Computer engineering, also called computer hardware engineering, electronic and computer engineering, hardware engineering, computer science & engineering, or computer systems engineering. This engineering discipline combines both electronic engineering and computer science. The hardware engineer, usually has training in multiple engineering fields or disciplines, such as electronic engineering, software design and hardware-software integration; instead of only one or the other of these; software engineering or electronic engineering.
These engineers, are involved in many aspects of computing, they do research, design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture and installation of computer hardware. When you think about it computer science and engineering are a natural fit to incorporate all the systems, circuitry, and the related support equipment.
The hardware engineer, goes from the design of individual microprocessors, personal computers, supercomputers, and circuit design; to the installation of computer chips, circuit boards, and computer systems. This field of engineering not only focuses on how computer systems themselves work, but also how they integrate into the larger picture, with the related equipment such as keyboards, routers, and printers.
The work of the computer hardware engineer is similar to the electronics engineer, they both design and test circuits and other electronic components; the computer hardware engineer only does work that relates to computers and the computer related equipment, and the electronics engineer will work on a variety of circuitry and equipment. A note of interest, the advances in computer technology and computer science is largely a result of the research, development, and design efforts of these engineers.
Some of the Usual tasks involving the hardware engineer; include writing software and firmware for embedded micro controllers, designing VLSI chips, designing analog sensors, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating systems. They also test computer or computer related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use and the hardware engineer supervises the manufacturing and installation of computers hardware and the computer related equipment and components.
Computer engineering, is a complex engineering discipline. The engineers have to know hardware, software, computer science, circuitry, and electronics inside out. Along with this huge knowledge base these engineers must have some if not all of these skills and abilities.
Stay updated with knowledge and learn the skills necessary to keep up with the rapid advancements in computer technology. Provide technical support to the designers, the sales departments, their suppliers, other engineers and team members, throughout the product development and implementation process.
As a part of their duties they test and verify hardware to ensure they meet the required specifications. They monitor the functioning of the computer hardware and make any modifications to ensure the system operates in conformance with specifications. They analyze the user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
Then they get to use their managerial skills and direct technicians, engineering designers or other support personnel as needed. To kind of wrap up this day in the life of the computer engineer they, confer with their engineering staff to evaluate the interface between hardware, software and the operational and performance requirements of the overall system.
Finally, they select the hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements. Other than that they have a calm day at work.
I feel it is very necessary to inform those of you thinking about this field, just getting into the field or about to make the move as a hardware engineer; that the list below informs you of the core knowledge areas necessary for this engineering discipline.
The joint IEEE/ACM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Computer Engineering defines the core knowledge areas as the following:
- Algorithms
- Computer architecture and organization
- Instrumentation and automation
- Robotics and artificial intelligence
- Circuit analysis
- Signal and systems
- Database systems
- Digital logic
- Digital signal processing
- Electronics
- Embedded systems
- Human-computer interaction
- Interactive systems engineering
- Operating systems
- Programming fundamentals
- Social and professional issues
- Software engineering
- VLSI design and fabrication
- Computer networking
- Fault diagnostic and tolerant systems
- Parallel and distributed computing
- Control engineering
- Microprocessor interfacing and programming
The breadth of disciplines studied in computer engineering is not limited to the above subjects, but can include any subject found in engineering.
For more information on an computer engineering, contact: IEEE Computer Society, 2001 L St. NW., Suite 700., Washington, DC 20036.
Computer engineering, is expected to have a slow but steady employment growth over the next decade. Much of the growth is expected to take place in, computer systems design, and the related services industry.
Okay, ready, get set, make a computer with your eyes closed… Yea; sure; right…Computer engineering, a big deal; thanks to them we have what we got. Computers.
