In the electronics world everybody is using electromagnetism in some way. All signals are electromagnetic, so in the electrical engineering environment electromagnetism is a leading topic of concern. One of our out of class assignments was to interview a practicing engineer. I was assigned to interview Mr. Gary J Trennison. Mr. Trennison is head engineer for Bell South. His work is related to DSL technology (Digital Scribers Line Technology). During the interview I asked Mr. Trennison about the relationship of electromagnetic theory in the engineering work environment, also about contemporary issues that the engineers face in their work environment that has a global and societal impact. I also ask Mr. Trennison about environment issues related to professionalism and ethics.
Electromagnetism is used for various purposes in our daily lives; one of the uses related to Mr. Trennison’s work is DSL. DSL is a new way to utilize our existing copper telephone lines to deliver very high-speed internet connections. It works like ours existing, slow dial-up modem but without the slow dial-up part. DSL subscribers are always connected directly to the Internet with their own secure, dedicated line. DSL modems are digital unlike dialup modems which are analog. DSL is accomplished by multiplexing different electromagnetic waves line into three separate bandwidths and frequencies. Currently our voice is carried over the lower frequencies (30 Hz to 4 kHz) leaving the higher frequencies and bandwidth unused. The multiplexed electromagnetic signals are sent through the copper telephone lines to the modem, then them modem demodulates the electromagnetism signal. As a result DSL technology has enabled us to utilize the unused higher frequencies for two-way high speed data transmission. This way an ISP can use the 300 kHz to 700 kHz electromagnetic band for upstream transmission and the 1000 kHz and above very high speed downstream service. Due to the frequency we can talk on our phone and surf the net at the same time. With DSL we do not need to add additional phone lines.
The main global issue Mr. Trennison faced was the difficulties concerning connections to the Internet and setting up Global DSL supported Internet software. Any computer attached to the Internet can be invaded through that connection. DSL networks require a fiber optic back bone and specialized electronics to transfer the data quickly. This data transfer can only be done quickly over a certain distance, by amplifying electromagnetic signal. Using Maxwell’s equations and wave equations these difficulties can be over come. It was clear applying wave equations, incident, reflected and transmitted wave could be defined. Installing weather-resistant DSLAM electromagnetic circuits into digital loop can also help to distance problem. Engineers believe they should be able to increase the speed of DSL by increasing band width. DSL has a direct impact on the economy. Faster internet connections reduce data transfer time saving companies time and money while maximizing profits.
Electromagnetic waves are can propagate themselves in various media, including air, water, metals and in a vacuum, i.e. in a space where no medium is present. Due to large selection of available media many ethical issues are raised. Mr. Trennison concern electromagnetic emissions. Electromagnetic radiation includes a broad range of types with diverse characteristics. Although its application in household and technical appliances varies greatly, all these types belong to the same form of electromagnetic energy. All radiation is a form of energy. Unlike heat radiation (i.e. infrared radiation) that can be readily felt or visible light radiation which can be seen, microwaves for example are generated by magnetrons are indicated by frequency only. In daily life we are exposed simultaneously to many forms of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic fields that we are constantly exposed to are generated in the production and transport of electric power (high tension cables), the use of electric appliances such as mobile phones, microwave ovens. The impact of EM waves on living organisms comes about through one mechanism. That mechanism is viewed as conversion processes where by electromagnetic energy is absorbed the body and converted into induction current and heat. The impact hinges on the frequency of the field to which the body is exposed and may affect our health such as involuntary movements of muscles and limbs or disturbed heart rates. Engineers are working diligently to prevent health problems by using different kinds of electromagnetic filter and shielding electromagnetic radiation. Health was not the only issue; privacy is the main ethical issue Mr. Trennison faces in his daily work. Since DSL and phone line have same copper wire, people often have cross talk. Some people could easily listen others conversation. DSL and Cable Modem Internet connections are always on. DSL and Cable Modems put our internal network at the service of the access provider effectively; we have a static IP address, making us an easy invasion target. For this reason people still think their privacy may bee violated. These are ethical issues that engineers are still working to solve.
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