Computer engineering

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Hardware engineering" redirects here. For engineering other types of
hardware, see mechanical engineering. For engineering electrical systems,
see electrical engineering.

Computer engineering

Occupation

Names Computer engineer

Occupation Engineering
type

Activity Information technology,

sectors
technology industry, engineering
industry

Specialty Hardware engineering, software

engineering, software
programming, robotics,
networking

Description

Competencies Technical knowledge, hardware

design, software design

Fields of Science, technology, engineering,

employment
industry, computer, exploration
Computer engineering (CoE or CpE) is a branch of computer
science and electronic engineering that integrates several fields
of computer science and electronic engineering required to
develop computer hardware and software.[1] Computer engineering is
referred to as computer science and engineering at some universities.

Computer engineers require training in electronic engineering, computer

science, hardware-software integration, software design, and software
engineering. It uses the techniques and principles of electrical engineering
and computer science, and can encompass areas such as artificial
intelligence (AI), robotics, computer networks, computer
architecture and operating systems. Computer engineers are involved in
many hardware and software aspects of computing, from the design of
individual microcontrollers, microprocessors, personal computers,
and supercomputers, to circuit design. This field of engineering not only
focuses on how computer systems themselves work, but also on how to
integrate them into the larger picture.[2] Robotics are one of the applications
of computer engineering.

Computer engineering usually deals with areas including writing

software and firmware for embedded microcontrollers,
designing VLSI chips, analog sensors, mixed signal circuit boards,
and operating systems. Computer engineers are also suited
for robotics research, which relies heavily on using digital systems to
control and monitor electrical systems like motors, communications,
and sensors.

In many institutions of higher learning, computer engineering students are

allowed to choose areas of in-depth study in their junior and senior years
because the full breadth of knowledge used in the design and application of
computers is beyond the scope of an undergraduate degree. Other
institutions may require engineering students to complete one or two years
of general engineering before declaring computer engineering as their
primary focus.[3][4][5][6]
 This computer motherboard used in a personal
computer is the result of computer engineering efforts.
History
[edit]

The Difference Engine, the first mechanical

computerENIAC, the first electronic computer
Computer engineering began in 1939 when John Vincent
Atanasoff and Clifford Berry began developing the world's first
electronic digital computer through physics, mathematics, and electrical
engineering. John Vincent Atanasoff was once a physics and mathematics
teacher for Iowa State University and Clifford Berry a former graduate
under electrical engineering and physics. Together, they created
the Atanasoff-Berry computer, also known as the ABC which took five
years to complete.[7] While the original ABC was dismantled and discarded
in the 1940s, a tribute was made to the late inventors; a replica of the ABC
was made in 1997, where it took a team of researchers and engineers four
years and $350,000 to build.[8]

The modern personal computer emerged in the 1970s, after several

breakthroughs in semiconductor technology. These include the first
working transistor by William Shockley, John Bardeen and Walter
Brattain at Bell Labs in 1947,[9] planar process by Jean Hoerni,[10]
 the monolithic integrated circuit chip by Robert Noyce at Fairchild
[11]

Semiconductor in 1959,[12] the metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect

transistor (MOSFET, or MOS transistor) by Mohamed Atalla and Dawon
Kahng at Bell Labs in 1959,[13][14][15] and the single-chip microprocessor (Intel
4004) by Federico Faggin, Marcian Hoff, Masatoshi Shima and Stanley
Mazor at Intel in 1971.[16]
History of computer engineering education
[edit]
The first computer engineering degree program in the United States was
established in 1971 at Case Western Reserve
University in Cleveland, Ohio.[17] As of 2015, there were 250 ABET-
accredited computer engineering programs in the U.S.[18] In Europe,
accreditation of computer engineering schools is done by a variety of
agencies as part of the EQANIE network. Due to increasing job
requirements for engineers who can concurrently design
hardware, software, firmware, and manage all forms of computer systems
used in industry, some tertiary institutions around the world offer
a bachelor's degree generally called computer engineering. Both computer
engineering and electronic engineering programs include analog and digital
circuit design in their curriculum. As with most engineering disciplines,
having a sound knowledge of mathematics and science is necessary for
computer engineers.

Education
[edit]
Computer engineering is referred to as computer science and
engineering at some universities. Most entry-level computer engineering
jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical
engineering or computer science. Typically one must learn an array
of mathematics such as calculus, linear algebra and differential equations,
along with computer science.[19] Degrees in electronic or electric
engineering also suffice due to the similarity of the two fields. Because
hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a
strong background in computer programming is necessary. According to
BLS, "a computer engineering major is similar to electrical engineering but
with some computer science courses added to the curriculum".[20] Some
large firms or specialized jobs require a master's degree.
It is also important for computer engineers to keep up with rapid advances
in technology. Therefore, many continue learning throughout their careers.
This can be helpful, especially when it comes to learning new skills or
improving existing ones. For example, as the relative cost of fixing a bug
increases the further along it is in the software development cycle, there
can be greater cost savings attributed to developing and testing for quality
code as soon as possible in the process, particularly before release.[21]
Professions
[edit]
See also: Category:Computer engineers
A person with a profession in computer engineering is called a computer
engineer.

