CAREER IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

 

Now-a-days, most of us are interested in the wireless medium when compared to wired medium like earphones (that is wired earphones to wireless earphones (or) true wireless earphones (tws)) and t.v antennas, cell phones, and any wireless computer networks. In this article, we are going to cover how the career will be in the wireless medium which is nothing but wireless communication in mobile networks mostly.

INTRODUCTION:

In general, Wireless Communication is the electromagnetic transfer of information between two or more points that are not connected by an electrical conductor. The most common wireless technologies use radio waves.

TYPES OF WIRELESS NETWORKS:

Basically, there are three types of wireless networks. They are:

• WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network)
• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
• WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network)

 In addition to this, another network called WMAN (Metropolitan Area Network)is also considered as a wireless network

Type	Range	Standards
WAN	Worldwide	Cellular(UMTS, LTE, etc)
LAN	Within a building or campus	IEEE 802.11(Wi-Fi)
PAN	Within reach of a person	Bluetooth, ZigBee, NFC
MAN	Within a city	IEEE 802.15(WiMAX)

 

PURPOSE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS:

• Wireless networks are nothing but computer networks that are not joined by cables of any kind.
•  By using these wireless networks we can avoid the costly process of introducing cables into buildings or as a connection between different equipment locations.

ADVANTAGES:

• Cheaper to install and easy to maintain.
• Data transmission is faster at high speed.
• It is mostly secure.
• The wireless network can be accessed from anywhere and anytime.
• It gives rise to new opportunities.

APPLICATIONS:

• Security systems
• Television remote control
• Wi-Fi
• Cell phones
• Wireless power transfer
• Computer interface devices
• Various wireless communication-based projects.

FUTURE SCOPE:

Wireless communications is a wide field with a good number of opportunities than IT. At present we have stepped into the 5G concepts, some countries like the U.K already using these 5G networks, which means ample opportunities abroad in the future in the wireless communication sector.

CAREER DEFINITION FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ENGINEER:

Wireless communication engineers are electrical engineers that specialize in developing, manufacturing, and testing wireless technologies, such as cell phones, the satellite systems that support them, and wireless computer networks. This field of wireless communication engineering changes rapidly as new technologies develop. Wireless communication engineers must constantly update their skill sets to stay up-to-date.

 

Education	Bachelor's degree required
License	Required - candidates need to pass a state exam; continuing education courses also recommended
Job Skills	Creativity, detail-oriented nature, teamwork, communication skills.
Median Salary (2018)*	$96,640 for electrical engineers
Job Growth (2016-2026)*	9% for electrical engineers

WIRELESS NETWORK ENGINEERS NEED THESE SKILLS:

If you're interested in becoming a wireless network engineer, strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills are required, and you need to be knowledgeable about all aspects of network technology. By owning a background in wireless equipment, standards, protocols, and WLAN design is considered perfect.

Candidates also must be strong communicators in order to engage successfully with network technicians, vendors, and managers. Employees typically look for a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent work experience), plus five or more years in LAN/WAN engineering and design work, including several years of specialization in wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, WiMax and WAP. Professional certifications like Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) are also valuable.

TYPICAL DUTIES FOR A WIRELESS NETWORK ENGINEER INCLUDE:

• Researching, designing, and implementing wireless networks, including all engineering requirements and resource requirements for network hardware and software
• Making suggestions for wireless network optimization, additions, and upgrades to meet business requirements.
• Conducting and recording radio frequency (RF) coverage and site overviews.
• Documenting network infrastructure and design. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING:

There are plenty of job opportunities in these industries. To properly line up our career goals and training, we need to have a better understanding of the job titles and job profiles in wireless communications offers. More importantly, we should know about our strengths and personal attributes and choose the right job accordingly. Let us look at the various job opportunities and designations in wireless communications.

