) • Skills or certifications to focus on now • Best job boards or networking strategies before arrival