Computer engineering is an discipline encompassing electrical engineering, electronic engineering, and software engineering. Computer engineers are electrical engineers that have additional training in the areas of software design and hardware-software integration. In turn, there is less emphasis on power electronics and physics. Computer engineering educational programs most closely resemble that of electrical engineering.
Introduction
A computer engineer is trained to work on both software and hardware, and to integrate the two. Common tasks include writing embedded software for real-time microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips, working with analog sensors, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating systems.
Areas of specialty
Theoretical
Professional
Fields where computer engineers work:
- Communications
- Instrumentation
- Software engineering
- Embedded System Design
- VLSI System Design
- Real-Time System Design
- Digital Image Processing
- Semiconductors
- Control Systems
Degree level education
Computer engineering degrees have become widespread at engineering schools in universities across North America since the early 1990s. Some schools have integrated computer engineering programs. Computer engineering programs are common among engineering faculties across North America, most universities in Asia chose to offer electronic engineering instead. Both computer engineering and electronic engineering programs include analog and digital circuit design into their curriculums.
Computer engineering technology
A little-known subdivision is the study of computer engineering technology, which studies the techniques and applications of computer engineering with less emphasis on the mathematical, engineering design, and scientific theory.
See also
