Computer engineering
Computer Engineering (also called Elec-
tronic and Computer Engineering or
Computer Systems Engineering) is a dis-
cipline that combines both elements, Elec-
trical Engineering and Computer Science.[1]
Computer engineers usually have training in
electrical engineering, software design and
hardware-software
integration
instead of
only software engineering or electrical engin-
eering. Computer engineers are involved in
many aspects of computing, from the design
of individual microprocessors, personal com-
puters,
and supercomputers,
to
circuit
design. This field of engineering not only fo-
cuses on how computer systems themselves
work, but also how they integrate into the
larger picture.[2]
Usual tasks involving computer engineers
include writing software and firmware for
embedded microcontrollers, designing VLSI
chips, designing analog sensors, designing
mixed signal circuit boards, and designing
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.
Computer engineering as
an academic discipline
The first accredited computer engineering
degree program in the United States was es-
tablished at Case Western Reserve University
in 1971; as of October 2004 there were 170
ABET-accredited computer engineering pro-
grams in the US.[3]
Due to increasing job requirements for en-
gineers, who can design 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 engin-
eering and electronic engineering programs
include analog and digital circuit design in
their curricula. As with most engineering dis-
ciplines, having a sound knowledge of math-
ematics and sciences is necessary for com-
puter engineers.
In many institutions, computer engineer-
ing students are allowed to choose areas of
in-depth study in their junior and senior year,