Electronics is a stream of engineering associated with electronic circuits, devices, and equipment. Electronics engineers design and test circuits using electromagnetic properties to achieve a particular functional result. If you are interviewing for an electronics role, it is imperative to prepare for a technical round. During your interview process, you may need to answer questions that test your knowledge and your ability to apply theoretical principles in practical life situations. In this article, Pritish Kumar Halder explores interview questions for electronic engineers and technicians and provides sample responses for them.

Here are some interview questions you may receive during the hiring process:

1. Does the Norton theorem apply to linear circuitry?

An interviewer may ask you this question to see how well you understand electronics engineering concepts in real-life situations. Include examples in your answer to substantiate your point.

Example: “Yes, Norton’s theorem applies to linear circuitry. It helps measure the equivalency of batteries and resistors in the circuit. This further helps determine the amplitude of distortion within the electrical signals. This theorem is useful when we are designing sound systems and stereo equipment.”

2. What is an operational amplifier?

This question aims to test your knowledge and application of an operational amplifier. When answering such a question, including examples can help add value.

Example: “**Operational amplifiers are mostly used with components like capacitors and resistors as a voltage amplifying device. They are core to an analog device. Since operational amplifiers can perform different operations, I have used them as resistors and capacitors in some of my earlier projects.”

3. How is Ohm’s law used to calculate the current of an electrical device?

With this question, an interviewer evaluates your knowledge of the theories and practical applications of electrical engineering. Use this question to show how you think critically and apply concepts to everyday life situations.

Example: “I first determine the voltage and resistance of the electrical device. Once I understand these values, I divide the voltage by resistance to calculate the current inside the device.”

4. What is an integrated circuit? Have you worked with them before?

This is another question to test if you can apply your theoretical knowledge in designing practical devices. Elaborate your answer by explaining what an integrated circuit is and how you have used them in the past.

Example: “An electronic circuit etched onto a silicon chip is an integrated circuit or a microchip. The main advantage of this device is that it is low cost and low power and delivers high performance. I have used integrated circuits while designing amplifiers and switches.”

5. When designing an electric switch, which diode are you likely to use and why?

This question shows the interviewer how well-versed you are with diodes and their uses. It also puts to test your ability to use diodes in everyday objects. Describe comparisons between the choice of diodes to make your case.

Example: “When designing an electric switch, I would use a silicon diode over a germanium diode. This is primarily because a silicon diode has lower conductivity and higher heat resistance. This makes it an ideal choice in designing electrical applications.”

6. Can you define extrinsic semiconductors and their types?

This question aims at gauging your understanding of the basic principles of semiconductors. While answering, you can get into the specifics of making extrinsic semiconductors.

Example: “Semiconductors are materials that have an electrical conductivity value that lies between that of an insulator and a conductor. To improve the conductivity of the pure or intrinsic semiconductors, impurities get added to them by the process of doping. This gives rise to extrinsic semiconductors. These get further classified into n-type and p-type semiconductors.”

7. What is modulation and where is it used?

This question aims to assess your ability to put theoretical knowledge into practical life. Use examples to elaborate your answer.

Example: “Modulation is the process of encoding information from a message source. It requires alternating the characteristics of the wave by superimposing the message on a high-frequency radio signal known as the carrier wave. Modulation is necessary when information needs to travel over long distances. Its very common practise in communication.”

8. What is the heating principle used in a microwave oven?

This question puts to test your theoretical knowledge in practical applications. An interviewer is likely to ask you this question to gauge your understanding of everyday devices and their working.

Example: “The microwave oven uses an electron tube called magnetron which helps produce the microwaves. These electromagnetic waves reflect within the interiors and get absorbed by the food. This causes the water particles in them to vibrate; thus, heating the food.”

Reference: https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/basic-electronics-interview-questions