Suffi
Title Prefix Requirements
x

Passed a degree in computer engineering

Computer engineer Engr. CpE Institution: Educational Institution (such as
colleges, universities)

Passed a certification exam in computer

Certified computer engineering
Engr. CCpE Institution: Private institution (such as computer
engineer
engineering organizations and private companies)

Passed a licensure exam in computer

Registered engineering
Engr. RCpE Institution: Public Institution (such as Country's
computer engineer
Regulatory Board)

Passed a professional exam in computer

Professional engineering, or work experience
Engr. PCpE
computer engineer Institution: Public or Private Institution

*may vary on region and country.

Applications and practice
[edit]
 The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily
with the United States and do not represent a worldwide
view of the subject. You may improve this section, discuss
the issue on the talk page, or create a new section, as
appropriate. (July 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this
message)

There are two major focuses in computer engineering: hardware and

software.
Computer hardware engineering
[edit]
Main article: Hardware architect
According to the BLS, Job Outlook employment for computer hardware
engineers, the expected ten-year growth from 2019 to 2029 for computer
hardware engineering was an estimated 2% and a total of 71,100 jobs.
("Slower than average" in their own words when compared to other
occupations)".[22] This is a decrease from the 2014 to 2024 BLS computer
hardware engineering estimate of 3% and a total of 77,700 jobs. "[22] and is
down from 7% for the 2012 to 2022 BLS estimate[22] and is further down
from 9% in the BLS 2010 to 2020 estimate.[22]" Today, computer hardware
is somehow equal[clarification needed] to electronic and computer engineering (ECE)
and has been divided into many subcategories; the most significant[citation
needed]
is embedded system design.[20]
Computer software engineering
[edit]
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), "computer
applications software engineers and computer systems software engineers
are projected to be among the faster than average growing occupations"
The expected ten-year growth as of 2014 for computer software
engineering was an estimated seventeen percent and there was a total of
1,114,000 jobs that same year.[23] This is down from the 2012 to 2022 BLS
estimate of 22% for software developers.[24][23] And, further down from the
30% 2010 to 2020 BLS estimate.[25] In addition, growing concerns over
cybersecurity add up to put computer software engineering high above the
average rate of increase for all fields. However, some of the work will be
outsourced in foreign countries.[26] Due to this, job growth will not be as fast
as during the last decade, as jobs that would have gone to computer
software engineers in the United States would instead go to computer
software engineers in countries such as India.[27] In addition, the BLS Job
Outlook for Computer Programmers, 2014–24 has an −8% (a decline, in
their words),[27] then a Job Outlook, 2019-29 of -9% (Decline),[28] then a 10%
decline for 2021-2031[28] and now an 11% decline for 2022-2032[28] for those
who program computers (i.e. embedded systems) who are not computer
application developers.[29][30] Furthermore, women in software fields has
been declining over the years even faster than other engineering fields.[31]
Computer engineering licensing and practice
[edit]
Computer engineering is generally practiced within larger product
development firms, and such practice may not be subject to licensing.[32]
[33]
However, independent consultants who advertise computer engineering,
just like any form of engineering, may be subject to state laws which
restrict professional engineer practice to only those who have received the
appropriate License.[34][35] The National Council of Examiners for Engineering
and Surveying (NCEES) first offered a Principles and Practice of
Engineering Examination for computer engineering[36] in 2003.

Specialty areas
[edit]
There are many specialty areas in the field of computer engineering.
Processor design
[edit]
Main article: Processor design
Processor design process involves choosing an instruction set and a
certain execution paradigm (e.g. VLIW or RISC) and results in a
microarchitecture, which might be described in e.g. VHDL or Verilog. CPU
design is divided into design of the following components: datapaths (such
as ALUs and pipelines), control unit: logic which controls the datapaths,
memory components such as register files, caches, clock circuitry such as
clock drivers, PLLs, clock distribution networks, pad transceiver circuitry,
logic gate cell library which is used to implement the logic.
Coding, cryptography, and information protection
[edit]
Main article: Information security
 Source code written in the C programming
language
Computer engineers work in coding, applied cryptography, and information
protection to develop new methods for protecting various information, such
as digital images and music, fragmentation, copyright infringement and
other forms of tampering by, for example, digital watermarking.[37]
Communications and wireless networks
[edit]
Main articles: Communications networks and Wireless network
Those focusing on communications and wireless networks, work
advancements in telecommunications systems and networks (especially
wireless networks), modulation and error-control coding, and information
theory. High-speed network design, interference suppression and
modulation, design, and analysis of fault-tolerant system, and storage and
transmission schemes are all a part of this specialty.[37]
Compilers and operating systems
[edit]
Main articles: Compiler and Operating system