• RESEARCH ENGINEER: The role of a research engineer is to research and develop state of the art broadband wireless technologies. At present these engineers are focused on the design, development, and performance of 4G/5G systems.
• DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER: The role of development engineer in wireless communications involves the development of core network subsystems of 5G systems at the present case scenario.
• SYSTEM ENGINEER: The role of the system engineer in this wireless communications involves doing the simulation of various algorithms.
• LEAD ENGINEER: The role of a lead engineer involves developing and dealing with large software codebases, translating high-level requirements for new features, and solving debug issues in the 5G-NR domain.
• DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP) ENGINEER: The role of a DSP engineer involves developing digital signal processing applications. He is also responsible for handling all the DSP applications after development.

PAYSCALE:

The average salary of wireless communication engineer India is approximately 3-7L/yr.

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Career in EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

 

INTRODUCTION:

An EMBEDDED SYSTEM is a computer system with a particular function within a huge mechanical or electrical system, often with real time computing constraints, which means our PC or smart phone are not embedded systems but the Bluetooth module or graphic card in our PC are embedded systems.
Embedded system can also be defined as “A microprocessor based system does not look like a computer “. These are tiny electronic chips inside a CPU, that compute and calculate the commands.

WHY ACTUALLY WE NEED EMBEDDED SYSTEMS:

Due to their compact size, low cost and simple design features made embedded systems very popular and enter into human lives and become unavoidable. They are found everywhere from kitchenware to spare craft. To emphasize this ideas here are some illustrations.
Embedded systems connect all aspects of modern life and there are many examples of their use.

• Bio-medical instrumentation – ECG Recorder, Blood cell recorder, patient monitor system.

• Communication systems – pagers, cellular phones, cable TV terminals. Fax and trans-receivers, video games and so on.

• Peripheral controllers of a computer – keyboard controller, DRAM controller, DMA controller, printer controller, LAN controller.

SCOPE AND QUALIFICATION:

Embedded system field is highly technical and is mostly based on electronics engineering and along with some coding knowledge from computer science engineering .Usually only candidates with a background in electronics engineering can get into this industries because it requires a minimum of BE/B-Tech/BS in ECE/EEE as a necessary qualification. However, Computer Science/IT engineers can also try for these jobs, with good knowledge of digital fundamentals and software programming.

WHAT ARE THE SKILL REQUIRED TO BE A EMBEDDED SYSTEM ENGINEER:

There are mainly 3 skills to know-

• We need to know any programming language like C, C++, java etc.

• We need to know about microcontrollers like 8051 microcontroller and how to write and run the program in microcontroller.

• We need to learn interfacing and make our own breadboard circuits.

i.e., with programming language and micro-controller programming under our belt, we are ready to go on to next step-Building something and learning from it. Microprocessors are computing engines which we are controlling programmatically. But practically we cannot do anything with just a microcontroller.  Even for basic user interaction, we need to INTERFACE SOME PERIPHERAL to it.

JOB OPPURTUNITIES IN THE EMBEDDED SYSTEM INDUSTRY:

There are plenty of job opportunities in these industries. To properly line up our career goals and training, we need to have a better understanding of the job titles and job profiles in embedded system offers. More importantly, we should know about our strengths and personal attributes and choose the right job accordingly. Let us look at the various job opportunities and designations in the embedded system industry.

• Embedded Developer: The role of embedded developer is to design, develop, optimiz and implement the software that is programmed into devices built around a microprocessor. We write a code to solve problems and implement systems that make a physical hardware device which work through software.

• Embedded Firmware Engineer: Firmware is the programmable content in electronic hardware devices, such as remote controls, mobile phones and medical devices that provides commands to the device on how to operate. Firmware engineers create and implement these commands, called algorithms, which enable the hardware to function.

• Embedded Software Engineer: The role of embedded software engineer is designing and implementation of complete software development that include analysis and deployment.

• Embedded Test Engineer: The role of embedded test engineer is demonstrating experience in writing and execution of test cases and applying structured testing methodologies.

• Embedded Hardware Research Engineer: The role of hardware research engineer is leading and executing the development of embedded hardware of products.

• Lead Validation Engineer In Embedded Systems: The role of lead validation engineer in embedded system is development of new device drivers for future products and maintaining the existing device drivers for deployed products. 

PAYSCALE:
The average salary of embedded system engineer is in the range of 4L-7L/year.

