dianzi

Dianzi, written in Chinese as 电子, is a term used to describe electronics—the science and technology of devices and systems that control the flow of electrons and electromagnetic signals. It encompasses the design, fabrication, and application of circuits, components, and integrated systems used to process information, power, and sensors.

The field emerged in the 20th century with the invention of vacuum-tube technology, followed by the development of semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors, and culminated in integrated circuits in the 1950s and 1960s. This progression enabled modern computing, communications, and a wide range of consumer and industrial electronics.

Key subfields include analog electronics, digital electronics, mixed-signal electronics, microelectronics, power electronics, radio-frequency electronics, and optoelectronics. Electronic engineering, embedded systems, and telecommunications electronics are common domains within the field, focusing on different aspects of circuit design, signal processing, and system integration.

Applications of dianzi span numerous sectors, including consumer electronics (phones, computers, televisions), automotive and industrial electronics, medical devices and instrumentation, data centers, and telecommunications networks. The field drives ongoing advances in areas such as AI hardware, sensors, energy-efficient systems, and new materials for faster and smaller components.

Education and industry often center on electronic engineering or electrical engineering programs. Research and manufacturing activities are globally distributed, with significant activity in East Asia, North America, and Europe, supporting a large ecosystem of design, fabrication, and product development.