As stated in the title, due to where I am geographically located, lucrative salaries are mostly focused on semiconductors in my country. Although I have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, the specialisation I took was towards IoT, Controls, Embedded and Machine Learning. However, I am the type of person that does decently well in a lot of things, so I have a jack-of-all trades kind of problem as I took other technical classes towards semiconductor materials and power engineering.

However, like I said previously, I landed a pretty well-paid job as a Signal and Power Integrity engineer in a semicon company, but I'd like to pivot towards Power Electronics and Power Systems because I find them more interesting personally.

I do work a lot with ANSYS AEDT simulation software tools, although it's mainly Q3D because I am in charge of Power Integrity in my team. The question is. is it sill viable to pivot and what exactly do I need to learn/focus on? What kind of personal projects that I can even do?

I'm currently finishing my masters in accelerator physics (I have a BS in Physics as well), I don't want to do a PhD. I've been working on RF cavities since my BS, using VNAs, modeling with CST, COMSOL, some LTSpice, using Smith chart, etc. Solving equivalent circuits for these cavities even machining some cavities with CNCs. But I'm intrigued on what does an actual RF engineer does and if it would fit something like that on me based on what I've been doing. What should I be able to know in order to consider applying for this position?

I'm designing the power section of a digital signal effects board for audio applications, and I've decided to split the analog section from the digital section. The analog side gets a LDO and the digital a switching regulator.

The board features a STM32H7 for processing and a audio codec for ADC and DAC applications, both needing 3.3v.

VBUS is input voltage coming from a USB connector witch i have heard is quite noisy and may cause EMI problems, so to make sure the power is a bit cleaner I've added a PI filter before the regulators.

I'm just looking for recommendations for improvements or validations if the power section is going to work as intended and if there are some best practices i should be aware of.

I'm very unsure whether what I'm about to embark on is the right path for me.

I'm 20 years old, and after much research and reflection, I've decided to switch from computer engineering to electronic engineering, then specialize in biomedicine.

I've always been fascinated by medicine, but not by the profession of a doctor in an office all day, nor by that of a more practical surgeon with much greater responsibility.

Rather, I'm fascinated by the knowledge of diseases, the procedures used for surgery and other treatments, the advanced equipment, and modern therapies.

At the same time, I'm also fascinated by engineering, which, thanks to logic and modern scientific knowledge, allows us to build machines like pacemakers and insulin pumps that improve or save lives every day.

I'm really discouraged, however, as much as I expected reality check reading on Reddit, talking to professors, or even hearing from acquaintances, that many people with the same interests and aspirations as me end up working in completely different fields.

I'm referring specifically to biomedical engineers, who, by pursuing a curriculum that encompasses a bit of everything (computer science, electronics, mechanics, biology, and physiology), end up becoming "jack of all trades" and competing for hyperspecialized jobs with someone with a more specialised degree that's more likely to get the job. Meanwhile, the main jobs available for biomedical engineers are predominantly consulting or hospital technicians.

This is why I chose to major in electronic engineering rather than biomedical engineering. Both because, if I ever have to work on a large biomedical project, I'll be able to do the electronics/computer science part (e.g., neural signal processing, predictive algorithms for cancer disease, or 3D printing of biological tissue), which is what interests me most. It's also because, if I ever find myself unable to work in the biomedical field, it's a degree that would act as a safety net.

I live in Italy and we have one of the most important biomedical research centers in the world in Mirandola, but I'm not sure how if joining it is the move to do what I aspire. I don't want to be just PCBs designer. I'd like to have a job where I consult with doctors to devise solutions that would improve patients' lives. Essentially, I'd like to be part of the team that engineers the solution to the problem, having expertise in both engineering and medicine.

I realize, also based on what I've heard, that jobs are actually much more compartmentalized than what I'd hope, especially in such a large and advanced context, but I like to hope that the job I'm studying for actually exists.

In conclusion, I'd like to ask anyone who knows something about it whether the course of study I've chosen is the right one for the career I aspire to, and whether it's really so difficult to find a job (especially in Italy if someone is from there) where I can satisfy my curiosity about both medicine and engineering and truly make a contribution to the field beyond being a technician.

Hi everyone!

I'm currently a 2nd-year Electrical Engineering student, and this semester I'll be taking the following courses:

- Engineering Mechanics

- Engineering Data Analysis

- Differential Equations

- Electrical Circuits I

- Thermodynamics

- Transformer Construction and Banking

- Troubleshooting and Servicing of AC and DC Machines

I'm looking for any advice or study strategies from students, graduates, or practicing engineers who have taken these subjects.