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Career in DIGITAL COMMUNICATION

 

In this developing world, communication plays a key role. Digital communication is nothing but transferring information digitally. Through this article, you will get to know more about what is Digital Communication, the required skill-set, job responsibilities, and career prospects in this field.

INTRODUCTION:
    Digital Communication means the physical transfer of data over a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication channel. This can also be defined as the process of devices communicating information digitally. This information can be transferred using digital signals over a wired or wireless medium. Before digital communication came into existence analog communication was used. In digital communication, the data transfer rate is based on its characteristics. 

 WHY ACTUALLY WE NEED DIGITAL COMMUNICATION:

• Digital communication provides a seamless experience to users by eliminating the need for time-consuming face to face interactions, digital communication in various forms such as AI, automation, makes it easier for users.

• Digital communication is more interesting and relevant to our life.

• It is used in digital signal processing.

• It is used in video compression.

• It is also used in speech processing.

• It is used in digital audio transmission.

• It is also more engaging and meaningful to the individual.

• One of the best-valued benefits of digital communication is its cost-effectiveness.

ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION:

• The effect of distortion, noise, and interference in digital signals is less as they are less affected.

• Digital communication is used to cover large distances through the internet and other things.

• It is used in military applications.

SCOPE AND QUALIFICATION:

    The digital communication field is highly technical and is mostly based on electronics engineering and along with some coding knowledge from computer science engineering. Usually, only candidates with a background in electronics engineering can get into these industries because it requires a minimum of BE/B-Tech/BS in ECE/EEE as a necessary qualification.

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE DIGITAL COMMUNICATION ENGINEER:

• More knowledge of evaluating and analyzing technical information.

• Expert understanding of internal network infrastructure, mobile web development and optimization, and telecommunication technology.

• One should able to think programmatically, creatively, and logically.

• Detail oriented both in the execution of tasks and reporting of job status.

• More knowledge of LAN and WAN communication systems.

• Good oral communication skills for explaining technical concepts in everyday terms.

• Possess an excellent time and project management skills.

• One should be able to work well individually and in groups.

Some of the technical skills are mentioned below-

• Awareness of MS office, ISDN, Nortel, SN 1, Sonet, Firewalls, DAS, and SAN.

• Proficiency in computer analysis and simulation tools like MATLAB, STK, OPNETetc.

• Competent in VPM, MPLS, ATM, WAN, and Satcom technologies.

• Comprehensive knowledge of network appliances and internet information services.

• Good knowledge of the joint information environment (JIE) and mission partner environment-information systems(MPE-IS).

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIGITAL COMMUNICATION ENGINEER:

• Digital communication engineer: The role of a digital communication engineer is to research, design, and development of communication equipment.

• Network support engineer: The role of the Network support engineer is to design and build networks that integrate hardware and software.

• Senior Design engineer: The role of a senior design engineer is to create a visually engaging, innovative, and functional design for mobile and communication material.

• Process engineer: The role of the process engineer is to facilitate process optimization and digital automation

• RF Engineer: The role of an RF engineer is to use creativity and sound judgment to provide the proper design, planning, and optimization of the portion of the network assigned to them.

• Test engineer: The role of the test engineer is to testing prototypes, verification of designs, project planning, and execution.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION ENGINEER:

• Dealing with various design development projects and solving complex technical issues.

• Organized and participated in business meetings with management and clients.

• Coordinating with other engineers about defining system specifications and requirements.

• Planning and executing test procedures and also detecting breaks or faults in communication.

• Preparing a filing system for tracking project status.

• Provided design works installing transponder tower.

• Visiting sites, examining communication network requirements, and providing recommendations.

• Preparing and presenting disaster management plans.

Note: These responsibilities may vary according to the companies.

PAYSCALE:
    The salary of the digital communication engineer is around 6-16L/Yr.

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MICROWAVE ENGINEER

 Generally, we know that micro means small, so we may think microwaves means small waves. But actually, microwaves means waves with a high-frequency range of almost 300 MHz to 300 GHz. Through this article you will get to know more about what is microwave, its uses, and career in this field.