Windows 10, an example of an operating system

This specialty focuses on compilers and operating systems design and
development. Engineers in this field develop new operating system
architecture, program analysis techniques, and new techniques to assure
quality. Examples of work in this field include post-link-time code
transformation algorithm development and new operating system
development.[37]
Computational science and engineering
[edit]
Main article: Computational science and engineering
Computational science and engineering is a relatively new discipline.
According to the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center, individuals working in
this area, "computational methods are applied to formulate and solve
complex mathematical problems in engineering and the physical and the
social sciences. Examples include aircraft design, the plasma processing of
nanometer features on semiconductor wafers, VLSI circuit design, radar
detection systems, ion transport through biological channels, and much
more".[37]
Computer networks, mobile computing, and distributed systems
[edit]
Main articles: Computer network, Mobile computing, and Distributed
computing
In this specialty, engineers build integrated environments for computing,
communications, and information access. Examples include shared-
channel wireless networks, adaptive resource management in various
systems, and improving the quality of service in mobile and ATM
environments. Some other examples include work on wireless network
systems and fast Ethernet cluster wired systems.[37]
Computer systems: architecture, parallel processing, and dependability
[edit]
Main articles: Computer architecture, Parallel computing, and Dependability

An example of a computer CPU

Engineers working in computer systems work on research projects that
allow for reliable, secure, and high-performance computer systems.
Projects such as designing processors for multi-threading and parallel
processing are included in this field. Other examples of work in this field
include the development of new theories, algorithms, and other tools that
add performance to computer systems.[37]

Computer architecture includes CPU design, cache

hierarchy layout, memory organization, and load balancing.
Computer vision and robotics
[edit]
Main articles: Computer vision and Robotics

An example of a humanoid robot

In this specialty, computer engineers focus on developing visual sensing
technology to sense an environment, representation of an environment,
and manipulation of the environment. The gathered three-dimensional
information is then implemented to perform a variety of tasks. These
include improved human modeling, image communication, and human-
computer interfaces, as well as devices such as special-purpose cameras
with versatile vision sensors.[37]
Embedded systems
[edit]

Examples of devices that use embedded

systems
Main article: Embedded systems
Individuals working in this area design technology for enhancing the speed,
reliability, and performance of systems. Embedded systems are found in
many devices from a small FM radio to the space shuttle. According to the
Sloan Cornerstone Career Center, ongoing developments in embedded
systems include "automated vehicles and equipment to conduct search and
rescue, automated transportation systems, and human-robot coordination
to repair equipment in space."[37] As of 2018, computer embedded systems
specializations include system-on-chip design, the architecture of edge
computing and the Internet of things.
Integrated circuits, VLSI design, testing and CAD
[edit]
Main articles: Integrated circuit and Very-large-scale integration
This specialty of computer engineering requires adequate knowledge of
electronics and electrical systems. Engineers working in this area work on
enhancing the speed, reliability, and energy efficiency of next-generation
very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuits and microsystems. An example
of this specialty is work done on reducing the power consumption of VLSI
algorithms and architecture.[37]
Signal, image and speech processing
[edit]
Main articles: Signal processing, Digital image processing, and Speech
processing
Computer engineers in this area develop improvements in human–
computer interaction, including speech recognition and synthesis, medical
and scientific imaging, or communications systems. Other work in this area
includes computer vision development such as recognition of human facial
features.[37]
Quantum computing
[edit]
Main article: Quantum computing
This area integrates the quantum behaviour of small particles such
as superposition, interference and entanglement, with classical computers
to solve complex problems and formulate algorithms much more efficiently.
Individuals focus on fields like Quantum cryptography, physical
simulations and quantum algorithms.

Benefits of Engineering in Society

[edit]
An accessible avenue for obtaining information and opportunities in
technology, especially for young students, is through digital platforms,
enabling learning, exploration, and potential income generation at minimal
cost and in regional languages, none of which would be possible without
engineers.[38] Computer engineering is important in the changes involved in
industry 4.0, with engineers responsible for designing and optimizing the
technology that surrounds our lives, from big data to AI. Their work not only
facilitates global connections and knowledge access, but also plays a
pivotal role in shaping our future, as technology continues to evolve rapidly,
leading to a growing demand for skilled computer engineers.[39] Engineering
contributes to improving society by creating devices and structures
impacting various aspects of our lives, from technology to infrastructure.
Engineers also address challenges such as environmental protection and
sustainable development, while developing medical treatments.[40] As of
2016, the median annual wage across all BLS engineering categories was
over $91,000. Some were much higher, with engineers working for
petroleum companies at the top (over $128,000). Other top jobs include:
Computer Hardware Engineer – $115,080, Aerospace Engineer –
$109,650, Nuclear Engineer – $102,220.[41]