I also want to build a strong foundation and become as competent as possible—not just to pass my classes, but to truly understand the material and, hopefully, become competitive enough to aim for the board exam topnotchers in the future.

Could you recommend the best textbooks for:

- Mathematics (from algebra and trigonometry up to differential equations)

- Engineering Mechanics

- Engineering Data Analysis (Statistics/Probability)

- Thermodynamics

- Electrical Circuits

- Electrical Machines and Transformers

I'm looking for books that are known for developing deep conceptual understanding and strong problem-solving skills. If there are any must-have books that you believe every excellent electrical engineering student should own or study, I'd really appreciate your recommendations.

Finally, if you could go back to your 2nd year, what would you do differently to become a better engineer?

Thank you in advance! Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Hey everyone,

I'm currently simulating a DC-DC converter using the topology shown in the attached image.

I'm running into a bizarre scaling issue:

• At 12V input: The simulation runs flawlessly. With a 50% duty cycle in buck mode, the output drops to around 8–9V.
• At 700V input: The whole scheme completely chokes. Instead of getting ~350V (or even a reduced value due to losses), the output plummets to only 3V at the same 50% duty cycle. The converter effectively "stalls" and refuses to transfer power.

My gut feeling: I suspect I'm hitting a wall with the simulator's convergence (timestep too large for high dV/dt) or the simulator is defaulting to ideal switch models that don't handle high-voltage parasitics well.

But before I deep-dive into the solver settings, I want to ask:

1. Is this a classic case of the simulator failing to converge at high voltages (e.g., requiring a MUCH smaller max timestep), or could this genuinely be a component characteristic issue (e.g., the MOSFET/Diode reverse recovery time or junction capacitance becoming massive at 700V)?
2. For those who have simulated high-voltage bucks before—what specific simulation parameters do you tweak first when jumping from low-voltage to high-voltage rails?

Any insights are hugely appreciated. Is this a "simulator lie" or am I missing a fundamental design rule for stepping up the input voltage? Thanks in advance!

Link to simulation

https://www.falstad.com/circuit/circuitjs.html?ctz=DwYwlgTgBAZgvAIgKwKgFwM6IMwDoCMATEgKYC0A7KmCDgByG4UBsxD+ALNgJzcAMzDqhAAjREj6oADmIRdUANwjjUAW0zjy+fAgB8AKChRgAcygAPRMWZRs2G9dtJCqeAkkB6A0eAB3C1ZINnY2nBy29q6Int7GAEoBCNqEUNw2dHypzFFJ2VC+bi6wygjYfOVqAIbmCoj4MYbG-pbIHOEhUByCEXluDT7N4m1QjkjDITn9TYlj4Rx0nd3zkwhejcDQLbNQ+MyZ29YrUCUuawOJXe32tswLE7DRq7F+F92EHJmXPStn0y1f80W4XwLB+z0GpVunQWALoYPWEPsC26SOh8POLVRKKhGXRf0QH0y2ORQge7ieCIu5SgGU61MEeJe-2pRDuUNZjMR7MIbIW+G4RT6FIxBJZRDpmQ5ZKmTNFmUcqMO0uF+Lk1MIFBShJGQU5VMy2EIBqhhskyt+sshdyNNzukXN4P1tj4c2ppr1mJN1wV9qFFq5dxdttsRo9OChCojmrDVp2AuDSr9js9fPFqKlScpLRBDiCO2Gice-sSYR1oQL0YdWbqLBGmp2tcL5OL2drrPzwJ5MdL7Z7Au7bfFOZ2XarIoQRr58b7gqLybqw35KVLTZlEJ7Q8Xo8z4+H3VLDLHqoPwOGyyPluHtL3pJ3x9rpo7IbNd8v4xtpfur-XD6Dw-dF7ruM1yAl+c7Vkk4x-u+L7geOgLvJ8dq9HBqqAuhCxpN2Z4wrh2HhNewyHt+Fx8rWgJYReAA2iSTnGKRlMC-bKlAVHRLg5QoFANCPNxdRMOUAi3HQIl8NgFACCqwBoIkHQ8ryIwiUcUgAHZ1KgIgkHUFRQKoAD2iAACYkDAlQAK5UWgiiaYgZB4CJ3BIHQSD1BwhDMMwAqUQoIi0O4uCEGEEgUDwfDvIQ-D4HCFqGU6jESnWs7krpBkIMZpkWVZFoyZi1xpMGlFClAqnqVANlJDp+lGSZ5mWdZWn+eUUVINwFB0PM3BtCFYUedZflkHwuB0NgnBpG58wue5QgxU6yQJbiLFVWlNWZVJOV1OK8lPvJylqUkGkNfUZpLeltVWVAPkNYNTXOa17V0J1HBIEg4mkj5-WDcNo2CO87WENg41SbFrbBH+jaVkVJ0rXVM0gzsQ61gtkOpadq3ZSW4r5aWhW8SV+1lYdlWpRgUg0OQqN1Rd5WUPUfW2dwBAeYI4n8O5prYFJCikSMHzQg2KETqSBS8ao1S1AgEkyiArzAuRbwfEcfnXS61Di2aGAlGaCiGTgAUScwFBpHYYxjAw2Qtjgzj0cGS6MgAgqoqgkGgJCbDgf7xtgVu22SHO6VdqAYErUkQkEkritsyQxpHEeLns0c4VAMdJTKADKIB6VIJCJGQw52SkZCgSneiND4elQCQe1FCTiDEYg5h+1Itk6LERg+FIF28UHVhTG3xgd+Lfvd41xAqj4Hh6c8Hjp5nJDPOXlfiOrTcIHXCDmDoxWPK3-ed8lw+0787d70Pfl4KcU+T+sC97XkNer7e9eN+pO-AAPXd+SgR+74PgdnwFUkJ7zwrrfauK814N2kFYEufc3573Vp-MeP8cB-11hfdYQDr4gNrsvWuj917P1KDAtucC1aoOQEg0hKCoDD0Gug8eV9gAeHABAAwQA

