Computer Engineering 101
The Study of Developing Components and Systems for Today’s Computers
Feb 10, 2009
Computer engineering is a discipline dedicated to the design of computer components and systems. The field was originally considered a branch of electrical engineering, but has expanded beyond the realms of traditional electrical engineering and embracing some components of the computer science field.
Computer Engineering Education
The early curriculum for computer engineering students is very similar to electrical engineering students, including basic courses in mathematics and physics. Computer engineering students will also take courses in some electrical engineering topics, such as analog and digital circuit design. Advanced courses in this field are heavily dependent on the branch of computer engineering that the student wishes to pursue.
Branches of Computer Engineering
As there are many parts to any computer, there are several branches within the discipline of computer engineering, including:
- Computer Systems Architecture - This branch involves the development of computer components and the interoperability of those components.
- Signal Processing - The focus of this branch is on the evaluation of analog and digital signals. This can include filtering and data analysis.
- Logic - All computer systems are based on a binary system, and computer systems operate on the rules of logic. Logic gates are often the basic building block of computer components.
- Embedded Systems - Embedded systems are self-contained computer systems that are designed to perform a specific function. Many electronic gadgets have embedded systems within them.
- Interface Design - This branch is concerned with the human interface with computer systems. It can include the development and improvement of interface methods, such as keyboards/mice, touch screens, voice control, and so on.
- Operating Systems - While operating systems are technically software, they are integral to the operation of a computer's hardware, and a deep understanding of hardware functionality is required to develop and update operating systems.
- Software Engineering - As with operating system design, software requires compatibility with system hardware. Software that is graphically intensive relies on the performance of graphics hardware. Software also has to be flexible enough to be compatible with a variety of hardware options.
Engineering Professional Societies
Due to the roots of computer engineering as an electrical engineering specialty, the preeminent professional society is the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE, spoken “I-triple-E”). IEEE also has a division called the IEEE Computing Society with nearly 85,000 members that is “dedicated to advancing the theory and application of computer and information-processing technology.”
To learn about the different types of engineers and what they do, please read Engineering 101: The Basics.
Sources
IEEE Computing Society website
WPI Electrical and Computer Engineering department website
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