Computer engineering

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Computer engineering is a discipline that integrates several areas of computer science and electronic engineering necessary to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineers usually have training in electronic engineering (or electrical engineering), software design, and hardware-software integration not just software engineering or electronic engineering. Computer engineers are involved in many aspects of computing hardware and software, from individual microcontroller designs, microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers, to circuit design. This field of engineering not only focuses on how the computer system itself works, but also how they integrate into the bigger picture.

Common 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 the operating system. Computer engineers are also suitable for robotics research, which relies heavily on the use of digital systems to control and monitor electrical systems such as motors, communications, and sensors.

In many institutions, computer engineering students are allowed to choose in-depth study areas in their first and senior years, as the breadth of knowledge used in computer design and applications is beyond the scope of a bachelor's degree. Other agencies may require engineering students to complete one or two years of General Engineering before stating computer engineering as their primary focus.

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History

Computer engineering began in 1939 when John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry began to develop the world's first electronic digital computer through physics, mathematics, and electrical engineering. John Vincent Atanasoff was formerly a physics and mathematics teacher for Iowa State University and former Clifford Berry graduate under electrical engineering and physics. Together, they created the Atanasoff-Berry computer, also known as ABC which takes 5 years to complete. While the original ABC was dismantled and discarded in 1940, an award was made to late inventors, an ABC replica made in 1997 where it took a team of four researchers and engineers and $ 350,000 to build.

The first computer engineering degree program in the United States was founded in 1972 at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. By 2015, there are 250 ABET-accredited computer engineering programs in the US. In Europe, the accreditation of computer engineering schools is carried out by various agencies part of the EQANIE network. Due to increased job requirements for engineers who can simultaneously design hardware, software, firmware, and manage all forms of computer systems used in industry, some tertiary institutions around the world offer bachelor degrees commonly called computer engineering. Both computer engineering and electronic engineering programs include analog and digital circuit design in their curriculum. Like most engineering disciplines, having good knowledge of math and science is indispensable for computer engineers.

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Work

There are two main specializations in computer engineering: hardware and software.

Computer hardware engineering

Most computer hardware engineers research, develop, design, and test various computer equipment. These can range from circuit boards and microprocessors to routers. Some update existing computer equipment to be more efficient and work with newer software. Most computer hardware engineers work in research laboratories and high-tech manufacturing companies. Some also work for the federal government. According to BLS, 95% of computer hardware engineers work in metropolitan areas. They generally work full time. About 33% of their jobs require more than 40 hours a week. For example, a typical computer hardware engineer with a bachelor's degree in 2015 earns $ 111,730 USD per year and an hourly salary of $ 53.72 USD. The expected ten-year growth in 2014 for computer hardware engineering is estimated at three percent, and there are a total of 77,700 jobs for 2014 and 73,600 jobs for 2016.

Computer software engineering

Computer software engineers develop, design, and test software. They build, and maintain computer programs, and set up networks like "intranets" for companies. Software engineers can also design or code new applications to meet business or individual needs. Some software engineers work independently as freelancers and sell their software products/applications to companies or individuals. A computer software engineer with a bachelor degree in 2015 earns $ 100,690 USD per year and an hourly rate of $ 48.41 USD. The expected 10-year growth in 2016 is -7% (Reject according to BLS) for a total of 294,900 jobs down from the 2014 BLS forecast for computer software engineering seventeen percent, and there are a total of 1,114,000 jobs that year.

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Custom areas

There are many specialized fields in computer engineering.

Coding, cryptography, and information protection

Computer engineers work in coding, cryptography, and information protection to develop new methods to protect information, such as digital images and music, fragmentation, copyright infringement, and other forms of annoyance. Examples include working on wireless communications, multi-antenna systems, optical transmission, and digital watermarking.

Communications and wireless networks

They focus on communications and wireless networks, advancements in telecommunications systems and networks (especially wireless networks), modulation and coding of error controls, and information theory. High-speed network design, interference suppression and modulation, design and analysis of fault tolerance systems, and storage and transmission schemes are all part of this specialization.

Compiler and operating system

This specialization focuses on compilers and the design and development of operating systems. Engineers in this field develop new operating system architectures, program analysis techniques, and new techniques to ensure quality. Examples of work in this field include the development of post-link-time code transformation algorithms and the development of new operating systems.

Science and computational engineering

Computational Science and Engineering is a relatively new discipline. According to Sloan Career Cornerstone Center, individuals working in this field, "computational methods are applied to formulate and solve complex mathematical problems in engineering and physical and social sciences such as aircraft design, plasma processing of nanometer features on semiconductor wafers, VLSI circuit design, radar detection, ion transport through biological channels, and many others ".

Computer networks, mobile computing, and distributed systems

In this specialization, engineers build an integrated environment for computing, communication, and information access. Examples include a co-channel wireless network, adaptive resource management in various systems, and improved service quality in mobile and ATM environments. Some other examples include working on wireless network systems and fast Ethernet cluster cable systems.

Computer system: architecture, parallel processing, and reliability

Engineers working in computer systems work on research projects that enable reliable, secure, and high-performing 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.

Computer vision and robotics

In this specialization, computer engineers focus on developing visual sensing technology to feel the environment, environmental representation, and environmental manipulation. The collected three-dimensional information is then implemented to perform various 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.

Embedded system

Individuals working in this field are designing technologies to improve system speed, reliability, and performance. Embedded systems are found in many devices from small FM radios to spacecraft. According to Cornerstone Sloan Career Center, ongoing development in embedded systems includes "automobiles and automated equipment for search and rescue, automated transport systems, and human-robot coordination to improve equipment in space."

Integrated Circuits, VLSI design, testing, and CAD

This specialization of computer engineering requires an adequate knowledge of electronics and electrical systems. Engineers working in this area work to improve the speed, reliability, and energy efficiency of large scale integrated circuits and microsystems (VLSI). An example of this specialization is the work done to reduce the power consumption of algorithms and VLSI architectures.

Process signals, images and speech

Computer engineers in this area are developing improvements in human-computer interaction, including voice recognition and synthesis, medical and scientific imaging, or communication systems. Other occupations in this field include the development of computer vision such as the introduction of human facial features.

Computer Engineer - What does he do | Skills | Typical Day | Pro ...

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Education

Computer engineering is referred to as computer science and engineering at several universities. Most entry-level computer engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering (or computer science and engineering). Usually one has to learn various maths such as calculus, algebra and trigonometry and some computer science classes. Sometimes a degree in electronic engineering is accepted, because of the similarity of the two fields. Because hardware engineers generally work with computer software systems, a strong background in computer programming is required. According to BLS, "computer engineering majors are similar to electrical engineering but with some computer science subjects added to the curriculum". Some large companies or special jobs require a master's degree.

It is also important for computer engineers to follow the rapid technological advancement. Therefore, many continue to study throughout their careers. This can be helpful, especially when it comes to learning new skills or improving existing ones. For example, since the relative costs of fixing bugs increase further during the software development cycle, there will be greater cost savings associated with development and testing for quality codes as soon as possible in the process, and especially before release.

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