Computer Engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science to focus on the design and implementation of computer systems (logic devices and software). It is generally part of the engineering department at a university and requires a strong background in math.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering involves the design of computer systems (hardware and software) and related devices. It uses the techniques and principles of electrical engineering and computer science, but also covers areas, such as AI (artificial intelligence), robotics, computer networks, computer architecture and operating system. The electrical engineering aspect of the discipline includes designing application devices, interface hardware, memories, and computer chips. The computer science component involves software engineering, programming, operating systems, algorithms and data structures. A computer engineer's job involves the entire computer system and he or she is comfortable working with both the hardware and software. The results of Computer Engineering can be seen in practically every aspect of life today. Computer engineers work in many areas, including:
Embedded Systems
An important aspect of Computer Engineering is 'embedded systems' (computer software and hardware designed for a specific device). For example, alarm systems, video recorders and audio players that are digital and cell phones are all a result of Computer Engineering in the area of embedded systems. Most of the software design involves interfacing the device with another device or with a user.
Networking
Computer Engineering involves building networks, both WAN (wide area networks) and LAN (local area networks). Other areas that a computer engineer may work in include mobile and wireless technology, telephony communications and integrated services.
Multimedia
This area involves processing of multimedia information. Computer Engineering looks into support for multimedia libraries and databases and retrieval of information.
VLSI Systems
This area is concerned with very large scale integration - VLSI - systems and circuits and computer security and architecture
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