INTRODUCTION:

Microwave can be defined as the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with large infrared waves and short radio waves. Microwave engineering relates to the learning and design of microwave components, systems, circuits. Microwave devices are classified into information transmission types and power types. Information transmission type can be used in transmission devices and systems like radio communication, television, radar, radio navigation, radio control, etc. These microwave devices and systems are the most important tools for scientific research in fields like radio-frequency spectroscopy, solid-state physics, nuclear physics, and radio astronomy.

WHY ACTUALLY WE NEED MICROWAVES:

• Microwaves also used as radio waves, but they have higher frequencies than other radio waves. With higher frequencies, they also have more energy. So we will use microwaves in ovens.
• In recent times microwaves are mostly used in point-to-point communication links, wireless networks, microwave radio relay networks, radar, satellite communication, and spacecraft communication. It is also used in the medical sector for medical diathermy and cancer treatment.
• Microwaves are used in satellite communication as they have a smaller wavelength, which allows antennas to point them directly at a receiving antenna. As microwaves are high-frequency signals, it is easy to carry a large amount of information.
• These are also used in mobiles. A mobile encodes the sound of the caller’s voice in microwaves by altering the frequency of the waves. These encoded microwaves then travel to the mobile tower i.e respective SIM tower, through the air and eventually to the receiver of the person being called. Now the receiver decodes these microwaves and changes them back to sounds to which we listen.

SCOPE AND QUALIFICATION:

Microwave engineer field is highly technical and is mostly based on electronics engineering. Basically, candidates with a background in electronics engineering can get into these industries because it requires a minimum degree of BE/B-Tech/BS in ECE/EEE as a necessary qualification.

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE A MICROWAVE ENGINEER:

• Excellent diagramming and documentation skills.
• Familiar with digital communication systems, spread spectrum, single and multi-carrier techniques, and modulation types such as QPSK, APSK, and QAM.
• Experience in designing, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Digital communication theory with prominence on system noise figure and bit error rate.
• Knowledge of different manufacturing technologies and techniques used in the manufacture of high-frequency modules.
• RF/microwave design using Agilent ADS, HFSS, or AWR microwave office.
• Experienced with handling and testing sensitive, high-frequency LNA’s, SSPAs, and converters.
• Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems.
• Experience in systems-level software tools.                          
• Schematic and layout using a PCB design tool.
• Experience in active device characterization and modeling.
• Experience in MATLAB, Python, C++, or equivalent tools for designing and analyzing RF systems.
• Experience with RF circuit design in GaAs, GaN, and SiGe RFIC components.
• Python and Lab-view programming experience for test automation.
• Good oral communication skills for explaining technical concepts.
• Possess an excellent time and project management skills.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR MICROWAVE ENGINEERING:

• Microwave/RF Engineer:
  The role of an RF engineer is to collect, research, and analyze the information to improve radar design.
• Microwave Network Engineer:
  The role of a microwave network engineer is to design integrated circuits and electronic components for microwave devices.

• Microwave Application Engineer:
  The role of a microwave application engineer is to debug, develop, and deploy test solutions for microwave devices.

• RF Design Engineer:
  The role of an RF design engineer is to design and development of RF components from requirements.

• RF FW Test Engineer:
  The role of the RF FW test engineer is to develop, execute, and automate tests for characterizing key performance metrics of the microwave systems.

• Telecom Engineer:
  The role of a telecom engineer is to design and develop telecommunication equipment in microwave systems and make sure that data is transmitted through wired or wireless communication.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MICROWAVE ENGINEER:

• Managing all parts of the microwave network and check appropriate delivery.
• Making plans using detailed drawings.
• Responsible for MLA list and identification of WAP, POP, and WDP systems.
• Preparing estimates and budgets.
• Collect desktop surveys and run internet connectivity accordingly.
• Creating accurate project specifications.
• Monitor and select suitable equipment and check compliance to project objectives.
• Completing regulatory documents concerning safety issues.
• Monitor and collect reviews of all quality control sites and perform related analyses.
• Finishing projects on time and within budget.
• Perform physical path survey and use different balloon tests and flash.
• Coordinate with suppliers and operation management and perform suitable analysis of microwave projects.
• Provide technical support to all microwave engineers.

