Computer engineering is a discipline that integrates several fields of electrical

engineering and computer science required to develop computer hardware and software. [1] Computer
engineers usually have training in electronic engineering (or electrical engineering),software design,
and hardware-software integration instead of only software engineering or electronic engineering.
Computer engineers are involved in many hardware and software aspects of computing, from the
design of individual microcontrollers, microprocessors,personal computers, and supercomputers,
to circuit design. This field of engineering not only focuses 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.
In many institutions, computer engineering students are allowed to choose areas of in-depth study in
their junior and senior year, because the full breadth of knowledge used in the design and
application of computers is beyond the scope of an undergraduate degree. Other institutions may
require engineering students to complete one year of General Engineering before declaring
computer engineering as their primary focus.[3][4][5]
Contents
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1 History

2 Work
o

2.1 Computer software engineering

2.2 Computer hardware engineering

3 Specialty areas
o

3.1 Coding, cryptography, and information protection

3.2 Communications and wireless networks

3.3 Compilers and operating systems

3.4 Computational science and engineering

3.5 Computer networks, mobile computing, and distributed systems

3.6 Computer systems: architecture, parallel processing, and dependability

3.7 Computer vision and robotics

3.8 Embedded systems

3.9 Integrated circuits, VLSI design, testing and CAD

3.10 Signal, image and speech processing

4 Education

5 Job outlook in the United States

o

5.1 Computer software engineering

5.2 Computer hardware engineering

6 Similar occupations and field

7 References

http://www.finduniversity.ph/universities

History[edit]
The first computer engineering degree program in the United States was established at Case
Western Reserve University in 1972. As of October 2004, there were 170 ABET-accredited computer
engineering programs in the US.[6] In Europe, accreditation of computer engineering schools is done
by a variety of agencies part of the EQANIE network. Due to increasing job requirements for
engineers who can concurrently design hardware, software, firmware, 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 engineering and electronic
engineering programs include analog and digital circuit design in their curriculum. As with
most engineering disciplines, having a sound knowledge of mathematics and science is necessary
for computer engineers.

Work[edit]
There are two major specialties in computer engineering: software and hardware.

Computer software engineering[edit]

Main article: Software engineering
Computer software engineers develop, design, and test software. Some software engineers design,
construct, and maintain computer programs for companies. Some set up networks such as

"intranets" for companies. Others make or install new software or upgrade computer systems.
Computer software engineers can also work in application design. This involves designing or coding
new programs and applications to meet the needs of a business or individual. Computer software
engineers can also work as freelancers and sell their software products/applications to an
enterprise/individual.[7]

Computer hardware engineering[edit]

Most computer hardware engineers research, develop, design, and test various computer
equipment. This 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 firms. Some also work for the
federal government. According to BLS, 95% of computer hardware engineers work in metropolitan
areas.[citation needed] They generally work full-time. Approximately 33% of their work requires more than 40
hours a week. The median salary for employed qualified computer hardware engineers (2012) was
$100,920 per year or $48.52 per hour. Computer hardware engineers held 83,300 jobs in 2012. [8]

Specialty areas[edit]
There are many specialty areas in the field of computer engineering.

Coding, cryptography, and information protection[edit]

Main article: Information security
Computer engineers work in Coding, Cryptography, and Information Protection to develop new
methods for protecting various information, such as digital images and music, fragmentation,
copyright infringement and other forms of tampering. Examples include work on wireless
communications, multi-antenna systems, optical transmission, and digital watermarking.[9]

Communications and wireless networks[edit]

Main articles: Communications networks and Wireless network
Those focusing on communications and wireless networks, work advancements in
telecommunications systems and networks (especially wireless networks), modulation and errorcontrol coding, and information theory. High-speed network design, interference suppression and
modulation, design and analysis of fault-tolerant system, and storage and transmission schemes are
all a part of this specialty.[9]

Compilers and operating systems[edit]

Main articles: Compiler and Operating system
This specialty focuses on compilers and operating systems design and development. Engineers in
this field develop new operating system architecture, program analysis techniques, and new

techniques to assure quality. Examples of work in this field includes post-link-time code
transformation algorithm development and new operating system development. [9]

Computational science and engineering[edit]