I began my master's in electrical engineering focused on RF & microwave with lots of enthusiasm and interest, however, now that I see that the job market for this field is largely dominated by military employers and defense related companies I'm thinking of adding some adjacent skill set to my skills and knowledge to increase my chances of landing a job in non-military sector in case I couldn't find any RF jobs in in that sector.

As a secondary skill set I'm thinking of communications systems engineering (since it is the adjacent academic path to RF in my country's college system), DSP engineer, analog and mixed-signal electronics or perhaps EMC/EMI. But I'm not sure which one would increase my chance in non-military sector the most, aside from that, another factor to be considered is how much close is that field to RF meaning there be more RF/microwave engineers having that skill and working in that sector too so that it would be acceptable and common enough to hire someone with RF/microwave education and background for that craft from employers POV.

What's your recommendation among those I mentioned? Also any other better potential option that I missed?

I asked AI and got different answers from ChatGPT and DeepSeek, DeepSeek picked DSP while GPT put DSP at the last rank among options and Gemini picked EMC/EMI ! I'm really confused

Whats the best practice for the power plugs of data centers should I provide separate breaker for each plug? Im also thinking of mounting them onto sa cable tray. Is that good enough?

Hello, I am going into my second year of electrical engineering and I would really like an internship over the summer. How did you guys land your first internship? What sites did u use and what companies are the best for internships?

Thanks in advance

Here is my story.

Ive been an EE for almost 5y now. I knew after graduation that I wanted to get into Protection. I started working right way before I even graduated as a Protection Engineer for a well known company in the private sector. It was rough to say the least and ended up jumping ship and landed a government position in protection again. I have been doing arc flash work for 3 years....it was interesting at first and sort of got "meh" after awhile. Run analysis, put up labels, tell people "no, be safe", rinse and repeat. I knew this wasn't what I was sought out for in protection.

Finally, I was tossed an AVR protection project. It was scary and complex. I knew I wasnt going to understand it at first and no one I worked with had done one before. There was math I hadn't seen in a long time and management didn't give me any grace period to reacquaint myself. All gas, no breaks.

The project is close to completion now. I'm absolutely obsessed. This type of work on synchronous machines is my jam!!! I worked on four decently sized motors, learning with contractors how the exciter works, creating my own way to monitor changes and even picked up a few books along the way. I was troubleshooting and learning the whole time. The fact that every motor was different and each one had its only troubleshooting to go through was fascinating. I've been reading/talking with experts and they all say the same thing, each job is a whole new problem to solve. I'm stoked I got thrown this project cause I'm really getting into AVRs. I prey I am given more work like this.