 NOTE: Above mentioned skills and responsibilities vary for different companies.

PAY SCALE:
The average salary of a Microwave engineer is around 3-6L/Yr.

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Career in Digital Signal Processing

 

Digital signal processing (DSP) is that the use of digital processing, like by computers or more specialized digital signal processors, to perform a good sort of signal processing operations .The digital signals processed during this way are a sequence of numbers that represent samples of endless variable during a website like time, space, or frequency .In digital electronics, a digital signal is represented as a pulse train , which is usually generated by the switching of a transistor.

WHY ACTUALLY WE NEED DSP?

• Digital signal processing take world signals like voice, audio, video, temperature, pressure, or position that are digitized then mathematically manipulate them.
• When it comes in terms of audio, it significantly increases the overall value of hearing protection. Unlike passive protection, DSP suppresses noise without blocking the speech signal.
• Digital signal processing is primarily in arenas of audio signals, speech processing, RADAR, audio, SONAR, voice recognition, and some financial signals.
• When comes to analog signal ,it may be damaged due to external medium noise and due to resistive and reactive elements there is power loss which is certainly not required .On the other hand digital provides us with ultra fast processing, low power, and also we can manipulate data by eliminating the noise.
• As it is programmable, a DSP can be used in a wide variety of applications.
• we will create our own software or use software provided by ADI and its third parties to style a DSP solution for an application.

SCOPE AND QUALIFICATION:

DSP has revolutionised the way we glance at the new electronic and telecom products, in terms of size, power and efficiency. We use a myriad of devices in present days. Usually the candidates with a background in electronics engineering can get into these industries because it requires a minimum of BE/B-Tech/BS in ECE/EEE as a necessary qualification.

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE A DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING ENGINEER:

• Comprehensive knowledge of wireless communication standards, DSP processors, and OFDM wireless modem design.
• Specific experience in SW architectures for audio/multimedia frameworks.
• Hands-on experience in digital signal processing, DSP/ARM assembly, and development of wireless product.
• Familiarity with Adaptive Signal Processing.
• Sound knowledge of DPLL modem generation and IC design, and communication device architecture.
• Implement reliable and efficient solutions for demanding aircraft applications and mission critical system and work with a wide variety of services, including system design, LRU design, board design, signal processing, failure analysis, EMI, Project Engineering and merchandise support.
• In-depth knowledge of ARM processors, ADS system tools, software programming of DSP C-language and high speed interfaces.
• Conversant in SPICE-compliant development process, MATLAB, CDMA2000, and Cable modem.
• Sound knowledge of signal processing, digital links, Sigma Delta ADC, and wireless design.
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical details, accurately and precisely.
• Strong problem solving, organizational and project management skills.
• Identify, implement, and balance the newest low risk efficient logic technology vs. cutting edge technology for demanding computerized and embedded control system.

JOB OPPURTUNITIES IN DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING INDUSTRY:

• Digital signal processing engineer
• Firmware engineer
• Principal systems engineer
• DSP software engineer
• Algorithm developer
• Radar signal processing engineer

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING ENGINEER ?

• Liable for system designing, developing software components also as maintaining coding specifications
• Perform experimental testing, occasionally involving travel, and analyze and present the results to internal peers and external customers
• Designing analog circuits and developing techniques of implementing high speed interfaces
• Develop or improve signal processing algorithms and control systems, starting with simulation , continuing with rapid software prototyping, and ending with embedded hardware implementation.
• Developing DSP software architecture also as overseeing software performance
• Provide signal processing and control systems expertise as a private contributor and as a neighborhood of a little multidisciplinary team
• Handling validation and debugging of functional software
• Developing strategies for debugging and testing of software products
• Perform necessary engineering analysis and calculations for the project
• Ensuring that the DSP software deliverables meets deliverable schedules and quality standards by coordinating with the project team
• Providing support in chip bring-up in line with the assembly requirement
• Think outside the box up a search and new development .

PAYSCALE :

The average salary of a signal processing engineer is around 6-7L/Yr.

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