Main article: Computational science and engineering
Computational Science and Engineering is a relatively new discipline. According to the Sloan Career
Cornerstone Center, individuals working in this area, "computational methods are applied to
formulate and solve complex mathematical problems in engineering and the physical and the social
sciences. Examples include aircraft design, the plasma processing of nanometer features on
semiconductor wafers, VLSI circuit design, radar detection systems, ion transport through biological
channels, and much more".[9]

Computer networks, mobile computing, and distributed

systems[edit]
Main articles: Computer network, Mobile computing and Distributed computing
In this specialty, engineers build integrated environments for computing, communications, and
information access. Examples include shared-channel wireless networks, adaptive resource
management in various systems, and improving the quality of service in mobile and ATM
environments. Some other examples include work on wireless network systems and fast Ethernet
cluster wired systems.[9]

Computer systems: architecture, parallel processing, and

dependability[edit]
Main articles: Computer architecture, Parallel processing and Dependability
Engineers working in computer systems work on research projects that allow for reliable, secure,
and high-performance 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
development of new theories, algorithms, and other tools that add performance to computer
systems.[9]

Computer vision and robotics[edit]

Main articles: Computer vision and Robotics
In this specialty, computer engineers focus on developing visual sensing technology to sense an
environment, representation of an environment, and manipulation of the environment. The gathered
three-dimensional information is then implemented to perform a variety of 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. [9]

Embedded systems[edit]

Examples of devices that use embedded systems.

Main article: Embedded systems

Individuals working in this area design technology for enhancing the speed, reliability, and
performance of systems. Embedded systems are found in many devices from a small FM radio to
the space shuttle. According to the Sloan Cornerstone Career Center, ongoing developments in
embedded systems include "automated vehicles and equipment to conduct search and rescue,
automated transportation systems, and human-robot coordination to repair equipment in space." [9]

Integrated circuits, VLSI design, testing and CAD[edit]

Main articles: Integrated circuit and Very-large-scale integration
This specialty of computer engineering requires adequate knowledge of electronics and electrical
systems. Engineers working in this area work on enhancing the speed, reliability, and energy
efficiency of next-generation very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuits and microsystems. An
example of this specialty is work done on reducing the power consumption of VLSI algorithms and
architecture.[9]

Signal, image and speech processing[edit]

Main articles: Signal processing, Image processing and Speech processing
Computer engineers in this area develop improvements in humancomputer interaction, including
speech recognition and synthesis, medical and scientific imaging, or communications systems.
Other work in this area includes computer vision development such as recognition of human facial
features.[9]

Education[edit]
Most entry-level computer engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in computer
engineering. Sometimes a degree in electronic engineering is accepted, due to the similarity of the
two fields. Because hardware engineers commonly work with computer software systems, a
background in computer programming usually is needed. According to BLS, "a computer engineering
major is similar to electrical engineering but with some computer science courses added to the
curriculum".[8] Some large firms or specialized jobs require a master's degree. It is also important for

computer engineers to keep up with rapid advances in technology. Therefore, many continue
learning throughout their careers.

Job outlook in the United States[edit]

Computer software engineering[edit]
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), "computer applications software engineers
and computer systems software engineers are projected to be among the faster than average
growing occupations from 2012 to 2022".[7] BLS reports an expected growth of 22% for software
developers from 2012 to 2022 [10](down from the 30% 2010 to 2020 estimate).[11] In addition, growing
concerns over cyber security add up to put computer software engineering high above the average
rate of increase for all fields. However, some of the work will be outsourced in foreign countries. Due
to this, job growth will not be as fast as during the last decade [how?].[7]

Computer hardware engineering[edit]

According to the BLS, "employment of computer hardware engineers is expected to only increase
7% from 2012 to 2022 ("Slower than average" in their own words when compared to other
occupations)[12] and is down from 9 percent in the BLS 2010 to 2020 estimate." Today, computer
hardware is somehow equal to Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE) and has divided to
many subcategories, the most significant of them is Embedded system design. [8]

1.

A computer repair technician is a person who repairs and maintains computers

and servers. The technician's responsibilities may extend to include building or
configuring new hardware, installing and updating software packages, and creating and
maintaining computer networks.