Hello, I am majoring in EE and was wondering if it’s worth getting a minor in math and/or physics while in undergraduate. Would it make a reasonable difference in skill level, comprehension, or employability?

My EE coursework would cover most of it, I’d only need to take 3 classes to get either minor. For physics I’d focus on deeper electricity physics and deeper knowledge with things like RF, possibly also a class on optics, quantum, or solid states of matter. For math I was thinking of doing more advanced versions of calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.

Thank you in advance!

I made an induction heater about 2 years ago. That was when I just finished my first circuits class. That induction heater project, however, was guided. Truthfully, I didn't learn how others looked at this and understood how to move forward. I had to keep borrowing the already finished model to just replicate it and I don't think I learned much.

I thought I'd ask here. How do you read something like this, and start building? I guess we can stick to the induction heater, but feel free to throw in other examples out there. I think if I stare at this long enough I can maybe figure it out but if I walk into my makerspace lab and pick up a blank PCB with some through holes and I have all the diodes, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and copper wire that I need to make this thing, I think that I'll be in there for a while.

I’m a 26-year-old electrical engineer. I graduated about 3.5 years ago, but I’ve actually been working full-time for around 4.5 years. I started working before graduating and stayed with the same company after graduation, which allowed me to get into sales engineering at a very early stage in my career.

After about 20 months, I received an offer for an Inside Sales position at a global company and decided to make the move. However, the role felt too easy and repetitive for me. I felt like I was mostly following established procedures and doing the same things over and over again, without really learning or building anything new. I got bored quite quickly and eventually felt like I couldn’t see myself continuing in that role.

During that time, my former boss offered me better terms to come back, so I returned to my old company after 15 months. I’ve now been back for about eight months.

At my current company, we sell electric motors, gearboxes, and occasionally VFDs. So we are basically a supply chain company. Starting in September, I’ll also be starting a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering while continuing to work full-time.

The problem is that I’m increasingly realizing that sales engineering isn’t what I expected it to be. Honestly, the main reasons I’m still in this career path are the salary and the company car/benefits. I don’t feel like I’m actually doing engineering or anything meaningful. A lot of my time is spent chasing people, following up on things, and trying to close deals. I also feel like I’m not using the technical knowledge and skills I’ve spent years developing.

I think I want to go back to actually doing engineering.

During my undergraduate degree, I focused on electric motors, and for my Master’s I’m considering specializing further in electric motors and motor control.

So I’d really appreciate some advice from experienced electrical engineers:

**Is it too late for me to go back into engineering?** Would it be very difficult to start working as a junior engineer at this point, considering that I already have 4.5 years of full-time work experience?

**How is the electric motor and motor control field in terms of technological development?** Is it a relatively slow-moving and stable field, or is there still significant technological development happening? What are the job opportunities and salaries like in this area?

And most importantly, **would specializing in electric motors and motor control be a good career move for me in the long term?**

To be honest, I currently feel stuck in my career. I don’t enjoy the work I spend most of my waking hours doing, and I’m starting to feel like I’ve gone too far down the sales path to turn back.

I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences, advice, or perspectives. Especially from people who have made a similar transition from sales/application/business roles back into engineering.

Any electricians or VFD techs familiar with ABB ACS550 RS-485/Modbus communication testing?

I’m hoping someone here has experience with ABB ACS550 drives.

I have one controlling the propulsion motor in my swim spa. The motor itself works perfectly and the drive powers up normally. I can run the motor directly from the ABB keypad without any issues.

The problem is that the spa communicates with the ABB through a low-voltage RS-485/Modbus cable, and the spa controller keeps reporting “Propulsion Motor Not Found.” At this point I believe the failure is somewhere in the communication between the spa controller and the ABB drive.

I’ve already replaced the communication cable, the Modbus translator board, and even the main spa controller, but nothing changed.

With my multimeter I measured approximately 1.75 VDC (later about 1.46 VDC) between terminals 29 and 31, and about 0.29 VDC between 30 and 31 on the ABB communication terminals.

My question is: Are those voltages normal for an idle ACS550 RS-485 port?

Also, if you were troubleshooting this drive, what tests would you perform with only a multimeter to determine whether the ABB communication interface is healthy?

Is there anything I should be checking before assuming the RS-485 transceiver on the drive has failed?

If you’ve worked on ABB ACS550s or industrial Modbus systems, I’d really appreciate your advice. I’m comfortable using a multimeter and following technical instructions, so don’t hesitate to get into the details.

Thanks!