ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Signal (electrical engineering)

Okay kiddo, let me explain to you what a signal is in electrical engineering.

In simple terms, a signal is a message that travels through a wire or a wireless connection, just like a message you send through your phone or computer. But instead of words or emojis, the signal is in the form of an electrical wave that carries information.

Think of it like a secret code that only smart machines can understand. The information can be anything from pictures, songs, videos, or even instructions on how to operate a machine.

Now, these electrical waves can have different properties, like amplitude, frequency, and duration, which can change the meaning of the message they carry.

For example, if the amplitude of the wave increases, the message can become louder, and if it decreases, the message becomes softer. Similarly, if the frequency of the wave changes, then the message can change its pitch or tone.

In electrical engineering, the signal plays a crucial role in transmitting and processing information in various devices and systems, such as radios, televisions, telephones, and even computers.

So next time you send a message or stream a video, remember that it's all possible because of the magical signal traveling through wires and airwaves.